[This post was originally shared in r/TankieTheDeprogram. Since some people misunderstood the intent of the question, I’m reposting a slightly edited version here with a disclaimer to better clarify what I’m asking.]

DISCLAIMER: : I’m not suggesting there’s a single “working-class look” or that class can be determined by aesthetics. I’m interested in the assumptions people make about class based on appearance and presentation, and whether those assumptions are actually accurate.

I hope this isn’t too out of place, and that the flair fits. Maybe we even need a flair for fun questions.

Recently, one of my professors was surprised when I mentioned that I’m from a working-class background. My father went from being a victim of child labor, to working as a carpenter, and later as a cook; I however didn’t tell my professor the exact life of my father though or his profession.

Their reaction got me wondering: did something about the way I dress, style myself, or present myself not fit their idea of what someone from a working-class family looks like?

I usually wore like muted or neutral colours (black, olive, beige, dark navy sometimes light pink). I always had timberlands on. Wore makeup, and put my hair in a braid.

So, in the spirit of a little amateur Bourdieu, I’m curious:

• What brands, clothing styles, hairstyles, makeup, or other aesthetic choices do you associate with the working class?

• Do you think there are noticeable class markers today, or are they much weaker than people assume?

• If you’re from a working-class family, have people ever been surprised to find that out?

• Bonus question: how accurate or inaccurate do you think popular depictions of the children of cooks, tradespeople, factory workers, and other working-class people are?

Just for fun, share your experiences. What do you wear? Have people ever completely misread your class background?