What Is Fashion?

Fashion is a mode of self-expression through clothing, footwear and accessories. It is an aesthetic trend that varies over time and place, from the tassels on a 1920s flapper dress to the flower prints of the 60s, which were emblematic of counterculture movements. Throughout history, fashion has acted as a silent witness to major cultural changes.

For example, during the Second World War, scarcity of fabrics prompted designers to create utilitarian garments like wool suits and shorter dresses. This transition reflected the change in public attitude toward women’s roles in society. Fashion also acts as a way to communicate to other people that you have good taste. For example, if you wear a suit with tan shoes and a white shirt, others will assume that you have a good sense of style.

While some styles remain popular for a long time, many others quickly become out of fashion. This is because fashions depend on the collective consciousness of a society, which can spread ideas through a variety of mediums—such as television shows, magazines and viral memes.

For example, if someone with high cultural status starts wearing a new type of clothing, other people may follow suit out of imitation or curiosity. This is how a fashion trend can go from the streets of Brooklyn to the runways of Paris. The term “fashionista” describes someone who slavishly follows fashion trends, whereas “fashion victim” is used to describe someone who is a complete slave to them.