Fashion is a general term that refers to a prevailing mode of expression, including clothing and style. It is a form of expression that can be seen in the way a person dresses and it has historically been used as an indicator of social status, group belonging, or even personality. Often fashion trends can be identified by the names given to them in groups, such as “goths,” skaters,” or “herds.” A person’s style may reflect a reaction to the culture around him or her, or simply be a way of dressing that conveys a sense of individuality.
The evolution of fashion has been influenced by changes in cultural attitudes and values, as well as by the invention and development of new materials and technology. The modern fashion industry is a massive global business, comprising design, production, marketing and retailing of clothes and footwear. Fashion is a highly competitive industry that has to respond quickly to changes in consumer tastes and needs.
In the Western world, fashion trends are typically identified by a change in the cut and fabric of clothing. This can be a result of technological innovations in fabrics or a change in how a garment is constructed. These changes can happen very rapidly, as in the case of a shortened jacket or tighter waistline, or they can occur more slowly, such as with the gradual lengthening of a shirt over several centuries as illustrated in Albrecht Durer’s painting of two well dressed women.