Psychology of fashion

What is fashion?
Fashion is a reflection of social,
economical,
technological,
phenomena of any time period.
It is a style that is accepted and used
by a majority of group, no matter how
small the group is.
Style may come and go but fashion is
always present in some or other form.

Earliest Clothing
20,000 B.C.-- people developed
and wore clothes primarily for
protection from the weather and
environment.
NOW-- other needs such as
psychological and social needs.

Why People Wear Clothes

Physical Needs
Protection
safety
Psychological
Needs
Identity

Why
Clothing?

Social
Needs

Adornment

Affiliation/
fitting in

Cultural identity

standards

Why People Wear Clothes

Physical Needs: Protection &
Safety
Cold climates= heavier clothing
Hot climates= lighter clothing, hats,
sunglasses
Some professions require protective
garments, such as gloves and masks

Why People Wear Clothes

Psychological Needs: Appearance
Enhancement
Psychological needs are fulfilled
through adornment, or attractive
decoration, and self-identification.
Jewelry
Hair styles
Accessories
Tattooing
Piercing

Why People Wear Clothes

Social Needs: Affiliation &
Standards
Each decade seems to have a
representation of social
affiliation.
Hippie Look 1960-1970s
Gothic Look 1990s

Why People Wear Clothes

Society maintains certain social
standards that are represented by
clothing
Modesty, which is covering of a
persons body according to societys
code of decency, often dictates the
styles of clothing that people wear.
During the 1800s : unacceptable to
show your ankles
20th Century: skirts shorter, more skin
showing

Fashion Through the Ages

People dresses according to what
society allowed for the social classes.
Rare and expensive apparel become
a status symbol and reflective in
economic class.
Industrial revolution fostered new
inventions.
Photography was invented.
Vogue magazine was first published
in 1892

Historical Trendsetters
Famous people have always
influenced the development
and acceptance of fashion.
Elizabeth I
(Queen of England1558-1603)
Louis XIV
(King of France 1643-1715)
Marie Antoinette
(Queen of France 1775-1793)

The End