Fashion is a general term for the way that people dress, or the style of clothing they wear. It is a form of self-expression, often used to identify with groups such as social classes, religions and cultures. The fashion industry is a multibillion-dollar global enterprise that makes designer clothes, high street brands and mass-produced sportswear. In recent years, it has become increasingly important to people in all walks of life. The style of dress that people choose to wear reflects their current beliefs and attitudes, whether they are aware of it or not.
The earliest change in Western fashion in clothing can be reliably dated to the late medieval period, when a rapid and dramatic shortening and tightening of over-garments began to appear. This resulted in the distinctively modern silhouette of a tailored top worn over a matching pair of pants or skirt. In the early nineteenth century, a flurry of publications dedicated to the latest styles began to appear. These were devoted not only to haute couture, but also to the clothing worn by celebrities and other public figures such as politicians and musicians.
It is commonly thought that changes in fashion reflect social change, but there is evidence that internal taste mechanisms may also be at work. The lines between fashion and anti-fashion are blurred, as elements that were outside of the mainstream of society at large once upon a time, such as tattoos or the way that certain words like “geek” and “square” became fashionable, are now incorporated into popular culture.
In modern times, people are plugged into the ever-changing world of fashion through television sitcoms, movies, magazines and music. People can see what is considered to be fashionable by looking at what their friends and neighbors are wearing. They can also learn about trends by reading newspapers and watching the news. In addition, they can attend fashion shows, where designers display their new collections to the public.
Fashion is closely linked to personal identity, especially for young people. The way that they dress reveals who they are, and it can create distance between them and other people. For example, someone who dresses in gothic clothes and has multiple piercings can be seen as rebellious or strange by other people. Fashion can also be used to create group identities such as high school or college bands, where members wear similar clothes.
The fashion industry is a huge business that employs millions of workers worldwide. These are not just the people who design and make clothes, but also those who sew, glue, dye and transport them to stores. The global economy depends on the fashion industry, and it is a major source of employment in many countries. Despite the economic crisis of recent years, the fashion industry has rebounded and is growing rapidly. It is expected that the industry will continue to grow in the future.