Fashion is the way we dress – from the clothes we wear to how we decorate our homes. It’s one of the biggest industries in the world with millions of people working to design, sew, glue, dye and transport clothing to stores. Fashion can also be a form of self-expression and a way to communicate to the world what you stand for.
The word ‘fashion’ means different things to different people – it could mean the latest trend, a style of dress, or something that reflects your personality. People may follow the trends of others, but for something to be considered a fashion it has to have wide acceptance and influence. Fashion can also be a form of art that reflects societal changes.
Clothes are a reflection of our culture, and they can make us feel good about ourselves. They can give us confidence and allow us to express ourselves – from the way we drape our shirts to how we pair our shoes. They can tell us who we are and where we come from, and can help build community – for example, judges wear robes, military personnel wear uniforms and brides wear long white dresses.
It can be hard to define what is considered fashionable, because it can change so quickly. New styles can go from the runway to the shop shelves in a matter of months and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by choice. The fast-paced production and retail model of modern times also encourages excessive consumption, with the average person acquiring more clothing items than they can wear or keep in storage.