
Our favorite Fashion term of the week comes from Columbia University, where one girl questioned Natalie Portman’s outfit… by asking if it was “humanitarian appropriate.”
Really.
The funny critique came on Tuesday, when the actress spoke about her work with leading micro-finance organization FINCA.
We thought Natalie dressed well for the occasion in her autumnal, pumpkin-orange dress and brown sandals — a cute but unpretentious ensemble that didn’t distract the audience from her message. But some of our peers insisted the dress was “super short” and “too trendy” for a political event.
But we think maybe some celebs just think of their charity outfits as another costume.
We’re reminded of the colorful headscarf Global Cool ambassador Sienna Miller donned on a recent trip to India. Paired with a uniform of t-shirt and jeans, Sienna’s look was no-fuss but not at the expense of her bohemian look.
And as long as a star acts respectfully towards their new environment, we don’t think it’s necessary to sacrifice a personal look and wear only conservative neutrals while doing service to others.
After all, what better way to look sincere about the issue than by dressing like yourself?
–NATALIE GUEVARA



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Being fashionable while working on a cause tends to give people the impression that the celeb in question isn’t serious about the cause or issue.
It gives the appearance that they’re only there for a photo op and not doing the real work, rightly or wrongly.
Sometimes, political correctness can apply to fashion.
People are so desperate to criticize ANYTHING.
Dahling, I make it a policy to never dress down. If I have to go to an Oxfam charity event in a Chanel suit, then so be it. One has one’s image to maintain. The very thought of a t-shirt and jeans, not to mention a headscarf covering my flowing (naturally) blonde locks, makes me shudder at the commoness of it all. Just because others are impoverished I have an obligation to look bad? Pardonnez moi, I don’t think so.
There’s a line… Whenever I travel to impoverished nations to do humanitarian work I certainly dress down, way down. You have to! I’m not about to a) prance around with a gucci bag in front of people who don’t have enough to eat and b) Real hands on charity work usually involves playing with kids, cooking, painting a building, construction, digging, any manner of dirty jobs… and cute outfits just aren’t apprepriate. However, it’s totally possible to maintain one’s sense of style and feel good about how you look AND what you’re doing. There’s a balance! Wear jeans that fit nice and an old favorite t shirt. wear a bracelet or a casual necklace…. at least that’s what I do.
ANd as far as what people wear to charity/political events? Who freaking cares!? As long as the message is getting out and the cause is being supported! The naysayers are just jealous old sour pusses.
Ugh, SO sick of women being criticizes for their fashion choices anytime they attempt to engage in real discussions on issues that have meaning to them. Hilary’s cleavage, Natalie’s dress…do we ever ask men where they purchased their suit? Or how much their tie costs? I don’t think so…
How about we stop judging long to enough to listen to what they have to say?
Amen, Goodwill!