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What is fashion? One could say fashion is entirely related to a superficial approach to clothing, based on it's aesthetic beauty and not functionality. Others would argue that fashion is a means of expression, one that makes an individual stand out in a crowd, and sets a non-verbal tone that dictates the individuals place within society. More importantly it effects how people perceive and interact with one another. Unlike a bear, a rabbit, a snake, or a lion, we must shield our bodies from natural elements thus the necessity of clothing. Unlike the mentioned animals, whom lack the option of choosing what they wear, we as humans have that choice. Financially, not everyone has always had the same amount of "choices", in how they want to present themselves to society. For example, in the past a person whom is financially barely getting by, cannot exude luxury since realistically they cannot afford to do so. Luckily in today’s world, what defines luxury clothing is really subjective. Stars like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have set a trend of wearing clothes, that look like Salvation Army rejects, and yet their millionaires! With the fluff of the past, from the Victorian Era till the 1960's chic, fashion at the moment does not need to be about abundance, it could be, but it doesn’t have to be. Minimalism can be seen from the trend of wearing "wife beaters" instead of a blouse or shirt, and the trend of leggings has as well minimilized any use for pants for many. Even a good pair of sunglasses can replace a girls need for heavy eye makeup and hair styling since for whatever divine reason a pair of shades does make a world of difference. Given the fact that many of these items are not expensive, then in effect it is a deconstruction of social classes based on appearances at least, thus bringing people of different social rank together whom would have never had the opportunity to mix with one another in times, past since the fashions then made it perfectly clear whether one was rich or poor.

There are many who see fashion as a complete waste in the world. The idea, that with all the worlds problems, from famine, disease, poverty, and natural disasters, that anyone should make a buck, or even worse devote time to the study of fashion seems ludicrous. Although granted if one were to list the most important facets of human life that require attention - fashion would not be up there. If however, we look at human contribution to the world, then it is in the creativity of the human mind, to create and explore that has been mans kind greatest contribution to the world. Fashion is the one of the few things that sets us apart from animals. Both animal and man eat food, kill, steal, create homes, beavers can even create damps! And yet only humans, within the animal kingdoms diverse creatures, can say it chooses to change their own appearance, not for necessity like camouflage, but born out of creative expression.

Although Fashion can be a means of expressing individualism, ironically enough it can act as a vessel for conformity. There are many individuals whom for whatever reason either consciously or unconsciously choose to blend into the crowd. For those with conscious motives, this can be a way to be hip. The "tights" trend of 2007 gave way to a new generation of girls, whom had never worn tights, and after seeing certain celebrities wear them, such as Lindsay Lohan, it became the "it" item. It may seem these people whose style are dependent on others, are powerless in the decision making process of their own "fashion", since it is dictated to them, not organically born out of them. However, these individuals chose to act this way, so at the end of the day in some sense they are still choosing their idea of fashion. For the subconscious conformists, what those individuals wear can sometimes show you things about the said individual that even they don’t know. I once had a friend, who clothes were well past their expiration date, clothes that had been bought while he was in High School, and being that he was well into his college years it was obvious something was wrong. The few clothes he had bought within that time gap, were always very bland, jeans and t-shirts mostly. With time he came to the conclusion with the help of a counselor, that he had several disorders, once of which was social phobia and the other was Low Self Esteem. With time and with the counseling he suddenly became more assertive and content with himself. This was especially seen in his clothes. Like a Disney movie, he came out of the woodworks a new person, not fearing standing out in the crowd, he finally dared to wear something such as an orange shirt, which may attract attention, but not fearing the attention of others any more, made it OK. Low Self Esteem is another reason for lack of fashion, mostly because the individual doesn’t feel as if he/she is worthy of anyone’s attention, and even if they wanted someone’s attention, they believe there not worthy of getting it, so they figure why should they bother with it. My friend (whom is not me! - this is not one of those "my friend.." stories), with his new outlook on life and more importantly himself, has learned that there is nothing wrong with taking care of ones self. Regardless of what your looks are, your financial situation, or your upbringing taking pride in your appearance is a natural human response. It is comical how my said friend needed a professional counselor to make him realize of his two problems, when his fashion was saying them all along.

To conclude, fashion to some may seem trivial, but to me it represents so much more. Every piece of clothing, has some life to it, has a way of brightening up your day, and is a part of history. How many people save their children’s baby clothes, their wedding dress, their prom dress, their prom suit, or fashion mistakes of the past. People do this because of the sentimental value invested in these items, but also because these clothes represent time, place, and even family. In Scotland, Scottish families have specific designs for scarves and kilts that represent that particular family. Thus, through clothing they're passing down generations of tradition and fashion. Fashion is a human phenomenon. All over the world, through out the seven continents, excavations have recovered clothing of the people of ancient times, and have shown that even they had their own sense of fashion. Egyptian fashions, such as the "cat eyeliner" style, Greek sandals with straps and even Ancient Roman toga dresses have survived till present time, by doing so these fashions have served as a link for us to the past. If fashion wasn’t part of our human psyche, then why would people through the globe, through thousands of years, of various descents, come up with the idea of fashion, and feel the need to rely on clothes as a way of expression and individualization? Electricity wasn't always around, and yet fashion seems to have been. The people of the future might consider electricity a thing of the past, but I'd confidently bet toga dresses and sandals will still be around.