Fashion is a mode of expression, a way to communicate a person’s personality. It is often a means of gratifying vanity, but it also has great symbolic power. The clothes we wear send signals to others about our gender, age, and social class. They can even be used to display political beliefs and attitudes. For example, during the era of feminism, miniskirts signified freedom and emancipation. Conversely, cassocks and nuns’ robes have symbolized a renunciation of vanity. Fashions can change with the whim of designers, who have the ability to influence society through their creations.
Clothing has always been important to people. Even before there was such a thing as mass production, individuals hand-sewed their own clothes. Their styles were dictated by the available materials and skills, influenced by what their friends and neighbors were wearing, and often reflected religious or cultural traditions. Fashions can also reflect the mood of a period: during wartime, women might have shortened their hair to show their patriotism; when people were in love, they might wear pink or lace.
Today, more people are involved in the business of producing and selling clothes than ever before. Millions of people design, sew, glue, dye, and transport the garments to stores. The popularity of a song or movie can change a style, as happened with Elvis’ long hair and his jumpsuits. Newspapers and magazines report on the latest celebrity wardrobe changes.
Some fashions stay “in fashion” for years or even centuries. Others come and go, sometimes even becoming popular again decades later. For example, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Europeans often favored Turkish, Chinese, and Japanese imports.
Writing a fashion article requires skill and careful research. The writer must be able to discern what is hip and what isn’t, what will appeal to readers, and what will be dismissed as tasteless or dated. It’s also important to be able to recognize a trend when it starts gaining momentum.
An excellent fashion article is original and compelling. It should offer readers something they haven’t seen before — whether that’s an insider’s perspective on the fashion industry or a new take on a classic style. It should also be well-researched, with citations and credits where appropriate.
Impeccable grammar is also a must, as it’s vital that the writer’s work be free of errors. Finally, a good fashion article should tell a story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. It could be a personal narrative about the writer’s journey through the world of fashion or an investigative piece on the dark side of the fashion industry. It should have a clear topic and purpose, and a catchy headline that will get readers’ attention. This will ensure that the piece is read and remembered.