Fashion is an umbrella term that encompasses clothing, footwear and accessories that reflect cultural aesthetics or are used as expressions of self-image. Fashion also refers to styles, trends and practices adopted and sustained over time by particular social groups.
Fashion can often symbolize difference, yet can also mean similarity in terms of dress styles and traditions. Trends often arise due to cultural or era-specific influences and will reappear over time.
Fashion can be seen as an agent for cultural exchange and globalization, varying in degrees of acceptance by different cultures or societies. Fashion can also be considered art in its own right and be used to convey ideas and feelings across.
Fashion involves creating and marketing new styles and designs. This can be accomplished through various means, such as conducting consumer demand studies and market research. Fashion marketers also market their brands through various media such as magazines, TV programs and online channels such as YouTube or TikTok.
Clothing trends and their widespread adoption can have both positive and negative ramifications on society. Some individuals use fashion to express themselves and boost their self-esteem; others, however, use it to fit in with others and feel part of a specific social group.
Gendered fashion refers to clothing designed specifically for one gender – such as dresses, shoes and undergarment – which may differ according to who wears it. Such clothes have specific meaning for each gender group and attempting to wear opposite-gender apparel is considered inappropriate.
Fashion trends can often be affected by political or social events. For instance, the miniskirt trend of the 1960’s was associated with feminism and breaking from traditional gender roles. Other examples include baggy pants from the 1990’s or jeans culture as we know it today.
Fashion journalism is another integral component of fashion culture, appearing in magazines, newspapers, on television programs and fashion websites/blogs. Furthermore, social media channels have helped spread fashion news worldwide.
Fashion is constantly evolving, and one of the key aspects of its cyclical nature is trends coming and going in favor. Trends come and go and it is not unusual for something that was once considered outdated to come back into style 20 years later. That is why consumers must stay up-to-date with fashion trends by staying informed. One way that styles return into favor is when influential leaders such as celebrities or models endorse it and adopt the style themselves, leading society astray.
