Question:
Why is it that the men are the ones who dress in black and white if the mitzva of tznius is on the women? Shouldn’t they be the ones dressing very plainly so the men don’t come to hirhur?
Answer:
Interesting point. What you are writing is similar to an observation I once had. Why is it that in the secular world, it is the women who are dressed in short sleeves or sleeveless tops, while men don’t wear such shirts and tops as often? Why are women’s tops cut low when men’s are cut so low? The answer is yetzer hora.
Regarding your question, there is no halacha or obligation for a man to dress in black and white. However, there is a reason for it. The way we dress affects our mind. Dressing casually puts us in one frame of mind, and dressing formally, black tie, puts us in a different frame of mind. A policeman feels a stronger sense of law and order when he is dressed in his uniform. Yeshiva people dress more formally because it gives us a more serious frame of mind, knowing that we are always in the presence of Hashem.
Why don’t women dress in colors? Because they are built differently and they enjoy wearing different colors. Yes, they have to be careful that their colorful dresses are not loud or attention-grabbing. Indeed, there are many women who dress in color, and they are still very modest and tasteful. Additionally, the correct approach to dressing for women is that they dress more attractively at home for their husbands than when they go outside. However, there is a lot of societal pressure regarding this.
Best wishes
