Fashion is a prevailing style of dress or manner of speaking that has a broad social impact. It often starts with individuals of high social status, such as celebrities, royalty and politicians, who start wearing new or different clothes, then people who like or respect them follow suit. Clothing has always been an important form of expression, and the choices we make about what to wear tell the world around us something about our personalities and values.
As a social phenomenon, fashion is constantly evolving to reflect changing times and attitudes. Throughout history, fashion has been used to communicate a wide range of ideas and feelings, from the sartorial statement of a nun’s cassock to the symbolic power of a miniskirt to celebrate women’s freedom and emancipation. Fashion has also been a powerful tool for social change, with uniforms used to abolish class distinctions and enforce unity during communist revolutions or nineteenth century England.
Today, fashion is a global industry, with millions of people involved in the design, sale and production of clothing. Fashion trends are influenced by cultural and environmental factors, including economics, politics and popular culture. Many fashion designers, for example, take political stances by designing clothing with messages that they hope will resonate with their target audience.
In addition to designing and producing fashion, the industry also produces fashion journalism, a type of media that provides commentary, critique, guidelines and tips for the public on current fashion trends. This type of fashion journalism can be found in print and online, with magazines and newspapers, TV shows, YouTube videos and social networks (such as Instagram or TikTok) all contributing to the ever-changing face of fashion.
Whether it’s for glamour, comfort or practicality, our clothing choices reflect who we are. A fashion trend can start in one person’s closet, then be spread to other people by word of mouth or through the media, with a new look becoming the next big thing. But a fashion trend can also be slow to develop, with an item of clothing spending years “out of fashion” before eventually making a comeback.
A great article on fashion should offer original insights that readers haven’t seen before. This could be an insider’s perspective on the industry, or a fresh approach to a timeless style. Fashion articles should also be well-researched, with citations where appropriate. And finally, a good article on fashion should keep readers engaged from start to finish with compelling storytelling. This could be a personal story about the evolution of your own style, or an investigation into the dark side of the fashion industry. A powerfully written fashion article can be a great way to increase your readership and boost sales. Learn more about creating effective fashion articles with our free guide.