Fashion is a way of wearing clothes that expresses one’s identity. It is a cultural phenomenon with roots in history that can vary by time, place and individual taste. Clothing is not just for covering our bodies or gratifying vanity; it also has the power to shape social change and communicate important information without words, as exemplified by the miniskirt’s role in the rise of feminism. The roaring twenties’ glamorous fashions signalled a new era for women, while cassocks and nuns’ robes portrayed a renunciation of vanity.

Fashion reflects the latest trends in clothing styles, accessories, hairstyles, and makeup. It can also be a way to convey one’s personality and attitude through color choices, fabric textures, and even body language. For some, keeping up with the latest fashions is a hobby and a way of life. Others are just curious to see what’s hot, and still others are in a hurry to get dressed and out the door. Regardless of their reasons, all of us are affected by the world of fashion.

What Is Considered Fashionable?

The definition of “fashion” is a style or trend in clothing, but the term also applies to footwear and jewelry. It can also refer to a particular look, such as that of a rock star or politician. Usually, to be considered fashionable, a certain number of people must follow a given trend, so that it becomes popular. This process is sometimes called the “trickle down” effect.

In the past, special garments were worn to show a person’s social class. For example, Roman senators wore clothes dyed Tyrian purple, and wealthy Chinese citizens favored yellow. In many countries, military personnel wear uniforms, and brides traditionally wore long white dresses. Today, high-priced designer clothing is often used to mark a social status. It is also a form of identification and tradition: judges wear robes, policemen wear uniforms, and celebrities wear couture.

For most of human history, clothing has been both functional and expressive. It can keep us warm, protect us from the sun and wind, and it is a symbol of our culture. It is also a powerful form of expression, as evidenced by the many styles of hats throughout history. The art of making clothes has a long and varied history, from the earliest pieces to the most avant-garde creations of modern times. Today, millions of people are employed in the fashion industry worldwide, in retail, design, production and merchandising. The word “fashion” comes from the Latin “maniere,” which means a mode of dress. People in the 1700s poured over fashion magazines to learn about the latest styles, and newspapers were filled with sketches of fashionable women in lace and velvet. Fashion is an ever-changing concept, and each season brings with it a new set of guidelines to follow. For the most part, however, our ideas of what is fashionable are dictated by the people around us and in our daily lives. Celebrities, friends, and family members can influence our wardrobes, but we can also find inspiration in music, art, literature and movies.