Fashion is a language, an expression of our identity and our experiences. It can be an understated whisper, a high-energy scream or a wink and a smile. It’s about finding a way to translate self-esteem into a style that is uniquely you.
While some may believe that “fashion” is a superficial thing, the fact is that it’s an incredibly dynamic and social phenomenon. It changes constantly, with influences from across cultures, from street culture and influencers to celebrities and royalty. Fashion is also a reflection of the times, reflecting significant historical and social events in the clothing that is worn.
Fashion is based on trends, and trends are changes that occur in a population at a particular time. These shifts can be caused by anything from a celebrity wearing something that everyone copies to the death of a beloved figure or cultural event that affects the world at large.
During the Rococo era, which was in the 1700s, for example, the upper class demonstrated their wealth and status with the elaborate dresses they wore. Women wore their waists tightly held by corsets, puffed sleeves and wide hoops that extended sideways from skirts (known as panniers).
The styles that we wear are not only affected by the clothing designers who create our clothes but also by the media, which shows us what celebrities and other people in our lives are wearing. We see what’s in magazines, on television, online and on our favorite social media platforms. This shows us what styles are in, what’s out and what the latest fashion is.
Some clothing is designed to fit a specific individual, called haute couture or bespoke tailoring. However, most is designed for the mass market and manufactured in standard sizes to be sold at fixed prices. This is known as fast fashion.
There’s always a new look, a new trend, and people are constantly changing their styles to stay on top of the game. This includes hairstyles, makeup and the clothes they choose to wear. Whether it’s high-fashion or grunge, there’s always something new to keep up with and try.
The more you understand the difference between fashion and style, the easier it is to keep up with the trends and decide which ones are right for you. This will help you avoid wasting money on trendy pieces that will only be in style for a short period of time. Rather, you can focus on building your own style by creating outfits from pieces in your closet that reflect who you are and how you want to be seen. You can also use your fashion knowledge to shop smarter by learning what’s in and how to re-style the items that are already in your wardrobe. Then you can build a wardrobe that lasts longer while still looking and feeling fresh.