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How Clothing Reflects Contemporary Society

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Submitted By brinette
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Transformation, the inevitable progress of society, whether it be positive or negative, reflects clearly through many means. Towering Renaissance architecture and Victorian Palaces, different political systems and rulers, food and language and literature, each period consists its own uniqueness. Clothing is no exception. From the toga of the Romans to the gown of Elizabethans, clothing reflects on the taste and style of the people in that particular era. It is of relatively absolute truth to acknowledge that dress is more than an object of concealment. The physical body when dressed gave intimation about the personality of its wearer and the surrounding society as well. For example, Romans royals wore purple while its citizens garb in simple garments like tunic. In Renaissance era, men and women of noble births would wear satin, velvet decorative dresses, while the peasants would only drape in cheap clothes. The disparity in apparel between noble people and poor people is a quintessence of reflection on social orders. During these periods that segregate people according to their ranks, clothing is affected by the segregation as well. However, as we move into Colonial Period, the idea of ranks begin to dissolve. Instead, clothing is more synonymous with a person’s occupation and religious affiliation. Now in our contemporary society, a society of complete freedom and equality, clothing plays more a key role in expressing personality. From the roaring twenties with flapper’s pinafores and cloche hats to the hippie’s long beaded necklace and sandals, fashion now emphasizes the wearer’s attitude. The flappers are known for their ostentatious and reckless manner, while the hippies defy social conventions and belligerent authority. Fashion in contemporary society demonstrates how human can express themselves through the means of clothing. Ladylike people might choose

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