How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
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Anonymous
? Is it just this area or something? Why can't you say "wow, that outfit is so beautiful or I love those colors"? I'm from originally from CA. As long as the comments are not negative, what is the big deal? |
Anonymous
| I felt so awkward when I complimented a woman's "dress", and she said "well it has another name". |
Anonymous
That's when you respond, "Oh, I'm so sorry! What is its proper name? Thank you so much for telling me!" and then you file away that piece of information. |
Anonymous
| Just say wow, I love your outfit. Great colors! |
Anonymous
| Just tell her she looks beautiful, and move on. |
Anonymous
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It's best not to say anything at all.
Just not worth the risks. |
Anonymous
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I'm assuming OP is a woman, so I'd just go with "I love what you're wearing -- you have such a great eye for color!" No cultural implications or assumptions.
If OP happened to be male, I'd suggest not saying anything at all. |
Anonymous
This is the right set of answers. |
Anonymous
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Wow, I never considered that complimenting a coworker on a culturally traditional outfit would not be taken well by them! Hope they don't think I'm ignorant and insensitive because I do it all the time if I like what they're wearing.
One of my coworkers always has the coolest head scarfs and I tell her whenever I really like one. She always seems happy for the compliment. I have a few Indian friends and whenever I go to a wedding or birthday party, I'M the one that stands out. Some of the saris are so beautiful though, and I tell the wearers. |
Anonymous
| I don't get why women can give a compliment but men can't. As long as the person (man or woman) isn't being creepy, compliments are nice. |
Anonymous
I don't think there's anything rude or culturally insensitive about saying this at all. You are complimenting her ability to dress well. The head scarf is an important part of the ensemble and "makes" the outfit -- so why wouldn't you single it out, just as a necklace or tie. The only problem I have with this endeavor is doing it at work if you are different genders. It could come across as hitting on her. |
Anonymous
I personally don't like receiving comments on my appearance. Sometimes I can tell the other person is being sincere, but it's odd to me that they are focused on my appearance. There is one lady at my work that dresses nice, and compliments me on my wardrobe, but it becomes uncomfortable because she wants to talk about clothes and shopping while at work. I personally do not enjoy shopping.... but for some reason, people associate nice clothes with shopping. On Various occasions people have made additional comments about how I must love to shop because I have nice clothes. Esp with women, "your outfit is nice" invariably leads to "where did you buy that." |
Anonymous
| I really like what you're wearing today, and you always dress so nicely. |
Anonymous
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"You always have such great style!"
But yeah, it's creepy from men. From men, it always (or almost always) feels like a comment on a woman's body (or how clothes look on her body), which is creepy and gross and inappropriate. From women, it tends to come off as more complimentary on style and taste. |
Anonymous
You should not compliment women or men. It could be construed as sexual harassment and could cause problems. |