Fashion is the style of clothing, especially the way a person dresses. It varies according to social class, age, generation, occupation, and geography. Fashion is also seen as a form of self-expression and personal identity. It is a global industry, with designers creating their own label and sourcing fabrics and materials from all over the world. Fashion trends are closely watched and followed by consumers and the media, with many turning to social networking sites like Instagram and Pinterest to get their daily dose of fashion inspiration.
The earliest records of clothing styles can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Greece. Changes in clothing styles can be attributed to events and developments such as wars, religious and cultural changes, the development of new technologies, and changes in socioeconomic conditions. Fashion scholars have used semiotic analysis to examine the way clothes communicate. These messages can be transmitted through color, texture, pattern, and the way a garment fits on the body. Fashion can also be influenced by social and cultural expectations and norms, as well as by the person’s role in his or her community.
Clothing production has evolved from the small, bespoke dressmakers of old to large-scale factory-style production. During the First and Second World Wars, rationing of cloth and haberdashery, along with strict specifications for garments, allowed manufacturers to create clothing in a more streamlined process. After the war, changes in shopping habits saw an increase in department stores and a shift away from individual tailors and small clothing shops.
Although some of the most recognizable names in fashion come from the haute couture side of things, there are plenty of high street brands out there offering great quality and value. Some of these brands are even able to rival the eponymous designer labels. Check the seams and linings of your clothes; well-constructed pieces are a sign of good craftsmanship.
Once you have a good idea of which silhouettes flatter you, it’s time to start buying. Unless you have a tailor on speed dial, don’t buy anything that’s too big or too small. It’s a waste of money and can be disheartening when you can’t fit into something you’ve bought. Invest in a few key items that fit perfectly and then build your wardrobe around them.
Clothes reveal the people wearing them, and can communicate who they are, how they want to be perceived, and what their social status is. They can also be used to distinguish between groups (e.g., goths, skaters, preps). In some societies, clothing can even be used to determine an individual’s political affiliations or beliefs.
Fashion is all about expressing yourself, and the best way to do that is by finding your own style and dressing in ways that make you feel confident. Try experimenting with different looks and don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone. After all, you never know when a bold lipstick or a piece of statement jewellery could become your signature look.