"No self-respecting gay guy would have ever made some of the hair and clothing choices I am still trying to live down"

This quote from David Copperfield is an amusing reflection on style and personal design. The speaker suggests that their previous fashion and hair options were so doubtful that no self-respecting gay guy-- typically stereotypically associated with a strong sense of style-- would have made them. This is a tongue-in-cheek method to highlight the detach between the speaker's past and present style perceptiveness.

First of all, the quote take advantage of a stereotype about gay men being particularly fashion-conscious. This stereotype, while not real for everybody, is commonly acknowledged in popular culture. By invoking it, the speaker is self-deprecatingly acknowledging their past style synthetic pas in a lively way. The humor depends on the exaggerated implication that their previous style options were so poor that they would be anathema to anyone with a keen fashion sense.

Second of all, the quote intimates a universal experience of recalling at one's previous choices with a mix of amusement and humiliation. Many individuals can associate with being sorry for previous style or hairstyling choices, as individual tastes develop in time. This shared experience of sartorial remorse creates a sense of sociability amongst the audience, as most have their own past options they may "live down."

This remark likewise reflects a journey of personal development and self-acceptance. It suggests that style is an evolving element of identity, shaped by different impacts and changing gradually. The speaker's self-reflection highlights a wider theme of personal development-- acknowledging previous errors, owning them, and maybe even accepting them as part of one's unique life story.

In essence, the quote records the spirited intersection of self-deprecation and individual development, using humor to deal with a relatable element of human experience and cultural stereotypes about fashion and identity.