Fashion is a cultural phenomenon that changes with the times. It is influenced by the people around us, events that happen in the world and even the media that we consume. It can also be seen in our choice of clothing, from what shoes we wear to how we decorate our homes. It is a way for us to express ourselves and show the world who we are through our style choices. The way our style reflects ourselves also varies with the different stages of life we go through, especially during the adolescent phase when we try out new things to see what suits us.
The changing trends of fashion began with the industrial revolution as factories started producing clothes at a faster rate. This made it possible for people to buy clothes based on their style and not just because they need them. It also led to the rise of ready-to-wear fashion as designers produced their designs for mass production. This made it easier for ordinary people to access stylish clothing and keep up with the latest trends.
A major shift in fashion happened in the 1920s as women started to be more independent and it was reflected in their styles. A new look appeared that was characterized by shorter hemlines and the flapper style. This was a period of great social transformation and liberation for women. Designers like Coco Chanel and Jean Patou helped popularize these styles.
With the outbreak of World War II, fashion became practical with uniforms for men and women who served in the military as well as utility clothing for other citizens. This trend continued in the 1950s as elegance and femininity was favored with Dior’s New Look that featured cinched waists and full skirts.
During the 1980s, the style shifted to being more casual and edgy with leather and spandex. Puffed shoulders, power suits and neon colors were a must. It was a time of experimentation for both men and women and many started to show off their personalities through the clothes they wore. During this time, Norma Kamali created her sleeping bag coat and the sportswear started to make its entrance into women’s wardrobe with velour, leggings and parachute pants.
In the new millennium, styles started to change again to a more futuristic appeal. Baggy cargo pants for men and bell-bottom pants for women became a fashion staple along with tracksuits. Skinny jeans and ripped jeans were also a big part of the fashion scene at this time. People looked up to celebrities and characters from TV shows such as The OC and One Tree Hill for their fashion inspiration.
The economy plays a huge role in how people dress. If there is a recession, people tend to cut back on buying expensive fashionable clothes. However, if there is economic growth and prosperity, people will be more willing to spend money on clothes they want regardless of the cost. This is the reason why some designers and celebrities are able to charge high prices for their garments while others stay within a more affordable price range.