Does fashion influence society or do the expectations of society at any given time have an impact on fashion choices for women? It’s a question that has been asked for years, without a clearly defined answer. This is mainly because there is no clear answer one way or the other. Here’s a look at both sides of the issue.

Women’s Fashion Dictates Trends

In today’s world, it is easy to argue that top fashion designers push certain trends that dominate each season. Yet, there are always unexpected trends that the top fashion don’t see coming. Case in point: the revival of bell bottoms in the early 2000s. This was a trend that appeared to come about from a desire to embrace a once popular and later mocked fashion choice. Regardless of its origins, designers were soon creating new pieces embracing the wide bottom characteristic of bell bottoms. A similar 70s revival emerged in the spring of 2011. The only difference this time is that the look was referred to as flared jeans, not bell bottoms. Another example is the fluctuating hemline. Logic would dictate that hemlines would simply keep going up, but hemlines have moved both up and down over the years. Given these examples, it appears that the widely accepted fashion choices made by women directly relates to the trends embraced by society – or at least the fashion world.

Society Dictates Fashion Trends

It’s easy to argue that the “thin is in” mentality has ruled the fashion industry for years, but the “real women” in society – i.e. those not a size 4 – have managed to successfully push for an embrace of more realistic sizes. The plus-size market, once ignored by mainstream fashion, is now a very lucrative market. Those on the skeptical side can make an argument that the search for a new market during tough economic times forced the embrace of this trend. Another example is the eco-fashion trend now being embraced by many well-known designers. Society has been embracing the environmental trend for many years now. Observers note that it was only a matter of time before the trend shifted to the clothes we buy. This is a clear example of society expecting clothing that is more environmentally-friendly and the fashion industry embracing this trend. Clearly, the general prevailing attitude in society can have a big influence on fashion trends for women.

Perception Dictating Trends

Once relegated to discount stores, comfortable fashion is trend long embraced by women. In the 50s, it was unusual for a woman to wear a pair of jeans. Today, jeans are designed specifically for women. This is an example of how society expectations dictated fashion for women. At one time, jeans were seen as a preferred choice for men because they needed a tough material for work. It just wasn’t ladylike to wear jeans. Even when this general attitude began to fade, it took extensive marketing campaigns to shift the trend. Similarly, it was once unheard of to advertise female undergarments. Today, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is an annual television event. In the 50s, it was generally accepted that women should wear dresses all the time – even while cleaning the house. Although this wasn’t realistic, it was the perception at the time. Conversely, in the 60s and 70s there was shift towards comfort over a prim and proper appearance at all times. Following these examples, an argument can be made that accepted standards and perceptions play a major role in what is considered acceptable.

Cultural Influences

Lifestyle and trends are strongly influenced by social-cultural changes. This includes everything from what is considered “acceptable” by the most people in society at any given time and pop cultural influences. This is true for all segments of the fashion market, including women’s fashion. In pop culture, everybody from Marilyn Monroe and Madonna to Britney Spears and Oprah Winfrey have had some influence on the way women dress. Society expectations, just like fashion trends for women, have changed dramatically over the years. Sometimes, it is pop culture that has an influence on society and other times it’s the other way around. Regardless of the order, cultural influences will always have an influence on what fashions are in vogue.

As you can see, there is no clear answer. The acceptable standards in society will always be evolving and changing. At the same time, those with a true passion for fashion – from designers to the average shopper – will also have a say in the trends that dominate fashion choices for women. Society still dictates what is acceptable in certain situations such as what you wear at work and what you wear to the club on the Saturday night. It’s not going to be exclusively one or the other. Regardless of where you land on the issue, it can be agreed that women have more fashion choices than ever.

About the author:

Becky Harris blogs for U-Pack moving companies who is dedicated to helping people move forward!