Fashion is a way to express yourself through the clothes you wear. It can be as subtle as a whisper or as loud as a scream. It can also be a celebration of yourself and a way to show the world who you are. It is more than just clothing, it is a lifestyle, a culture and a trend.
People have been expressing themselves through their clothing since the first days of civilisation. In the 1700s people in France spent hours pored over fashion magazines to see the latest styles. Clothes were a very effective means of marking identity, class, race and even political affiliation. Judges wore robes, soldiers wore uniforms and brides wore long white dresses. Today, people can choose their clothing from an ever-increasing variety of brands. They can even order their outfits online or through the mail. Millions of people work every day to design, sew and transport clothing. The most successful companies earn millions every year from their efforts. The world is filled with endless trends and the people who create them are known as “fashionistas”.
Fashion can be influenced by music, movies, TV shows, social events and the media. It can also be influenced by the weather, climate and geographic location. It can also be influenced by other cultural groups and by religious and ethnic traditions. Clothes are not just for showing off: they can be used to protect and warm us. Often, what was once considered anti-fashion, like tattoos or traditional clothing, becomes part of the trend cycle.