It is not difficult to imagine how clothing influences our lives. Judges wear robes, soldiers wear uniforms, and brides wear long, white gowns. Thousands of people worldwide design, dye, and sew clothing. In addition, advertisements give us ideas of what we should wear. Fashion is a political weapon, as it is often used to enforce gender, class, and other distinctions. During the 20th century, the abolition of class distinctions through the use of uniforms changed the landscape of clothing and society.
The early medieval period was marked by long flowing costumes for both men and women. Long and plunging necklines became fashionable and separated young noblemen from their more experienced rivals. In contrast, lowered necklines showed off the beauty of the female body. While the linearity of the early centuries continued in the conservative ranks of society, it reached a peak in the fourteenth century and continued to be fashionable for another hundred years. However, it is important to note that these styles had moral and social consequences.
Despite the common misconception that fashion and style are synonymous, the two concepts are not the same. Style is a combination of shapes, forms, and lines, and can be determined by fabric and pattern types. On the other hand, fashion is defined as a style that has become fashionable at a particular time, and is based on prevailing style at that time. The differences between the two are vast. And that’s why they are often confusing.
The word fashion implies widespread acceptance of certain customs, manners, and aesthetics. Vogue implies a temporary popularity of certain fashions. While fashion implies general politeness, it can also refer to the creation of something or a behavior. Fashions have been influenced by events throughout history, from the twelfth century to today’s. So, whatever style you choose, be it traditional, modern, or even futuristic, fashion is always evolving.
To define fashion, we must start by distinguishing it from the art of dressing. Fashion is a social phenomenon. It is a mode of behavior adopted by a group of people for a particular period of time. And, it is a way of behaving that is perceived as socially appropriate during a particular time. And while one style is popular today, another may be totally unsuitable. And in both cases, fashion has a unique natural law: it cannot last forever.