Clothing Concept Exam 2

Halo-effect

when a person’s clothing causes you to form an overall positive or negative impression of them, even without knowing much about them

Context

the situation, setting, or circumstances that influence what clothing is appropriate of what it communicates

Social stratification

the way clothing and fashion can show a person’s social status, wealth, class, or position in society

Grammar of dress

rules that govern how elements are compiled on the body to complete a dress appearance (ex: don’t wear white to a wedding if you are a guest or blue and black don’t go together)

Messages you can get from someone’s dress and appearance…

social class, personality, their lifestyle, age, and gender

Example of non-verbal communication when it comes to dress

wearing your headphones communicates you don’t want to be spoken to

Simulation example

Wearing fake fur

Simulation

using clothing to appear or present yourself as something you may not actually be

non-verbal communication

communicating information about yourself through clothing, appearance, and style

Nostalgic example…

wearing your father’s varsity leather jacket from when he was younger

nostalgic

clothing that reminds people of the past

Stereotype example…

All blondes are dumb

Body-surveillance

Wearing clothing that requires monitoring or adjusting (ex: low rise pants or a top you keep having to pull up)

Cultural ideal

The body type of a person that a culture believes is highly desirable or attractive (height, facial structure, physical fitness, hygiene)

Questioning

Facial piercings and jeans are examples because it goes against the grammar of dress

An assumption

an idea you form about someone based on their clothing and appearance

Material culture

Clothing and other physical objects that show a cultures value, beliefs, lifestyle, and history, (ex: cowboy hat, uniform)

Example of dress that shows one’s relationship…

wedding ring, friendship bracelets, initials jewlery

Eclecticism

combining different clothing styles to create a unique look (ex: stripes and checks)

Cognitive dissonance in terms of dress

when someone dresses in a way that doesn’t match their personality and making observers uncomfortable

Culture

the predominant phenomenon that explains why people do the things they do, including dress

Cultural diaspora

when someone moves to a new geographical location but they still hold on to some of their cultural heritage

Ethnocentrism

believing that your culture is better

Collectivist

a person who dresses for recognition in terms of social stratification

Individualism

using clothing to show what makes you unique (ex: self-reliance, independence)

non-material culture

all elements that are not tangible (ideas, beliefs, languages)

material culture

artifacts, physical things, clothing

A-shirt

known as A-shirt because its wide on the sides and narrow in the middle (neckline)