Fashion is a style of dress, usually influenced by cultural and social attitudes. Fashions are usually ephemeral, changing from season to season and often within a short period of time. The term “fashion” is also used to describe a certain type of hair, make-up and accessory.
Clothes are a form of self-expression, and their choice and wearing can send messages about one’s gender, age and social class. Some clothes are considered status symbols, such as a suit or blazer worn by a professional. Others, like a gothic t-shirt and multiple piercings, can signal a desire for rebellion and separation from the rest of society. Fashions can even reveal what group a person belongs to, such as the goths, skaters and preps that exist in high schools.
The fashion industry is a multi-billion dollar business, with many designers creating clothing and shoes for major companies that produce, market and sell them to consumers worldwide. This globalization of the fashion industry is caused in part by an increasing number of people who have access to fashion blogs and online magazines that show them the latest styles.
In addition to being a mode of expression, clothing is functional and often serves as a way to protect the body. It is also a medium for advertising and propaganda, especially in times of war and famine. The styles of fashion can be influenced by the culture and social and significant historical events.
Designers and manufacturers create new designs for garments, shoes and accessories in order to keep up with the current fashion trends. These trends are often created by combining old and new styles together to create something new and different. A new fashion trend is often promoted through print and electronic media, movies, music and advertising hoardings.
In the past, it was common for nobility to create their own styles of dress and for lower classes to copy upper class style. This was known as the “trickle down theory of fashion.” Today, most people have access to fashion information through the internet and print and electronic media.
A type of sleeve that is narrow at the top where it fits the arm closely and gradually flares out at the bottom where it meets the shoulder. This shape is sometimes called a pagoda or funnel sleeve. This sleeve style is similar to pleats, but they are different in that tucks are usually made of smaller fabric pieces that are sewn to the outside of a garment.
A cap or hat that is designed to fit over the head, and may have a visor at the front. Caps are often worn for less formal occasions, sports or as part of a uniform. They may be made of fabric, wool, felt or leather. The fashion for this type of garment has changed over time, and is currently dominated by Western styles. However, in some places of the world, traditional and regional variations are still popular.