Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 12:05     Subject: How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
I work with people from all over the world. If someone is wearing something I genuinely like, I tell them. I just tell them what I genuinely like about it - the color is stunning, the look is great, whatever.
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 11:36     Subject: How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
Anonymous wrote:Do not say anything.
Work with her and leave it at that.

This
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 11:35     Subject: Re:How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
Anonymous wrote:"That's a beautiful outfit!" works. Some people might not mind if you say something that points out that their manner of dress is culturally unfamiliar to you, other people are sick of hearing comments that imply their clothes are "cultural attire" while your clothes are normal.


I agree. If you imply in any way that you couldn't pull it off, you're emphasizing that it's "cultural attire" and not just attire.
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 11:33     Subject: How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
work it
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 11:11     Subject: Re:How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
"That's a beautiful outfit!" works. Some people might not mind if you say something that points out that their manner of dress is culturally unfamiliar to you, other people are sick of hearing comments that imply their clothes are "cultural attire" while your clothes are normal.
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 11:10     Subject: How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
Do not say anything.
Work with her and leave it at that.
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 11:09     Subject: How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
You look so nice today! You look nice everyday....
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 11:07     Subject: Re:How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
A couple of weeks ago I complimented the headscarf a woman was wearing, she seemed a little surprised at first & then was absolutely tickled. We had a really interesting conversation about the logistics of wearing a headscarf. She seemed very happy to answer my questions about them.
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 10:52     Subject: How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
That is a gorgeous outfit! I love it!
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 10:46     Subject: Re:How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
Anonymous wrote:"You always look so put together and coordinated. You must enjoy it."


That doesn't really sound like a compliment. I would worry that I was too matchy if someone told me that...

I always just say "I love your outfit." This only really works if you're a woman saying it to a woman though. I don't want men complimenting my clothes at work.
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 10:46     Subject: How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
Why qualify it with the head wrap? Why not just.compliment her the way you would anyone?

"Larla, I love your bright outfits. Everything is always so coordinated and colorful and I'm so envious you have the eye to pull outfits together like that".

No need to say "larla I just love how you match your hijab to the rest of your clothes and jewelry"
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 10:44     Subject: Re:How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
"You always look so put together and coordinated. You must enjoy it."
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 10:43     Subject: How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
It's really not appropriate to comment on the personal appearance of someone else, OP, particularly not at work. If you feel like you have to do this, a general compliment along the lines of, "I really appreciate the colors you choose for your clothing, Colleague."
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 10:43     Subject: How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?

I would tell her that I have always appreciated her eye for color. There's nothing wrong with that!
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2017 10:42     Subject: How do you compliment someone on cultural attire without offending in a workplace setting?
Example: Team mate always dresses so nicely - her clothes match down to her jewelry and shoes. Every single day she pairs colors together that just stand out and look great. For instance, she has on the prettiest shades of chartreuse and turquoise today. I believe the head garment that she wears is the hijab. Is it rude to say that she matches her outfits beautifully? Her entire outfit is gorgeous and the material and color designs of her headwear make everything stand out.