Correctness

The world is changing so dramatically, so rapidly, it’s hard to keep up. In many cases what was once acceptable now isn’t, and many cultural (let’s call them) “nuances” have taken a sharp descent into appropriation making us adjust vocabulary, behaviors and — yes — even wardrobe. This new normal of social etiquette is real, so before you reach for grandma’s heirloom fur coat you cherish, think again. Now is the time to consider other viewpoints, reconsider your own and act with heightened sensitivity in the world which starts with reassessing the non-verbal cues you might be sending through wardrobe. Give your closet a good scan and reevaluate the below iconic, traditional looks with fresh eyes:

1. Ethnic motifs
   From Hawaiian prints to Eskimo dress to Native American designs, the fashion industry sometimes pushes cultural looks too far. While ethnic fashions have long been embraced by the fashion industry, stereotyping them is cultural appropriation and offensive to all. For example fun, bright tribal prints now take on a different meaning when it comes to iconic patterns and design. The dashiki — tunic-like traditional shirting from West Africa — is often glamorized by the fashion industry which, when done to the extreme, is considered cultural appropriation. When shopping cultural looks, consider application of shapes, materials and motifs and avoid anything exaggerated, exploitive and costume-y. Also consider context otherwise you risk burning bridges, not building them.

2. Cornrows
   Bo Derek made cornrows a mainstream look in the 1979 film 10, but it’s not so fashionable anymore. The traditional hairdo is a nod to African-American culture though, for anyone else, it’s now considered an adaptation and therefore cultural appropriation. Respect its tradition and cultural context, and find another hairstyle.

3. Fur, leather and feathers
   Animal skins and embellishments used to be the ultimate luxury, though not anymore. These luxe items collide with pro-animal, pro-environment sensibilities and can offend in seconds. Consider faux leather, faux fur and faux feathers instead, which can be just as luxurious but without the guilt.

4. Camouflage
   A novelty print on runways, camouflage has a much different meaning to those in the military. It’s certainly not considered a “cute trend” to those who serve, and wearing camouflage in a stereotypical way can be seen as offensive. Camouflage as a fashion statement telegraphs disrespect to those who defend our freedoms, so consider time and place the next time you grab for your camo cargo pants.

5. 1980s Power Suits
   A sign of prominence, prestige and influence, the power suit defined cultural norms, capitalism and corporate America in the 1980s. However now the power suit days are largely over since a global pandemic transformed corporate dress to work from home Zoom outfits, radically changing business attire forever. Anyone who disagrees is, by today’s standard, seen as tone deaf. Rethink the when, where and why before you step out in formal suiting.

See BestLifeOnline.com press feature here.