Fashion is a general term that describes styles of dress and personal appearance. It is usually influenced by social and cultural factors, and varies over time. It can be defined by a set of rules and regulations, or it can be a way of expressing oneself. Fashion trends are influenced by various media sources such as magazines, movies, music and advertising hoardings. Fashion is also a reflection of a particular era, as different eras have different established styles.
A person who is fashionable has a sense of style, which includes an awareness of the latest trends and a flair for combining them in a unique way that suits the individual’s personality. A person who follows fashion trends closely is called a fashionista or a fashion victim. Fashion changes and evolves over time, so even someone who is considered to be a fashion icon can become out of style at some point.
For a fashion trend to be considered fashionable, it must have widespread acceptance amongst the consumer population. It is not enough for just two people to wear the same outfit; multiple individuals must all be influenced by the same look in order for it to be considered fashion (Reilly, 2012). Classics are items that stay in style for long periods of time. Fads, on the other hand, are quickly popularized and then discarded. Examples of fads include glitter eyeshadow and the Ugg boot.
If you want to develop your own sense of style, start by setting some parameters for yourself. For example, decide if you want to focus on just one genre of style or whether you would like to create a blend of styles (such as punk and valley girl). Next, begin studying the current trends by paying attention to what others are wearing. Sit in a cafe and watch the people around you, or observe your coworkers and friends on their way to work (in a non-creepy way, of course). You can also use websites such as Pinterest and fashion blogs to get an idea of what’s currently hot.