Fashion is a way to express oneself by means of clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories and hairstyle. It is also a statement about ones culture, values and beliefs. Hence the reason it is so important for people to follow the latest trends. Fashion changes rapidly and is very much influenced by the media. The industry has a huge economic impact, as the products are usually expensive. The clothing and beauty industry also contribute to pollution by generating waste materials.
In semiotics, fashion is understood as a system of signs that communicate meanings to other people. The specific messages a garment conveys can be related to its style, colour or pattern. However, more importantly it is how a person wears the garment that conveys its message. For example a tailored suit communicates power, formality and professionalism but wearing ripped jeans and a t-shirt would convey youth and casualness.