Fashion is the way that people dress, the styles that are popular at any given time and place. The term fashion is most often used to refer to a particular style that is favored at any one time, but it can also be applied to any manner of dressing or behavior that becomes widely accepted and popular for a brief period. The terms style, mode, vogue, fad and rage are synonyms of fashion and stress the rapid acceptance and intense enthusiasm for a fashionable look.
Fashion trends change constantly as new products and styles are created. People may try on many different styles before finding the one that best suits them. This is especially true during the adolescent period, when a young person is trying to discover who they are.
Throughout history, clothing has been used as a tool for social change and advocacy. Fashion designers have embraced political statements and challenged societal norms, inspiring solidarity and support for important issues.
The popularity of a style at any given moment is closely linked to culture, economics and geography. The bare midriffs of the 60s, the baggy pants of hip-hop and the body-hugging dresses of the 1920s are all examples of how cultural influences can cause a dramatic shift in fashion.
Fashion is also a cycle, with styles eventually becoming “out of fashion” and then returning to the market in a different form. New trends may be inspired by events such as the death of a celebrity, a new discovery in the world or a change in the environment.