Fashion is a cultural phenomenon, a way of dressing or a style of grooming or a certain lifestyle that reflects the social and cultural movements at any given time. It may be influenced by music, art, films, books, the media or other individuals. It can also be seen in the way that people interact and behave, for example, the etiquette of court behavior or the way that women greet each other.
The way that people dress can tell us a lot about their personalities, interests and social standing. Fashions change over time and can vary by country, class, race and even generation. Individuals can influence a trend by adopting new styles or by encouraging others to do so. The word “fashionista” is used to describe someone who follows the latest trends and often goes out of their comfort zone to do so. Fashion is also a form of identification and tradition: judges wear robes, military personnel wear uniforms and brides wear white dresses.
A popular fashion can be hard to trace, as it is often a result of a collective reaction. It can be difficult to know why someone chooses to follow a particular style, as it might reflect an desire for individuality or a wish to fit in with other people. The fashion industry is a multi-billion dollar global business, and trends are driven by the demand for specific products. Television, magazines, newspapers and social media all play a part in fashion, and bloggers and TikTok personalities spread ideas about what is cool.