Fashion is a general term for trends in clothing, but it can also be used to describe a particular style or manner of dress. Fashions change over time, and a fad that was popular in one era may be out of style in the next. Fashions can be driven by social, economic, or political events. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to rethink their values and priorities, which was reflected in the clothes they chose to wear.
There are no hard and fast rules to fashion, but some basic principles do apply. For example, colors often change with the seasons — bright colors are associated with summer and warm, earthy tones are the hallmark of autumn and winter. Flowy dresses are usually worn in spring and summer, while sweaters and long overcoats are the staple of winter wear.
The fashion industry is so influential that entire magazines are dedicated to it and TV programs dedicate hours of airtime to discussing it. It is a subject that is constantly discussed and debated, which reflects the significant role it plays in modern society.
For a trend to be considered “fashionable,” it must have wide dissemination and popularity. This can happen in several ways, from the top-down (“trickle down” or “bubble up”) to the bottom-up via viral memes and social media (i.e., TikTok or Instagram). The sartorial preferences of musicians and other cultural icons are closely followed, and even politicians and royalty often have their wardrobes analyzed and critiqued by the press.