What social, political, and economic factors influence fashion?

Fashion refers to a popular trend, especially in dressing, footwear or accessories. The following is an analysis of factors that influence fashion:

Social Influences

Music: This is an important part of the culture of any society. While different cultures have their unique forms of music, people are often able to relate to even the most foreign forms. As such music brings together the cultures of the world, allowing them a means of communication, expression, or...

Fashion refers to a popular trend, especially in dressing, footwear or accessories. The following is an analysis of factors that influence fashion:

Social Influences

Music: This is an important part of the culture of any society. While different cultures have their unique forms of music, people are often able to relate to even the most foreign forms. As such music brings together the cultures of the world, allowing them a means of communication, expression, or celebration. Many musicians also express themselves through their dressing or fashion sense, for instance, hip hop artistes such as Tupac, brought in the sagging jeans and gold chain fashion ensemble; indie music brought on the skinny jeans trend.

Occupation: Every profession has a work culture, which includes dressing code and sense of fashion. For instance, an office worker is generally expected to use minimal makeup, wear formal clothes and shoes. A farmer on the other hand would prefer to don overalls and perhaps gunny boots or other comfortable types of footwear. Factory workers have their own uniforms, and so do the police or people serving in the army or nurses and others working in the medical field.

Occasion: Every occasion has a dress code. For example, while brightly colored clothes and makeup might be appropriate at a casual party, more polished and subdued clothing might be donned for a church service. 

Political Influences

There have been many political figures that have influenced fashion trends, for instance, Jackie Kennedy epitomized simple, chic fashion, and Melania and Ivanka Trump, Michelle Obama and Theresa May (the British Prime Minister) are all present day fashion icons from the political class. Government policies can push for things like the buying of locally made items, through increased taxation of imports, or promotion of the production of items out of recycled products. Animal rights groups such as PETA, have fought against the use of animal skins and furs in the fashion industry.

Economic Influences

During times of high economic growth, consumers have more disposable income that can be spent towards fashionable clothing and accessories. However, during periods of recession, consumers tend to prioritize needs such as basic food, shelter and clothing, thereby restricting spending on fashionable items. Also, most millenials have embraced cost saving measures such as cloth/accessory renting or leasing services, especially for highly expensive designer gowns, tuxedos purses, and jewelry. Companies such as Bag Borrow or Steal and Rent the Runway make use of this concept to cater for those who wish to reduce their spending on fashionable items.