Fashion is a term that refers to the general style of dress, grooming, makeup, and other ways in which people express themselves and their culture. It can also be used to describe the prevailing trends in popular music and other cultural forms. Fashion is an inescapable part of the human experience, reflecting people’s desire to communicate with others.
Fashion changes over time and is influenced by many factors. Designers and retailers create fashions by drawing inspiration from past styles, current events, and the surrounding culture. They also rely on “plugged in” individuals to spread their ideas and influence how other people will react. For a fashion trend to become popular, it must be shared and accepted by enough people to grow into a larger movement.
People may follow a particular fashion because of its popularity, its practicality, or its beauty. Those with high cultural status often become fashion icons, inspiring others to imitate their clothing and other mannerisms. For example, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana each had a distinctive style that became associated with them.
Other influences on fashion include political movements, social upheavals, or economic conditions. For example, a woman’s desire to cover her head in the aftermath of a religious conflict may inspire the development of a new headscarf fashion. Fashions can also vary by age, social class, generation, occupation, or geography. In some cases, a fashion can be so extreme that it is ridiculed, leading to the use of terms such as “fashion victim” or “fashionista.” The most effective way to market a fashion is to understand the needs and preferences of consumers.