Fashion is very personal, showing the world who you are in just a few yards of fabric. The subject of cultural appropriation within the fashion industry is rightly a hot topic at the moment. But encouraging the expression of cultures is also important, especially when so many cultures have been stifled. So, tap into your cultural pride and find new and exciting ways to wear your heritage wherever you’re from.
Where you are from and your background will naturally inform your personality to an extent. Someone of south Asian descent who maintains strong connections to that community will see fashion differently to a person from an Eastern European background. These cultures developed in different climates, nature, and religious expectations. Therefore, it’s natural that even if these two people live in Ohio and shop in the same shop, how they wear those same clothes will reflect those different influences. And that’s a beautiful thing.
Versatile Irish
Due to the spread of Irish peoples around the globe over the last two hundred years, many people identify with Celtic and Gaelic roots. Outfits designed and made in Ireland will reflect in part the Celtic heritage of Ireland, and the climate of the country, which sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, is damp, chilly, and often misty. What this means is Irish outfits by Irish designers will be brilliant for anyone living in a similar cooler climate—what a lovely way to give the nod to often displaced ancestors positively and stylishly.
Cool Hawai’ian
Everyone enjoys a garish Hawai’ian shirt at the poolside, but the origins of this clothing item are casual business wear. As Hawai’i grew in the first half of the 20th century, office staff found the traditional suit too hot, giving the Aloha shirt the big break it needed. Beautifully well made, they were considered an item of pride to own, and many a Polynesian man still to this day wears similar shirts in traditional patterns. The good thing is, even if you no longer live in the Pacific, man or woman, those traditional prints look great any place.
Modern meets traditional
Don’t be afraid to mix traditional with modern, especially as modern quickly becomes incorporated into cultural heritage. You will see much more of this blending in areas of high cultural diversity. Don’t be afraid to lean into this diversity and add your unique culture to the mix. Fashion is about comfort, not just runway looks and if you’re comfortable wearing a kurta with jeans, go for it.
Jewelry
Jewelry is an excellent way to express where you come from and have been, especially as it can be dainty and subtle or a bold statement. For example, a New Zealander wearing a paua shell or some other seaside-inspired jewelry brings to mind the beach, which is an integral part of life in Aotearoa. In contrast, someone from Scotland might accent an outfit with a Pictish-inspired broach. Investigate various designers as you’ll be amazed at the variety of influences that can be drawn from, meaning you’ll find something that fits your style.
Accessories
Even If you have a mainstream sense of fashion, opting for the usual chain shops over a fully tailored wardrobe (and let’s face it, that’s all most people’s budget allows for) accessories are an easy way to personalize outfits. Scarves come in so many patterns, fabrics, and sizes that they’re a wardrobe essential at any time of year.
Accessorizing using bags has not been forgotten here either, as they are often an integral part of an outfit. Women have more easier than men when it comes to bags, but it can be done. Just check out how much color Dolce and Gabbana bags have.
Not just for national holidays
Most countries have a national costume that is used to represent the historical dress of their citizens. Where that outfit is really just a costume, worn only for special country-related celebrations, rather than the everyday wear of most of the population, you can still draw inspiration. Accessories can give a contemporary nod to the clothes of your ancestors. Headwraps or traditional shoes (Dutch clogs, anyone?) can bring an exciting twist to a basic jeans and shirt outfit, for example.
Special occasions
There is no better excuse to dress up and make a statement than a special occasion, be it a wedding, awards night, or some other event. We all know a Scottish guy who has worn a kilt to a big soccer match, and South Asian weddings are absolutely spectacular events with amazing outfits and henna tattoos. If you find formal wear stuffy and dull, look to your past to add some flair with tailoring in a traditional style. Such inspiration can give your look a lift, make you stand out from the crowd, and give a tired look a new lease of life.
Local designers
An excellent place to go if you’re stuck for inspiration is local designers, who spend their life pulling inspiration from what’s around them. If you aren’t lucky enough to afford clothing from established prominent name designers, look to up-and-coming labels. Not only will you be able to stretch your budget further, but you’ll also be supporting up-and-coming talent with a fresh eye. Either way, checking out designers’ collections will allow you to draw inspiration for updating your look.
Whatever your background and whether you’re looking to make a big, bold statement or just quietly bring a piece of home with you, drawing on your cultural heritage is an excellent way to make a fashion statement. Dress up in superb style for a special once-in-a-lifetime event, or get comfortable thanks to the knowledge of your forebearers. As long as you’re aware of what belongs to your heritage and what is freely available from other cultures, you can have a lot of fun.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! What do you think of ethnic-inspired dressing? What is your take on cultural appropriation/cultural celebration? Do you like to mix and match cultures? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!