Following your logic, the more a menahel or rebbe is interested in the externals of his talmidim, the less he will be able to concentrate on the ruchniyus. There is nothing wrong with a dress code in a yeshiva, but all of these gashmiyus issues that are truly trivial have become priority over the mission of transmitting the values of Ahavas Hashem and Yiras Hashem to the younger generation. We’re in trouble until the nonsense stops.
I think you have it backwards. Sublimating the externals goes hand in hand with enhancing ruchniyus. There is no room for Ahavas Hashem and Yiras Hashem in someone who is busy scouting stores for the latest fashion. That is called Ahavas haGashmiyus and Yiras ha”what will my neighbor think if s/he sees me in THAT”.
If you don’t believe that, I urge you to take a look at Boro Park today. B”H that is only the worst example and there are many who escaped that test. But if that doesn’t depress you, I don’t know what will.
Every single thing in the world is part of our avoddah whether to enhance us or as a nisayon against us. Glasses are no exception.