Fashion is the way in which people choose to dress. It includes a wide range of elements like clothing, shoes, make-up, hairstyles and accessories. It is a reflection of the times and can change quickly over time. People are always looking for ways to express their individuality through their clothes and the way they look. Often, this can lead to new trends and fashions.
In the past, people would wear special garments to show their wealth and social status. For example, Roman senators would wear garments dyed with Tyrian purple and Hawaiian high-ranking officers wore carved whale teeth or feather cloaks. These styles can be dated back to the Renaissance period. Historians James Laver and Fernand Braudel believe this is the first known period of continual change in clothing style.
The 1920s brought about the development of flapper dresses with shorter hemlines and drastically shorter hair. This era also saw the influence of Art Deco styling, exoticism and modernist art styles on clothing. Designers like Paul Poiret drew inspiration from Western historical styles, folk traditions and ancient cultures in the creation of their designs.
Women in this era also started to liberate themselves from restrictive corsets and showed more of their decolletage. Pagoda sleeves, which went from the shoulder to the elbow and then flared out were introduced, as well as wide hoops that hung down from underneath skirts to accentuate tiny waists. This was the era that saw the birth of the modern female figure.
Throughout history, fashion has been influenced by the changing times and events. However, the industry itself has also been a source of new trends. The fashion industry has been criticized for promoting certain styles for financial gain and encouraging materialistic consumerism. In addition, shifting fashion trends can force people to continually buy new clothes that they do not necessarily need.
In recent years, the fashion industry has grown tremendously thanks to technology. The internet and social media platforms have allowed fashionistas to spread their knowledge of current trends and styles around the world, creating a global community of people who are interested in fashion. It is now possible to shop online and have a personalized virtual stylist to help find the perfect outfit for every occasion.
The world of fashion can be a bit overwhelming for someone who is just starting to explore it. But, it does not have to be. Fashion is really about knowing what works for you and following a few guiding principles to build your personal style. Whether it is an understated whisper or a high-energy scream, your personal style can be a powerful expression of self-confidence and your unique personality. So, explore and experiment with different styles, colours and silhouettes to discover your look, then put together a strategy of what you love to create your personal fashion statement. Lastly, remember that style isn’t just about the clothes you wear; it’s about how you wear them. If you do this, then your style will speak for itself.