Fashion is a term used to describe the styles, designs, and trends in clothes. It is also a social phenomenon that varies according to age, social class, occupation, and geography. Fashion changes continuously, often referencing styles from previous eras. However, it is largely driven by new design and aesthetic innovations, as well as by changes in social attitudes.
In addition to creating a specific style, fashion designers must consider how garments will be worn and if they will suit the individual wearing them. Garments are judged by their color, texture, and silhouette as well as by their quality, fit, and finish. Fashion is also about balance; a perfect blend of colors, fabric textures, and body shapes makes for a great look.
The earliest record of continual change in clothing styles dates to the Middle Ages. This period saw the rise of a range of different styles, from tight and revealing to loose and flowing. This era also saw the rise of a number of new materials, such as cotton and wool.