Fashion is a multifaceted industry that encompasses the creation and design of clothing, footwear, accessories, and cosmetics. Fashion also refers to a distinctive style that reflects the time, place, and culture of an individual or group. The term may refer to high-end designer clothing as seen on the runways of Paris, London, and New York or the mass-produced casual wear sold in malls and markets around the world.

The fashion industry is a multibillion-dollar global enterprise that makes and sells clothing, footwear, and accessories. Its influence can be seen in the varied and often contradictory styles and trends that dominate the market; from the use of color to denote social class, from the miniskirt to women’s rights and feminism, and from men’s tailored suits to casual streetwear.

A garment’s appearance and the way in which it is worn are determined by the way it is cut, sewn, or otherwise made, as well as by its colour, materials, silhouette, and how it fits on the body. It is these qualities that give clothes a particular value in society and allow individuals to convey their personality.

In the modern sense of the word, fashion is a cultural phenomenon that embodies continual change, whereas the traditional meaning of the term is a specific style or pattern of dress. Some people object to the rapid pace of changes in fashion, believing that it is a negative reflection of capitalist society, as it results in waste and encourages consumers to buy unnecessarily. Others embrace it, enjoying the diversity that fashion provides.