Fashion is a broad category of individual style and self-expression in a certain context and at a certain time, of apparel, footwear, life, makeup, hairstyles, and appearance. In its broader sense, the word also means a distinctive look defined by the fashion business as what is fashionable. The boundaries between the various categories of fashion are constantly shifting, taking in and transforming many different previously unnoticed aspects of everyday life. As regards footwear, ladies have traditionally been associated with more comfortable, flat-fronted shoes; while men’s fashion has typically focused on shoes with a high, almost fighting, step; that is, as if they were fighting for superiority in some athletic competition. Thus, high-heeled shoes and flat-front shoes have historically been seen as feminine styles, while athletic shoes, racing shoes, work boots, combat boots, and even casual dress shoes have historically been associated with masculine style.
However, this trend is starting to change. With the recent empowerment of women through the empowerment of the female fashion industry, which started nearly 50 years ago, today it is more common for women to wear shoes with heels that are quite a bit lower than what is traditionally seen as feminine. Women are also increasingly seen wearing more fashionable and fashion forward hairstyles that are not associated with traditional hairdos. This is creating an entirely new level of fashion that is currently experiencing and expanding very rapidly.
One of the most noticeable changes in women’s fashion trends over the last few decades has been the rise of hip-hop and rap styles. These are styles that are characterized by their oversized and bling jeweled accessories and generally oversized, black, bright colored clothing. While the fashion industry has historically shied away from the mainstream appeal of these types of styles, they are quickly becoming mainstream favorites and influencing many fashion gurus to promote these styles as fashions that will one day be considered “mainstream”. In fact, many fashion gurus are even comparing today’s styles to the early years of popular fashion styles such as the 80’s hair metal era. There are even fashion gurus that are calling current styles edgier and “nuru”.
Another major influence on women’s fashion trends is the clothing lines of designers such as Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Don Ed Hardy, and Calvin Klein. These fashion industries are recognized for their high quality, stylish designs. Christian Dior and Gaultier are well known for creating high end women’s clothing lines, but they also produce extremely affordable, high quality clothing for more everyday women. Jean Paul Gaultier is widely recognized as one of the world’s top fashion designers and has established multiple fashion lines for women, teenagers, and children. He has also designed for numerous other industries including automobiles, fragrances, and even fashion magazines.
The baby boomer generation is also playing a large role in the growth of women’s fashion interests. More baby boomers are discovering that they can still look stylish and sexy, without spending a fortune. They have learned that you do not have to spend a lot of money to look great. Boomers tend to like clothes that look well made and that are affordable. They also like to buy products that are comfortable, practical, yet original. Many boomers have discovered that they do not have to break the bank to purchase fashionable clothes.
The fashion industry is not changing, even though it seems that it might at times. Young people are flocking to this exciting fashion-oriented field, while establishing fashionistas are looking to get back in the game. As long as there are women out there wearing the latest styles, fashion will never stop evolving.
