Fashion is a term that describes the prevailing style of clothing and accessories. It can be a culturally specific trend, like the short skirts of the 1960s or the baggy jeans of the early 90s, or it can be a more general phenomenon such as a change in color preference or the use of particular materials or textures. It is often assumed that changes in fashion reflect societal change or the financial interests of the fashion industry. However, some research suggests that changes in fashion can occur independently of both societal and commercial influences. Similarly, styles that were once considered “out of fashion” may come back into fashion at a later date.
The definition of fashion has a broad range, from the high-end designer clothing of the haute couture industry to the casual and mass-produced clothes that define the popular fashions. It is also a concept that can include a wide variety of other elements such as beauty, body image, and individuality. Fashion can be a form of self-expression, or a way to show solidarity with a group. Clothing can reveal a person’s personality, such as their choice of hairstyle or piercings, or it can create stereotypes and distance between people.
The fashion industry is a multibillion-dollar global enterprise that consists of designers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. It is closely linked to other sectors of the economy, including textiles and cosmetics. In the past, magazines and newspapers focused on fashion journalism and editorial critique. Then, in the 1960s and 1970s, television coverage of fashion trends increased – first through dedicated shows such as Euphoria and The Changing Room and then through a fashion segment on news and entertainment programs. Fashion blogs and social media have made it possible for individuals from all over the world to share their ideas about the latest trends in clothing, accessories, and lifestyle choices.