Fashion Debates in the Age of Conflict
The typical New York Times reader might wonder about the fate of a million monkeys typing away on typewriters for an eternity. Seriously, it’s a little overwhelming, right?
“Can I still wear camouflage?” asks Vanessa Friedman, a fashion columnist from Scottsdale, Arizona. There’s so much going on in fashion these days. But with conflicts raging across the globe, does wearing camo become taboo? It’s almost as if there’s an underlying urge to make everything personal despite the bigger picture. How do I navigate my style in a world filled with wars?
Friedman tries to provide some clarity. I remember similar questions popping up back in 2021 when the Capitol riot took place. A lot of the people involved wore camouflage. At that time, I mentioned that wearing camo was fine—as long as it looked more like a fashion choice rather than a military uniform.
But recently, Friedman’s stance has shifted. She’s come out with a strong new opinion, declaring wearing camouflage a fashion sin. She shares a veteran’s email expressing that seeing civilians in camouflage feels disrespectful—almost like they’re appropriating bravery. Honestly, would anyone confuse a young woman in camo shorts with a seasoned Vietnam veteran? It’s a bit of a stretch, isn’t it?
Friedman elaborates further, suggesting that military attire might be seen as disrespectful, especially considering the ongoing military actions in Ukraine and the Middle East. Perhaps, instead of just focusing on camo, she might want to caution against other costumes like sombreros or large mustaches that might inadvertently evoke stereotypes. It’s becoming a bit frenetic, her style critiques, and Friedman stresses that wearing camouflage can be viewed as provocative by certain people. Many readers seem to resonate with this sentiment.
However, not everyone buys into her perspective. “Wear what you want,” one reader comments, while another suggests that if this represents public sentiment, we might be in real trouble.
Poor Friedman—I think she may have run out of fashion faux pas to dissect. Stripes, polka dots, plaid could be next on her list if this keeps going. At this rate, she’ll need an entirely different wardrobe to tackle her next critique.
