Fashion is the art of dressing in ways that express a person’s taste and style. It is also a reflection of the social environment in which it occurs. It has a significant effect on how people see themselves and how they perceive others.
It is an industry based around the design, manufacturing and sale of clothing (men’s, women’s and children’s). This includes a range of articles of apparel, including formal wear, sportswear, casualwear and outerwear such as jackets and coats.
The fashion industry is the world’s largest consumer-oriented business. It employs millions of people worldwide and is an important contributor to economic growth, employment and cultural and social change.
Unlike other industries, fashion is largely a global industry, with apparel designed in one country and manufactured in another and sold internationally. As of 2017, it is estimated that the global fashion industry had an annual turnover of $US 346 billion, with more than 300 million employees.
In modern society, many different types of clothes can be considered “fashionable”. It is important to note that the definition of a fashion trend changes with time and that clothing that has been out of fashion can become fashionable again.
This phenomenon is also referred to as the “fashion cycle.”
Fashion is a form of popular culture and can be a significant part of a country’s national identity, reflected in music, movies and books. It is also a means of expressing personal opinion and may be used as a political tool by individuals to convey messages or promote certain values.
While it is often assumed that fashion changes reflect societal change or the interests of designers and manufacturers, recent research suggests that there are “internal taste mechanisms” which can drive the evolution of a style without any apparent external pressure. These include, for example, the popularity of a first name among young people, which may be chosen unconsciously by parents or other family members.
The fashion industry is a multi-billion dollar global and it is not uncommon to find the media and big companies influencing the choices consumers make. This is especially true in the digital age, where magazines, newspapers, and other media outlets are a powerful influence on how people view trends and choose products.
Although the term “fashion” is sometimes used loosely to describe styles and trends, there are strict rules to how the term should be applied. These rules can be found in the International Standard Classification of All Goods and Services.
A fashion is a particular style of dress, or a combination of styles and designs, that is widely recognized and worn. It is typically characterized by a distinctive appearance and a tendency to follow trends.
In most societies, the wearing of a particular style of clothing is seen as an expression of identity and tradition. It is a way of identifying with a group or nation, and can be a powerful indicator of the social status of a person.