What Is Fashion?
Fashion is the style, mannerism, or way of dressing that reflects a particular period, culture, or time. It is not just about clothes; it can be seen in jewellery, shoes, bags, accessories, and even language. Fashion is always changing and can be influenced by social events and trends, and also by the media. It can be a form of expression for designers and consumers, as well as a reflection of society’s values.
It is inherently a social phenomenon because for something to be considered “fashionable”, it must first be spread and accepted. This can be done top-down, as with the fashion houses and sexy celebrities who set the latest trends, or bottom-up, as with street styles and viral memes. Likewise, it can be regional or global in scope.
There is often a Catch-22 built into fashion; once a particular style becomes so popular that it reaches a critical mass, it then begins to fade, leaving everyone who was fashionable suddenly unfashionable. Style, on the other hand, can have a much longer shelf life and may even find a new niche to reinvent itself.
However, shifts in fashion can be detrimental to society, as they force people to spend money on new clothing that they may not need. It is a good idea to make use of what you already have in your wardrobe, by mixing and matching to create fresh, new outfits. The key is to look beyond your typical garments, such as dresses and shirts, and consider items that you would not normally wear, such as pants and shorts.