Fashion is a style or manner of wearing clothes that changes over time. It is an expression of self-expression and autonomy at a particular time and place, as well as a means of social categorization. Fashion is generally considered to be a matter of taste and personal choice, but it can also be an art form. Fashion is influenced by a variety of factors, including culture, social class, work environment, and economics. Fashions can vary widely between individuals, even within the same social class; for example, a blue-collar worker may wear Levi jeans because they are inexpensive and durable, while an urban professional may choose to purchase designer clothing because it reflects his or her status.
The earliest evidence of continuous and accelerating change in European garment styles can be dated to the late medieval period. Historians, such as Fernand Braudel, attribute this to the rise of a wealthy and influential elite that made its own garments and set the tone for society at large.
The fashion industry is a complex one that involves designers, suppliers, manufacturers, consumers and the media. Designers create trends, which are then implemented by suppliers and manufacturers to make products that customers will buy. Consumers can be influenced by fashion magazines, television programs, social media, and events such as music and film premieres.
Whether we realize it or not, our outfits tell a story about us. They speak of our past, of our upbringing and our cultural and geographic influences. Fashion is an important form of social identity, and it can help define our sense of self-worth.