In fashion, an accessory is an item used to contribute, in a secondary manner, to an individual's outfit. Accessories are often chosen to complete an outfit and complement the wearer's look.[1] They have the capacity to further express an individual's identity and personality. Accessories come in different shapes, sizes, hues, etc. The term came into use in the 16th century[2]
Types
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Watches are one type of fashion accessory.Fashion accessories can be loosely categorized into two general areas: carried accessories and worn accessories. Carried accessories include purses and handbags, hand fans, parasols and umbrellas, wallets, canes, and ceremonial swords. Worn accessories include cravats, ties, hats, bonnets, belts and suspenders, gloves, muffs, necklaces, bracelets, watches,[a] eyewear, sashes, shawls, scarves, lanyards, socks, pins, piercings, rings, stockings and hair ties.[1]
Shoes, boots, sneakers, and all types or footwear are not accessories but 'wear for the foot'. The type of accessory that an individual chooses to wear or carry to complement their outfit can be determined by several factors, including the specific context of where the individual is going. For example, if an individual is going to work their choice of accessory would differ from someone who is going out to drinks or dinner; thus depending on work or play different accessories would be chosen. Similarly, an individual's economical status, religious and cultural background would also be a contributing factor.[4]
History
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Advertisement for millinery, embroideries, and fancy goods from the Macon City Directory, 1860In Victorian fashion accessories such as fans, parasols and gloves held significance for how women experienced gender, race, and class. In this era, there was a trend for women to adopt, or aspire to, a more leisurely lifestyle. Consequently, gloves were often used by women to cover their hands and mask any signs of labour.[5]
During the early 16th century, in Italy hat badges were worn by civilian men of higher social status as a decorative item, in imitation of the cap badges worn by the invading military. Hat badges were often worn in conjunction with a decorative sword and hilt. Hat badges were fashioned after plaquettes and often depicted a scene with personal relevance to the wearer.[6]
See also
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Notes
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"Many watch manufacturers have capitalized on the acceptance of the watch as a fashion accessory and have entered into licensing agreements with designers."
References
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This life cycle has 5 stages, so as long as a trend does not end during the introduction stage, it is considered fashion. This cycle is important for retailers but equally as important for consumers, as it indicates when something is losing popularity and thus is going out of fashion. An example would be seeing that the once-popular item is now in the clearance section.
Fashion is semi-permanent art, which is what I love about it. When I say semi-permanent, I mean that it’s easy to make it whatever you want it to be. I love that I can create any sort of persona that I want depending on my mood, where I’m going, or what I want to say that day. Unlike a finished sculpture, I’m able to easily change up my outfit or even the way that each piece looks if I choose to (using a sewing machine and sewing supplies or some of my mediocre DIY skills). Not only can I handpick the pieces I want, but I can create them myself or change up the look of ones I already have by altering them or adding extra details like buttons, ribbons, patches or other details to make them my own.
I see fashion as a tool and I utilize it by investigating new trends. Fashion is influenced by real-world events and news, so it’s one way I stay up-to-date with the things that are happening around me. I follow runway trends, fashion blogs, and am constantly browsing my favorite fashion retailer’s websites and window shopping so that I can see firsthand what’s hot or not. Brands in the 21st century realize that being socially aware is imperative to their survival. So when inclusiveness in sizing or making silhouettes that don’t place people in a box between one gender to another became evident, proactive companies quickly began taking action in order to get to a solution that would suit our current needs. Many companies are offering size ranges that are much more inclusive than they were even 5 years ago and they’re also coming out with lines and collections that are androgynous. Another huge economic shift in fashion for companies is creating things in more sustainable ways so that fashion can continue to prosper without it being at the expense of our environment. Fashion is important because it changes with me and it changes with the world.
On a larger scale, fashion is important because it represents our history and helps to tell the story of the world. Clothes began as a necessity but they gained their power early on when certain groups wore specific styles, making them popular. An early example: Levi jeans were worn among miners because the copper rivets used at points of stress within the jeans expand the lifespan of the jeans, making them a favorite among the blue-collar worker. Levi’s saw an opportunity and quickly created a solution and even after more than 150 years, they still remain an iconic denim brand.
Fashion trends vary at least slightly from place to place so different styles are more suitable for different climates and areas. Clothes help to keep people ready for whatever they may face in life but fashion keeps up with the current crazes and changes that we all face so that we’re ready for whatever life throws our way.
Fashion can also be a part of people’s culture. It helps people to show what they stand for and can even aid in honoring their faith and values such as turbans, hijabs, and other accessories that symbolize people’s way of life. Fashion is there to keep that honor and also to provide a bit of expression if someone chooses to do so.
From a designing perspective, fashion gives you complete control in delivering any message that you desire. Fashion is more than a hobby or interest, for some, it’s a way of life (much like it is for me). It’s one of the surest forms of expression and you get to choose how you use it and what you want to do with it.
Fashion is everywhere and you get to decide your fashion tastes and destiny. So go shopping for new clothes, used ones, or fabric, and get to creating the you that you want to be today.
Thank you so much for stopping by to give this article a read; I hope you found it informative.
Now I’m curious, what does fashion mean for you and why do you think it’s important? Drop your comments below, I can’t wait to read them!