Fashion Discrimination?

Discrimination based on race, sex, age, etc., is a crime.  However, when it comes to what you wear, this form of discrimination is some how, socially "acceptable". The fact is people are horribly unaware of how easily our brains discriminate, based on what we see. Just as our eyes shutter at a flash, what you wear and how you present yourself, will instantly produce a judgement. Even our reaction to color is highly embedded in our senses and produce reactions we are unaware of. Understanding more about this type of discrimination will help you to correct your behavior and become aware of your ignorance. It will also shine light, on the importance on presenting your self in a way that wont find yourself the victim of discrimination. After all the world we live in is not perfect, and sometimes, the smartest way is to always be a step or two ahead of discrimination all together.

Top 3 Ways We Fashion Discriminate:

1.) Rich or Poor

It is unbelievable to me how much people change their attitude towards a person who wears designer clothing. If you think the scene in, "Pretty Women", where Julia Roberts gets shunned from a snooty salesperson is an exaggeration, I have bad news for you. People judge you all the time, and especially by how much money you wear. This is especially true in areas where rich people gather. Whether it be partying in the Hamptons, staying at a 5 star hotel, flying first class, or shopping in a designer shop, if you are not dressed "expensive", expect poor service, a head to toe eye roll, and a cold shoulder. 

However, the same holds true in a reversed situation. If you carry on in your head to toe designer or preppy attire  in a "urban" environment, you will also be jeered, ridiculed, and viewed as spoiled and weak. 

2.) Good or Bad

Think back to High School when, the so called "good kids" would dress one way and the "bad kids" would dress another. It is undeniably discrimination and yet this is somehow acceptable? If you consider a kid good or bad simply based on race or sex, it would cause an uproar, and yet labeling a fashion choice is somehow not so bad.

The truth is, fashion discrimination does not end in High School. Even as adults we constantly judge people as dangerous, or safe, simply by what we wear. Wearing a suit is interpreted professional, verses sweats label you as lazy. 

3.) Personal Identity

Perhaps the worst form of fashion discrimination is the one we place on ourselves. For example, you may view yourself by your occupation, size, or social surroundings and dress according to what you "believe" is acceptable to wear. You create fashion limitations on yourself based completely on a stereotype created by your own self discrimination. 

The Solution:

Be aware we are all human, and discrimination is something we all do in all genres. It is something we constantly need to remind ourselves to check and correct. Do not judge people by what they wear because it is not a reliable source. People in designer brands may have debts verses people in modest attire may have millions. Not that money determines anything either.

On the flip side, it is also your responsibility to figure out how to dress in a way that is closest to your actual personality. Think of your fashion as a life size business card that you give to everyone you see the moment they see you. This is your 3 second summary of what you are about. Be sure, the message you send is a good representation of who you are.