Throughout history, a variety of outside influences and internal
preferences have motivated women across the globe concerning their
choices in clothing. While obvious factors, such as protection and
warmth are some of the reasons why a woman puts on the attire she
chooses in the morning, clothing also serves as a powerful way to
express and communicate identity. Below you will find some of the
reasoning behind today's clothing selections and fashion pertaining to
women.
Modesty
While the concept of modesty is different for each and every place in
time, over the years it has played an important role in women's fashion.
In various parts of the world and time periods, it was frowned upon or
forbidden for a woman to show off her legs, shoulders, back, and
cleavage. While the United States no longer enforces strict social
policies on women and the clothes they wear, some cultures still uphold
the aspect of modesty in women's fashion.
For instance, Muslim cultures expect women to cover most of their body
while in public. This has created a wide-ranging market of lengthy and
concealing garments in cotton, wool, polyester, silk, rayon, and denim.
Common attire includes Hijab underscarves, long lycra gloves, abayas
(long cloak-like garments); and jilbabs (outer- and over garments
including long robes and coats).
Beauty and Seduction
One of the main reasons a woman slips into the sultry black dress for a
cocktail party or chooses a pants suit that matches her eye color is to
create an attractive appearance. Over time, the ideal of beauty has
changed within different cultures, where cleavage-bearing blouses, tight
skirts, and high hems no longer bind women's fashion. The perception of
beauty is different for all, where an increasing amount of women forego
dressing to impress others, and now choose their clothing according to
what makes them feel attractive and alluring.
Depending on the wearer, a clean black business suit with a crisp white
collared shirt is just as appealing as a full-length formal gown.
Sometimes, just the right accessories add a seductive finishing touch,
such as a pair of dangling earrings or eye-catching open-toe shoes.
Attitude and self-confidence also helps to heighten a wardrobe, which is
very beautiful and seductive in its own right.
Status
Women's clothing choices are also motivated by their status or position
within a social group, as some pieces call attention to a specific
affiliation. This is seen in the skirts worn by a college tennis team or
the elaborate robes worn by members of African tribal royalty. In the
United States, corporate executives, lawyers, and other high-income
career positions are often identified by the type of clothes worn.
Ceremonies
Various forms of women's fashion are set aside for specific ceremonies
and occasions that mark significant moments in her life. This is seen in
the common attire for weddings; the gowns of a debutante ball society;
or the quincereana evening dresses for 15-year-old Latina girls. These
dresses are often elaborate, flashy, classic, or once-in-a-lifetime
garments that hold special meaning.
Current Fashion Trends
In the United States, women often follow the latest fashion trends,
whether it is cutting their hair like a celebrity (ie. Halle Berry or
Jennifer Aniston); choosing a designer purse (ie. the patchwork Coach
bag or the Birken); or selecting clothing that matches the newest "color
of the season."
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