Fashion is a popular style or trend, especially in clothing, that reflects the changing attitudes and values of a culture. Fashion is also a way to express oneself, and can vary by gender, age, social class, occupation, and geography. The term fashion is also used to describe a person’s general appearance, including hairstyle, makeup, and accessories.
The fashion industry encompasses the design, manufacture, distribution, retailing, and marketing of apparel (men’s, women’s, and children’s) and footwear. It is considered a branch of the larger apparel industry, which also includes textiles and allied products. The most well-known representatives of the fashion industry are designers, models, and celebrities, but there are also many other people who influence what is seen as fashionable.
A person’s choice of clothes can communicate information about their gender, age, social class, and personality. For example, a miniskirt can be an indicator of feminism, while cassocks or nuns’ robes may indicate a person’s adherence to religion. Fashion trends can reflect changes in a society, such as the shift from feudalism to modernism in the 1920s, or they can be the result of a particular lifestyle, like the choice of dungarees instead of skirts for blue-collar workers.
In addition to clothing, fashion can encompass items such as jewelry, handbags, belts, and hats. It can even include a person’s walking style and speaking voice, as exemplified by the fashion-forward mannerisms of hip-hop artists.
Some fashion trends are slow to change, while others move at a much faster pace. The speed at which a fashion is adopted or rejected can be determined by the number of people who are interested in it, how expensive it is, and what type of publicity it receives. It is also affected by socio-economic changes, such as an economic recession leading to more practical and subdued fashions, or a cultural change such as the acceptance of new technology.
People rely on the fashion industry to tell them what is in or out of style, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference. The most important factor is to choose styles that flatter your body and make you feel confident. If you aren’t sure what looks best on you, try taking a body-type quiz or visiting a professional stylist for advice. You can also find a local stylist on Mood’s online platform. Another great way to stay on top of the latest trends is to attend fashion shows and keep your eyes peeled for what celebrities are wearing. They often inspire global fashion trends.