Fashion is a term that describes the clothing styles worn at any given time. Clothes can also be a form of expression, reflecting one’s beliefs, values and preferences. Fashion changes constantly, with trends moving in and out of style over a relatively short period of time. A person’s sense of fashion may be influenced by the people around him or her, such as friends, family, co-workers and celebrities. In addition, a fashion trend can be triggered by something happening in the world, such as an event or a new discovery.
The fashion industry is a multibillion-dollar global enterprise that produces designer clothes. Until the mid-19th century, most clothing was made for each individual by dressmakers and tailors. But the invention of the sewing machine allowed clothes to be mass-produced and sold in stores. With the growing popularity of fashion magazines, like Vogue, and television shows that feature celebrity designers or their collections, more and more people began to be interested in dressing fashionably.
The way a person dresses can reflect his or her social status, generation, occupation and geography. A person’s sense of style can also be influenced by the people he or she admires. Famous people often start fashion trends. For example, the baggy jeans and boots look of the 1980s were partly inspired by the teen star, Cindy Crawford. Other fashion trends are created by combining elements of popular culture, such as music, movies, art and literature.