Chapter 1 / The Meaning of Clothing and Fashion
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individual. Clean blue jeans and a cowboy shirt
may be an attractive outfi t, but if it is worn to
the opera it may not be considered in good
taste! Tight pants or bikini swimsuits might be
fashionable, but if they are too extreme, they may
be in poor taste. Garments that are no longer in
fashion are also not in good taste, even if they
are well designed. On the other hand, some less
artistic designs that have high acceptance are
considered to be in good taste. Good taste is
often considered to be a well-designed outfi t with
fashion acceptance worn by someone on whom
it looks appropriate.
Summing It Up
People throughout history have worn clothing
to satisfy basic needs. Physically, clothing offers
protection to the human body. Psychological
needs are satisfi ed by the adornment and
identifi cation gained from clothing. Clothing also
satisfi es the social needs of modesty and status.
Most fashion experts believe that a combination
of these needs is fulfi lled in varying degrees at
the same time through people’s clothing.
A person’s values and attitudes, learned
from the family and experiences, play an
important part in clothing selection. Conformity
is weighed against a desire for individuality.
Personality traits, and wants versus needs
also have an infl uence on a person’s
clothing choices.
Other ongoing relationships between
apparel and society should also be kept in
mind. Fashion is both an art and a science,
involving both creative thinking and the use of
technology. Fashion is both highly personal and
very public. Additionally, fashion refl ects the
economic conditions, current events, political
issues, and popular entertainment of a society
at a given time.
For success in the fashion business, it
is essential to know and understand clothing
terms. Fashion professionals should be able
to distinguish between styles, fashions, fads,
and classics. Other important concepts include
accessories, designs, and taste.
hifashion / Shutterstock.com
1-27 Blue jeans started as sturdy work
pants long ago and are now universally
worn as stylish classics.
Laura Ashley / JUSCO Co., Ltd.
1-28 The Laura Ashley look is known for
tasteful English prints and accessories,
resulting in an overall “genteel appearance.”