Why do people follow fashion trends? - Teaching English with Oxford (2024)

Why do people follow fashion trends? - Teaching English with Oxford (1)As part of our series of posts exploring a “question-centered” teaching approach, we asked Rebecca Arnold, author of Fashion: A Very Short Introduction, to give us her thoughts on the above question, featured in the new course Q Skills for Success.

Hello, I’m Rebecca, and I’m a London-based fashion historian. I spend a lot of time thinking and writing about why people follow fashions, and it seems to be a contradictory mix of impulses and emotions.

Desire and anxiety are at the heart of this. We’re drawn to the new and novel, to things that provide a feeling of change, and, perhaps, progress. We also want to belong – to be part of something recognizable – and there is no more obvious way to demonstrate this than through your clothes. A new outfit that fits with what magazines and advertisem*nts are promoting can be really pleasurable to buy and wear. It can give you a new identity, even if it’s only for one night.

The flip side of these desires is anxiety – about not fitting in, not being up-to-date, and being an outsider. The international fashion industry plays on these negative feelings, to make people feel they must keep up with new trends and keep shopping.

But do you view trend following differently according to the goods being bought? Do you judge someone who has bought the latest Louis Vuitton handbag in the same way as someone who has bought an iPad?

Find out how you can use questions like “Why do people follow fashion trends?” in class.

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Dr Rebecca Arnold is Oak Foundation Lecturer in the History of Dress and Textiles at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, UK. She is the author of Fashion: A Very Short Introduction (OUP).

Why do people follow fashion trends? - Teaching English with Oxford (2)

Why do people follow fashion trends? - Teaching English with Oxford (2024)

FAQs

Why do people follow fashion trends? ›

Conforming to particular trends may be linked to success, wealth, or social standing in some circles. Some individuals may think that by imitating the behaviours, way of life, or attire of others in positions of power, they might improve their own social status.

Why are trends important in fashion? ›

Trends act as a link between fashion brands and their customers. It is important for fashion manufactures to stay updated with the latest trends, so that they can understand their customers' preferences or needs and are willing to adapt with their customers evolving tastes.

How have fashion trends impacted society? ›

Fashion empowers individuals to communicate their cultural identity and heritage to the world. Fashion shapes social identity. Specific clothes worn can signal affiliations, beliefs and social status. Subcultures, like punk or hip-hop, have been defined and united by their unique fashion aesthetics.

Why do people care about trends? ›

Positive Response in the Brain

In psychologist Jonah Berger's words – “Arousal is an aversive state, so people want to get out of it by sharing.” As long as following trends is concerned, it triggers a positive response in the brain.

Why do people conform to fashion trends? ›

The societal pressures perpetuated by social media have the power to influence individuals to conform to trends even if it might not align with their personal style.

Why do we need to follow trends? ›

If You Follow Trends, It Will Help You to Make Better Forecasting. Forecasting is an everyday job for each entrepreneur. If you understand trends, the prediction will be better and easier for you. Your life as an entrepreneur will be much simpler when you can see and predict the future.

Why is fashion so important nowadays? ›

Not only is it a fun way to experiment with different styles, shapes, and colors, but it also allows us to express our unique identities without having to say a word. The clothing we wear has the ability to influence how we feel about ourselves and can create a positive domino effect in other areas of our lives.

What are the benefits of fashion trends? ›

One of the main pros of following fashion trends is that it can make you feel stylish and fashionable. Keeping up with the latest styles can give you a sense of confidence and self-expression. You can also be part of the conversation and express your individuality and personality with the clothing you wear.

Why are trends important in society? ›

Trends are important—they're a documentation of progress and experimentation, and allow us to connect with people in this very moment. Could you imagine looking back into a trendless history? You wouldn't be able to because there would be no visible progress.

What are the three main influences on fashion trends? ›

There are three key influences on fashion: cultural, social, and personal. Cultural influences on fashion come from the things people see and experience in their everyday lives.

What influences fashion trends today? ›

Globalization has led to a melting pot of cultural influences in fashion, with designers drawing inspiration from diverse traditions, aesthetics, and craftsmanship from around the world. This cultural fusion results in eclectic and vibrant styles that celebrate diversity and inclusivity.

How do trends impact people? ›

Similar to scarcity, trends can create an emotional pull to buy. Participating in the latest and greatest trends can promise us happiness, create a sense of nostalgia, or enhance our lifestyle – at least, that's how we feel. People want to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Why do people follow trends in fashion? ›

One of the primary reasons people follow trends is the need for acceptance. Human beings are social creatures, and being part of a group gives us a sense of belonging and validation. When we see others adopting a trend, we are inclined to join in to feel accepted and connected.

Why is it important to know the trend? ›

Trend analysis can improve your business by helping you identify areas with your organisation that are doing well, as well as areas that are not doing well. In this way it provides valuable evidence to help inform better decision making around your longer-term strategy as well as ways to futureproof your business.

What do trends tell us? ›

A trend is the overall direction of a market or an asset's price. In technical analysis, trends are identified by trendlines or price action that highlight when the price is making higher swing highs and higher swing lows for an uptrend, or lower swing lows and lower swing highs for a downtrend.

Why do people blindly follow trends? ›

The bandwagon effect describes people's tendency to adopt certain beliefs, behaviors, or attitudes merely because many others are doing so. In other words, people may feel pressure to conform to the opinions or actions of a group, regardless of whether those opinions or actions are rational or based on evidence.

How do trends influence people? ›

Similar to scarcity, trends can create an emotional pull to buy. Participating in the latest and greatest trends can promise us happiness, create a sense of nostalgia, or enhance our lifestyle – at least, that's how we feel. People want to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance.

What is the cause of fashion trends? ›

Fashion trends are influenced by several factors, including cinema, celebrities, climate, creative explorations, innovations, designs, political, economic, social, and technological. Examining these factors is called a PEST analysis.

Why do people follow fashion influencers? ›

Style Inspiration: Fashion bloggers often provide inspiration for their followers on how to put together outfits and accessorize in a creative and stylish way. They may introduce new trends or give fresh twists on classic looks. Authenticity: Many people appreciate the genuine and relatable nature of fashion bloggers.

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