Fashion is a cultural phenomenon that encompasses all forms of style, from the frocks worn by models at fashion shows to the plain T-shirts favored by everyday people. The term may also be used to describe the customs and traditions of a specific society. Since the beginning of humanity as civilized beings, fashion has been a way to highlight oneself within a culture. The clothes that someone wears reflect their personality, mood, and even their location. For example, a person would dress differently on the beach than at a restaurant.

Some people make an art of expressing themselves with their clothing, and some go to extreme lengths to ensure they’re always on top of the latest trends. Historically, certain garments have been used to distinguish people within a particular social class; for instance, Roman senators could only wear purple and high-ranking Hawaiians wore feather cloaks adorned with carved whale teeth.

The fashion industry is a multibillion-dollar global enterprise that covers everything from the exclusive creations of haute couture designers to the mass-produced styles sold in stores and malls across the globe. It is often believed that changes in fashion reflect societal change and can be influenced by outside forces such as economic factors, political events, or social trends. However, recent research indicates that there are internal taste mechanisms that cause individuals to consciously or unconsciously change their wardrobes, regardless of the influence of external trends.

When writing about fashion, writers should be able to explain the history of the concept and how it has evolved over time. Additionally, they should be able to offer original insights. These may be the results of a personal experience or the culmination of years of research.