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It looks like Brat Summer is officially over as we enter a ‘very polite’ autumn. The chaotic authenticity of the summer of 2024, which was the theme of Charli XCX’s album ‘Brat’, is being taken over by TikTok’s latest version of brainrot, ‘the demure trend’. Being ‘very careful’, users who live online must be familiar with these phrases by now. But for those who haven’t caught on yet, it refers to sarcastic videos that explain how to be polite and careful in various situations.
‘Very polite, very careful’: how it all started
Since TikToker Jules Lebron posted a video about “how to be polite, courteous and respectful in the workplace” last week, the influencer has racked up millions of views and followers, while other creators have joined the movement.
According to the dictionary, politeness means “restrained, modest and shy”. The videos in question are becoming increasingly silly and ironic, involving polite ways of boarding a plane, eating a sub or pouring wine into a glass. The words ‘polite’, ‘mindful’ and ‘considerate’ are being used interchangeably in situations where someone wants to be polite and mindful of the people around them, while ‘cute’ refers to modesty. Of course, this is all ironic.
In the original video, while offering advice on workplace beauty etiquette (which definitely does not include a green cut-crease), LeBron says, “See how good I look? The way I show up to the interview is the same way I walk into the job.”
Add a ‘humble, girly’ aesthetic to your workplace grooming etiquette
It is safe to say that this new trend offers a huge scope for workplace chic that is fashionable and ‘cute’ while also being ‘mindful’ of a professional setup. As LeBron has explained, going to work with a green cut-crease (eyeshadow) and looking like a clown is a big mistake. It’s all about finding the proper balance and being “mindful of the position you’ve been hired for”. Here are a few tips that will help you outshine the corporate chore while being ‘humble’ and ‘mindful’.
1. To look ‘humble’ at work, it is important to wear light, balanced makeup that is neither too much nor too little. “It’s not a fashion show, but it’s not a soup kitchen either.” Wearing too much can come across as pretentious, while wearing too little is undermining yourself.
2. Dressing modestly at work shows professionalism and respect for co-workers and the formal environment in general. Showing too much skin may not be appropriate. “Have you seen my shirt? There’s just a little bit of chi-chi (cleavage) sticking out,” says LeBron.
3. “I put on my wig, do a little braid, straighten my hair.” Messy, unbrushed hair looks neither ‘pretty’ nor attractive. In a formal setup, your hairstyle says a lot about your character. A neat and tidy hairstyle enhances your professional personality.
4. The type of fragrance you choose also plays a role in how people perceive your personality and how you are remembered. Workplace needs a fragrance that is not too strong or harsh and is ‘attractive’ and ‘thoughtful’ to those around you. A ‘gentle’ and neutral fragrance like balanced vanilla or musky aqua can do the trick.
5. Last but not least, being ‘humble’ not only means being aware of your surroundings and being considerate of the people around you, but also being gracious about it. “Humility is a way of life for girls, for dolls like me,” LeBron said in an interview with Vulture. “Being humble means thanking those who have come before you while you make way for those who will come after you.”
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