Fashion is a prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, adornment, or lifestyle that dictates what is considered socially acceptable and desirable in a culture. Fashion can be influenced by social movements, as well as art, music, and literature, and may differ between societies. It can also be considered a way to express a person’s sense of identity, as shown by the choice of clothing, hairstyle, and accessories. Fashion can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including age, economic status, occupation, and geographic location. People who are considered fashionable are often perceived as attractive or appealing by those around them.
Fashion can be divided into several categories, including ready-to-wear, couture, and fast fashion. Ready-to-wear is a type of fashion that is produced in large quantities and sold at affordable prices. It is usually of lower quality than couture, but is still considered stylish and trendy. Couture is a high-end, high-quality line of clothing that is designed and made by professional designers. It is typically made from expensive materials and demonstrates superior craftsmanship. Fast fashion is a subset of ready-to-wear that consists of cheap, mass-produced garments that are designed to appeal to the desires of people who want to follow trends. It is usually of poorer quality and is a result of the fashion industry’s attempt to keep up with the ever-changing demands of consumers.
The beginning of continual and accelerating change in Western fashion is generally agreed upon to be around the 14th century. Historians such as James Laver and Fernand Braudel note changes in the way that women’s dresses were worn, which tended to become shorter over time and were more fitted, as well as a shift from embroidered and beaded designs to simpler styles.
People who have a keen eye for fashion and an appreciation of beauty can create their own personal style. They can choose to stick with classics or experiment with new styles, combining them in unique ways that reflect their personality. Some people have an inborn sense of style, while others develop it over the course of their lives. Developing one’s own style is like learning a foreign language; it takes practice to master the nuances.
A sense of style can be inherited through family lineage or learned over time by studying the works of famous artists and designers. Many women’s magazines and men’s fashion publications exist to keep current with the latest styles and tendencies, as well as providing tips on how to achieve a particular look.
The 1950s is widely considered to have had the best sense of style, with everybody looking like they stepped out of an episode of Mad Men. Other periods with good fashion sense include the Marie Antoinette era, Rococo style of the 18th century, and ’60s Mod. Those who have a passion for fashion can also make their own line of clothing, called haute couture. Alternatively, they can work in the fashion industry by designing and creating outfits for models or other individuals.