Traditional fashion will truly never go out of style. The world is an extremely diverse place, and now more than ever the fashion world is leaning into our cultural influences. Fashion pieces should hold meaning and purpose, and there’s no better way to honor your heritage than to incorporate traditional pieces into your everyday wear. Preserving cultural history is so important, and there are ways to keep the tradition alive in a way that feels fresh and current. A person’s personal style should be a medley of influences of what makes them who they are today. This is why when a person has lived all over the country or all over the world for that matter, their fashion taste has flavors and nuance that reflect all the places they’ve come from. Even in the United States, a person who lives on the East coast may dress very differently than someone who dressed on the West coast. The Southern style is different from the Northern style. Someone who has lived in multiple places may wear things that have nods to both. This diversity in fashion is even more exceptionally highlighted in people who have cultural heritage from other countries around the world. Living in the United States, but also having your own separate cultural heritage can be a unique fashion expression opportunity.
Fashion is all about cultural identity, and it can be a fun way to express yourself. The traditional style is timeless, but many people like to find ways to incorporate contemporary styles with them. Many women search for Indian dresses that celebrate heritage and beauty, all while feeling fresh and contemporary. Whatever the traditional piece may be, finding ways to express yourself through garb with odes to your identity is an important journey for you to go on. So what are some fashion items that nod to your heritage and tradition? We’ve compiled a short list in hopes that you will feel inspired to not shy away from the cultural influences that have formed you. Instead, may you honor your identity by expressing yourself if fresh ways in fashion.
1. Lehenga Choli
The Lehenga and Choli are two different parts of Indian dress for women. The Lehenga is the lower part of the attire, and the Choli is the upper part of the attire that matches. The Lehenga Choli is typically worn by Indian women during festivals, weddings, or special occasions. Indian dresses are extremely diverse and can be anything from minimal and sophisticated to heavily embellished. There are more traditional, gorgeous options that are perfect for a more formal event. There are new modern, flattering cuts that are great for self-expression and a night out at a less traditional function. No matter where you’re headed, different lehenga choli style options exist to help you find the perfect match for any occasion.
2. Hanbok
The Hanbok is worn in Korea during the Lunar New Year festivities, Korean holidays, or on special occasions. Many Children wear their first hanbok on their first birthday. The hanbok is made up of two parts. Both men and women wear a jeogori which is long-sleeved with a V-shaped neckline. Women pair it with a chima which is a high-waisted wraparound skirt. Modern Hanbok is often worn featuring the high-waisted full skirt and deep V neckline.
3. Kilt And Sporran
The Kilt and Sporran are typically worn by Scottish men for family gatherings and weddings. The kilt is an article of clothing that is a knee-length skirt with a pleated cloth. It is often paired with the Sporran which is a leather pouch to hold personal items. This is necessary as the classic kilt is pocketless. The Sporran is held in place by a belt. The Kilt style has continued to develop as the world has, and today there are plenty of modern options that fit in with 21-century trends, styles, and fashion. Modern utility and variety in materials have allowed the Irish man, and now women, to be able to wear their traditional garb with pride.
4. Kimonos
A kimono is a Japanese garment that wraps around the front of the body. It has square sleeves and a rectangular body and is classically worn left side and wrapped over the right. It is traditionally worn in Japan for funerals and weddings, though more casual styles have infiltrated daily culture. Kimonos are a traditional style that is classically represented in the fashion world today. Many Japanese women choose to represent their heritage and style by wearing more casual versions of the kimono made out of cotton or polyester material rather than the traditional silk fabric.
