Dressing ethically and with integrity

By Brian Maynor

 

When you actually take the time to invest in getting dressed, there is a lot that goes into it.  What style is appropriate?  What colors are most flattering?  Which cut fits and flatters the best?  How to accessorize for the occasion?

Those decisions alone can be quite overwhelming, and they are really only surface level choices.  Once you get past those you enter the level of conscious dressing, which opens a whole other realm of questions and choices all associated with integrity.

Here are some of the most frequent questions, or dilemmas that appear when you start engaging your conscious at the level of fashion:

1.    Appropriation.  Fashion has drawn inspiration from societies and cultures as long as fashion has existed.  For example, religious symbols like Tibetan prayer beads, Ganesh iconography; even feathers are frequently used for the purpose of fashion.  The difference between being inspired by something and appropriating it is whether the item is used as the starting point for something new and strictly fashionable, or simply taking the symbol, token or article as is and wearing for the sole purpose of fashion.

The conscious dresser would never appropriate anything from a cultural standpoint because doing so strips it of all value.  If you identify with the religious aspect of a rosary by all means wear one, but don’t do it just because you think it’s ‘cute’.  There are plenty of other beaded bracelets and necklaces that will fill that fashion void that aren’t demeaning or insensitive.

2.    Animal rights.  The use of fur and ivory are pretty mainstream taboos when it comes to animal cruelty for the sake of fashion with plenty of ‘faux’ options on the market, but the use of leather is still widely embraced.

The use of synthetic leather and even rebranding of it to ‘vegan leather’ still carries a stigma, but the tide is turning as more brands produce leather alternatives that are stylish, durable and compare in quality to real leather.  Historically the term ‘faux’ carries a negative connotation, but that is changing as more people embrace the concept of ethical and conscious fashion.

3.    Maintaining authenticity.  Knowing who we are at our core is one thing, whereas learning to express it through our style takes time and experimentation.  It’s perfectly okay to let clothes amplify or even bolster various aspects of your personality, but they shouldn’t be used to hide or worse disguise who you truly are.

Viewing clothes as costumes and associating them with specific personalities is never a good thing, and justifying it as ‘freedom to be whomever I want’ is just an excuse for being too scared of finding and embracing your authentic self.

Playing dress-up is fun when you’re a child, but something we all have to outgrow at some stage of our lives.  Instead of burying your conscience when deciding what to wear, embrace it and let it guide you in your choices.  You’ll find you’re a lot happier with how you look and feel in your clothes and even less stressed when deciding what to wear.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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