The definition of fashion is quite simple: a predominant style or custom followed by sizeable population at any given time. But it’s not all about what you wear. Fashion also influences the way you live and how you carry yourself. But what influences fashion?

Trends and Influences

Of course well-known fashion powerhouses like Prada, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and many others are leaders in fashion trends. These leaders develop and present new designs to fashion followers on runway for the world to see. Popular designs are adapted for everyday people.

Other outlets influence fashion decisions as well:

• Mass Media. Popular television shows, magazine spreads and motion picture films all spark fashion trends, especially when a popular character emerges. Who can forget the popularity of fashionista Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City or the movie based on fashion, The Devil Wears Prada? Shows like these put the spotlight on the trendy and cutting edge designs that inspired many fashion ideas and personal style.
• Celebrities. Everyone wants to know what celebrities are wearing. Celebrity fashion trends usually make the rounds on the abundance of fashion critique shows. Especially during award show season where favorite gowns of the moment are copied and made into ready-to-wear collections.
• Performers and Rock Stars. The music industry also influence fashion choices. From the fads and trends of big hair and head bandanas, plenty of musicians have created trademark styles, some of which live on today.
• Culture. Culture is defined as the accepted and patterned ways of a given population sector or group of people. It encompasses the group’s common knowledge, understanding and shared way of thinking, feeling and responding to society. This includes the manner of dress within the bounds of the culture. Fashion trends can emerge from these cultural styles.

Style and Personality

Fashion is dynamic and a matter of personal style. From classic, vintage, bohemian to eclectic, what matters most is how to merge fashion and personal style. From formal ware to work etiquette and the mainstream casualness of tee shirt and jeans, the way you dress is more about personal preference. We all have a sense of style, good or bad.

What it all means

Because clothing is considered to be the oldest and purest way of expression fashion and style, the fashion industry strives to drive the design and production of apparel and accessories in tune with ever changing trends while maintaining access to standard and traditional looks. The leaders in fashion know that having insight into trends is important, but understand that individuals choose styles that are appropriate for the lifestyle individuals want to live.

Fashion is more than the clothes you wear. Your overall appearance is a direct reflection of individual, personal attributes. With a little help from fashion experts and other leading outlets, you can create a style suitable to your personality. Bottom line, you don’t have to wear all designer clothes to be fashionable. You just need a sense of awareness and the willingness to express the real you.