A person’s cultural beliefs and personality can well be defined through their type of dressing code. In fact, numerous cultural studies conducted to establish the relationship between dressing code and societal principles have revealed a keen association between these two aspects. In the title, The Meaning of Dress, Kimberly Miller-Spillman establishes a compelling argument about the cultural and psychological implications of one’s dressing (Damhorst, Kimberly and Susan 5). She begins by acknowledging the fact that dress code is often given attention among specific communities while it is neglected in others. However, she highlights that it is undeniable that it dictates how individuals behave in social situations, it aids in the definition of gender, interests and one’s age. With this claim, one is compelled to acknowledge the fact that the cultural implications communicated through one’s dress code are quite distinct and important.
For a fact, dress and cultural heritage are intertwined since the former can be used to define one’s societal beliefs, age or interests. To enhance the credibility her claim, the author proposes multiple concepts to explain the relationship between culture and dress code. For starters, the cultural authentication and the dramaturgical approach are relevant in the establishment of this relationship. Additionally, the role and interaction theory equally explain the existence of this relationship. For instance, when an individual dresses decently, one can conclude that the society the person belongs to is keen on the maintenance of moral values. Similarly, when the cultural principles upheld by a particular community are somewhat strict on the type of lifestyle, it is probable that the members of that community will embrace a specific type of dressing. Consequently, this article effectively establishes the argument that people can judge others depending on the nature of their dressing and cultural beliefs.
Works Cited
Damhorst, Mary Lynn, Kimberly A Miller-Spillman, and Susan O Michelman. The Meanings Of Dress. New York, NY: Fairchild Publications, 1999. Print.
