Fashion can be defined as a broad field of art that includes the creation and reproduction of visual representations for aesthetic, cultural, social, or symbolic purposes. Fashion is such a broad artistic expression in a given time and location and at a given occasion, including in clothing, footwear, accessories, hairstyle, makeup, body proportions, hairstyles, make-up, shoes, jewelry, and other materials used to create and/or present clothing or accessories. In its broadest sense, fashion can also refer to any representation, either in an image or on canvas, of an idea to make a statement about the status of a society, a culture, or a person.
Certain periods of time have been identified by historians as the “Golden Age” of fashion in history. These periods include the Victorian period, which are often referred to as “the age of the hat” as well as “the age of cleanliness,” and the Industrial Revolution in England, which are referred to as the “age of the boot.” During this time period, artists, designers, and craftsmen were able to reach new levels of creativity by using new materials such as wool, linen, silk, cotton, and wood. The advent of mass-produced goods allowed designers to create clothes that were durable, comfortable, stylish, and affordable.
In the past decade, the definition of “fashion” has also expanded to incorporate a wide variety of non-traditional ideas and themes. For example, contemporary fashion, which was not necessarily defined as a time period, but is now widely considered a style, has been defined as a way of dressing and presenting oneself and/or a group of people. Contemporary fashion has been defined as the merging of different styles and materials with one another, in order to create a new look and feel.
There are many different kinds of clothes and accessories that make up modern fashion. Popular items that are often used for dressing include: jeans, sweatshirts, tank tops, long sleeve shirts, hooded sweatshirts, dresses, formal wear, casual wear, skirts, pants, skirts with long or short sleeves, skirts with short or no sleeves, formal shoes, casual shoes, formal sandals, slippers, hats, scarves, t-shirts, leggings, belts, skirts, blouses, shorts, bikinis, swimsuits, lingerie, etc. The list of items used to dress up and accentuate one’s outfit or style are limitless.
Trends in fashion may also shift, as well. A few decades ago, high-heels were the most popular form of footwear for women to wear, but today, ankle boots are more popular. In addition to this, hip hop and edgier footwear such as boots and loafers have also gained popularity as women continue to look for something a little more comfortable and trendy. The variety and range of items being used in fashion today are just as diverse as the styles themselves.
The term “fashion” has come to encompass many different reasons and purposes, but it is still most commonly used to describe the visual presentation and sense of style that we all want to express. It is a way for people to be themselves and make a statement about their appearance in a positive way by creating a unique appearance and lifestyle.