Dress and fashion

Abstract

Clothing and fashion are images that have meaning. They form a system of signs and symbols designed to organize society and allow for social change. Clothing signs indicate expected behavior; clothing symbols reflect the achievement of cultural values. When some members of a society reject societal arrangements and form their own group, they also choose a different style of dress. The attire indicates membership in the group and is a clothing tie-sign. Clothing tie-symbols refer to elements of dress and styles of appearance that exhibit support for a political party, a social agenda, or a public persona. Fashion, on the other hand, is a period's desired appearance. It reflects, and acts to integrate, sociocultural change. The history of the Western world had been marked by centralized control over clothing and appearance. In the twentieth century these strictures loosened significantly. As a result, fashion evolved to give people of all social classes more opportunities for personal expression than ever before. As a result, clothing and fashion offer a greater opportunity for social criticism and social change.