The fashion industry encompasses the design, production, distribution and marketing of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing (including accessories such as shoes). The industry is very large. It employs millions of people worldwide. Fashion is a form of personal expression and a visual vocabulary that allows us to communicate and interpret information about ourselves and others. The clothes we wear are not just about covering our bodies and gratifying vanity, but they can also reflect our moods, beliefs, values, social standing and even our occupation. A judge wearing a robe, soldiers in uniforms and brides in white dresses are all wearing garments that carry symbolic meaning.
The history of fashion is the record of how society’s cultural and economic dynamics shape what we are able to wear. Many eras, social movements and significant historical events have had an impact on the fashion industry.
Fashion is a highly influential industry, as it reflects the changing times. Designers, who set the latest trends, often make political statements with their work and use their platforms to reach a wide audience. Fashion is a mirror of society, reflecting our fears and desires and providing a snapshot of our culture.
If you want to look fashionable, it’s important to know that individual style is more important than ever. While the trends may be a little bit erratic at times, it’s always possible to find your own unique style that you can be confident in.
To develop your own personal style, try to be open to new ideas and experiment with different styles and colors that are outside of your comfort zone. Whenever you see an outfit that you like, take mental or physical notes and try to replicate the look as best as you can with your own clothes. This will help you to build up your confidence level and become accustomed to trying out new looks.
Another great way to develop your style is to watch the way other people dress. Try to find out what types of outfits they are wearing and how they are accessorized. For example, if you see someone in an outfit that you really love, figure out what type of shoes they’re wearing and how they’re worn with their accessories, such as hats or scarves. This will help you figure out what type of outfits you really like and how to put them together.
Fashion trends are influenced by current events, popular music, art and literature. The direction of a trend is often determined by the ‘plugged-in’ individuals who are aware of and react to cultural and social changes. These trends can then be reflected in the designs of mass-produced clothes.
In the past, special garments were used to signify one’s class: for example, only Roman senators could wear garments dyed Tyrian purple, and Hawaiian chiefs wore feather cloaks adorned with carved whale teeth. Today, there is no such thing as a ‘fashion victim’; everyone is able to choose their own styles and express them in what they wear.