Fashion—a topic popular around the world, talked about in newspapers, magazines, online and in numerous television programs in just about every language. You can hardly turn on an entertainment program without hearing about the latest fashion trends—or the latest fashion horrors! Entire programs are dedicated to the “best” and “worst” dressed celebrities and there are even shows whose premise is to remake an unfashionable man or woman’s wardrobe and teach them how to be in style by knowing which fashion trends to follow and which to avoid.
Fashion is something that most people deal with from a very—very!—young age. From the moment we’re old enough to be brought home as babies, we’re dressed up in outfits, usually cute little shirts or dresses, but often without regard for what is popular or “in style” at the moment. But as soon as we begin to attend school, fashion becomes a part of our lives. At school, on the playground… ”Did you see what Susie was wearing?” On the televisions and in magazines… “Be in, be chic, buy the latest Brand Name Light-Up Sneakers!” In just about every aspect of our lives, the emphasis on fashion grows as we get older! The emphasis on being “in style” is everywhere in the media, as fashion trends come and go, sometimes in the blink of an eye.
But what is fashion, exactly? And what counts as a fashion trend?
Fashion
The dictionary.com definition of fashion is this:
1. The prevailing style or custom, as in dress or behavior: out of fashion.
2. Something, such as a garment, that is in the current mode: a swimsuit that is the latest fashion.
3. The style characteristic of the social elite: a man of fashion.
Fashion, then, can be described as the most common way of dress in a group. This group can be large, such as the overall common style of dress in a country – or smaller, such as the overall common style of dress within a subset, such as gothic or punk.
To some people, fashion is a type of art form. Many designers use fashion to express themes about their life and the world. Others consider fashion a vital part of their lives and may work towards getting jobs in the fashion industry, such as designing, modeling or working at major fashion houses.
To most people, fashion is important but not to the point of intense passion for the subject. Most people want to use fashion to look their best by amplifying their best features and hiding their least favorite fashions, as well as express themselves through clothing. For example, someone who has a passion for the ocean may wear an outfit that is in style and add their own personal touch of a seashell necklace to express their own personal interests. Whether someone wears fashion that is in style throughout the country or is in style within their group, whether they are a man or woman, they want to look their best.
Fashion trends
How do you tell what’s “in” when it comes to fashion? First, you must look at the schedule of the fashion industry. Designers have a major influence on what will be popular in general each fashion season and there are fashion shows about five to six months ahead of each season. These shows are covered by the media and the readers will then take from these shows the new trends of the fall, winter, spring or summer. Celebrities and other popular figures in the media are also a big influence on fashion trends and on what is currently “in style.” If a famous celebrity is seen wearing a type of jacket, others may wish to emulate her and follow suit… thus a trend is born.
A trend may last for a few weeks to a few months, to longer. Some trends become fashion staples—for example, well-fitted jeans are now considered a fashion staple and not part of any particular trend. Typically, the rule of thumb is this: The more outrageous the trend, the quicker it will end. A trend in the 1990s to wear the once-popular huge bell bottom jeans ended within a fashion season, while the trend for the tamer flared jean lasted for several fashion seasons.
Fashion: For men or women?
Fashion exists for both men and women. While the media tends to downplay the importance of men’s fashion in favor of more elaborate female fashion, male fashion shows and fashion trends are just as common as their female counterparts. One big difference between the two is that men’s trendy fashion changes less frequently than women’s trendy fashion, with changes in trends being more subtle. For example, a round, loose type of knitted hat might be popular in men’s fashion one season, while the next season a more fitted style of knitted hat is in fashion. Female fashion trends may change more drastically from season to season. For example, knee length pencil skirts may be in vogue one season, while flowing dress skirts are in style the next.
You don’t have to follow fashion trends, but if you want to be seen as in style, it’s a good idea to keep up on the trends and put your own stamp on them.
good job. You need to update more often.
my secrets
21 Oct 11 at 1:18 am
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Wallace Hagan
8 Nov 11 at 1:14 am