Fashion is a mode of expression, reflecting and driving cultural changes. The industry is multi-billion and employs millions of people globally. It is a form of identification and tradition: judges wear robes, soldiers wear uniforms, brides wear white dresses. It can also be a tool of propaganda: for example, Hitler used clothing to segregate his followers by class and race. It can also be a form of rebellion: for example, teenage girls rioted in the 1960s wearing protest clothing against the Vietnam War. It can also be a way of social inclusion: the AIDS ribbon was adopted as a symbol by some fashion brands to promote awareness and support.
Trends are influenced by the media, with magazines, blogs, and online videos all playing a role in sharing information about new styles. The extremely short turnaround time between when a look is seen on the runway or in celebrity media and when it hits stores means that trends can spread very quickly.
Some people try to keep up with the ever-changing trends by shopping frequently, but this can cause a lot of waste and can make things feel disjointed. One way to avoid this is to work with a Personal Stylist to identify what you want your image to say and how that translates into your style choices.
There are many ways to research fashion, from visiting museums and galleries to sitting in cafes and observing your fellow patrons (in a non-creepy way, of course). You can also find inspiration on the internet through websites like Pinterest or follow the blogs of designers that you admire.