Modern American elites have come to favour inconspicuous consumption
&gt;The modern equivalent of Victorian worsted-stocking wearers are hipsters, who imitate the wealthy’s penchant for farmers’ markets and fair-trade lattes, even if they cannot afford a cruise to Antarctica.<p>As a life-long hipster I must object to this. Hipsterdom has nothing to do with wanting to appear well off financially. It is a combination of a longing for authenticity and wishing to separate oneself from the hoi polloi, but through sophistication and coolness. The proportions may vary from hipster to hipster but in no case is it an attempt to imitate the wealthy.