Fashion is a multibillion dollar industry that involves the design, production, and sale of clothing, footwear, and accessories. It is also a way to express one’s individuality through style. It can be influenced by cultural or social dynamics, and can vary from country to country. The most influential trends can be seen in the glamorized and stylized world of fashion shows and high-end designer clothes, as well as in more casual styles such as those promoted by celebrities or found on street corners.
The term fashion is generally used to refer to popular styles at any given time, though the lines between fashion and anti-fashion blur as expressions of what was once taboo or not fashionable are swept along in current trends. For example, a pair of ripped jeans that are trendy today might be reminiscent of the groovy styles of the early 1970s.
Throughout history, fashion has reflected changes in culture and social dynamics, as well as economic conditions and even warfare. For example, in ancient Egypt, clothing was a sign of wealth and power, while the togas and chitons of Roman society emphasized elegance and simplicity. In modern times, it is very common for people to change their appearance dramatically, and fashion often includes a combination of both style and comfort.
Fashions usually last about 20 years, after which they begin to disappear into “out-of-fashion” status. However, certain popular styles may reappear at a later date, such as the leather jackets that were a staple of the 1980s or the low-rise jeans that were once so hip.