Although fashion can contribute in aiding an individual with good mental health, the immense pressure for young people to stay up to date can be jarring. Nowadays fast fashion has allowed customers to frequently keep up with the newest trends at a cheaper price. However, with the constant changes there is pressure for young people to continue buying. Social psychology informs that humans are social beings, and most of their actions are influenced by the beliefs and actions of others. Aronson et al. (2019) investigate reasons why men and women chose to conform. First, people conform due to informational social influence, a phenomenon where one trusts other people’s interpretation of confusing situations when deciding on the correct course of action. In this case, images of what is considered appealing are displayed both physically and virtually.
Social conformity is the tendency to conform to the norms and expectations of a group. This can be seen in many different areas of life, including fashion. Fashion trends are often set by a small group of people, such as fashion designers, celebrities, and social media influencers. These trends are then adopted by the wider population, often through a process of social conformity.
There are many reasons why people conform to fashion trends. One reason is that people want to be accepted by their peers. They may feel that if they dress in the latest fashions, they will be more popular and well-liked. Another reason is that people want to feel confident and stylish. They may believe that wearing the latest fashions will make them look and feel their best.
Of course, not everyone conforms to fashion trends. Some people prefer to dress in their own unique style, regardless of what is popular. However, social conformity is a powerful force, and it can be difficult to resist.
There are a number of factors that can influence the degree to which people conform to fashion trends. One factor is the age of the individual. Younger people are more likely to conform to fashion trends than older people. This is because younger people are more concerned with fitting in and being accepted by their peers.
Another factor that can influence conformity is the social environment. People who live in urban areas are more likely to conform to fashion trends than people who live in rural areas. This is because urban areas are more exposed to new trends and ideas.
Finally, the personality of the individual can also influence conformity. People who are more outgoing and social are more likely to conform to fashion trends than people who are more introverted and shy.
The impact of social conformity on fashion trends is significant. Fashion trends can change rapidly, and this is often due to the influence of social conformity. When a new fashion trend emerges, it can quickly spread through a population, as people conform to the new norm. This can have a major impact on the fashion industry, as businesses need to keep up with the latest trends in order to stay competitive.
However, social conformity can also have a negative impact on fashion trends. When people conform to fashion trends, they may lose their individuality and sense of style. They may also feel pressure to spend money on clothes and accessories that they do not really want or need.
Overall, social conformity is a complex phenomenon that can have both positive and negative effects on fashion trends. It is important to be aware of the factors that influence conformity, so that you can make informed choices about your own fashion style.
Here are some additional thoughts on social conformity as it applies to fashion trends:
- Social conformity can be a powerful force, but it is not always a bad thing. In some cases, it can help people feel more confident and stylish. However, it is important to be aware of the potential negative effects of conformity, such as losing your individuality and feeling pressure to spend money on things you do not really want.
- There are a number of things you can do to resist social conformity in fashion. You can develop your own unique style, focus on what makes you feel confident, and avoid following trends blindly.
- It is also important to be aware of the impact of social media on fashion trends. Social media can make it seem like everyone is following the same trends, but this is not always the case. There are many people who choose to dress in their own unique style, regardless of what is popular.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to conform to fashion trends is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, it is important to be aware of the factors that influence conformity so that you can make informed choices about your own fashion style.
