6 Functions of Dress

Environmental Protection

To protect oneself against environmental factors such as rain, wind, cold, and heat.

Burberry Coat

What says "Protect me from the elements" better than Burberry?

Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21-year-old Thomas Burberry, a former draper's apprentice, opened his own store in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. By 1870, Burberry had established itself by focusing on the development of outdoors attire. In 1880, Burberry invented gabardine, a hardwearing, water-resistant yet breathable fabric, in which the yarn is waterproofed before weaving. The Gabardine was patented in 1888. Burberry was and is the one of the leading producers of outerwear. 

Decoration

An addition that makes something more attractive or ornate.

Vivienne Leigh as Cleopatra

Decoration as fashion has been around as long as humans have been dressing themselves.

Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of body adornment, in fact,  recently found are 100,000 year-old beads made from Nassarius shells are thought to be the oldest known jewelry. 

The first signs of jewelry came from the Homo sapiens in Africa. Perforated beads made from snail shells have been found dating to 75,000 years ago at Blombos Cave.

Jewelry in Egypt began to symbolize power and religious power in the community. Although it was worn by wealthy Egyptians in life, it was also worn by them in death, with jewelry commonly placed among their tombs.

Gender Differentiation

The degree or amount by which men and women differ.

"Men in Skirts" by Jean Paul Gaultier

Gaultier set out to transgress the moral/social code and redefine masculinity.

We still haven't seen business men showing up their Monday morning meetings wearing these yet.

Throughout the history of Western dress, women have frequently borrowed elements of men’s clothing. Examples of men appropriating women’s dress, however, are rare. Today, while women enjoy most of the advantages of a man’s wardrobe, men enjoy few of the advantages of a woman’s wardrobe.

Group Membership

An assemblage of persons or objects gathered or located together for the same cause.

University of Utah football fans

Painting your clothing on is required in this group.

A fan, aficionado, or supporter is someone who has an intense, occasionally overwhelming liking and enthusiasm for a sporting club, person, group of persons, company, product, activity, work of art, idea, or trend. In a few cases, individual fans may become so fascinated with the objects of their infatuation that they become obsessive.

 And, the Bandwagon effect, invented by David Luder, is the observation that people often do and believe things because many other people do and believe the same things. The effect is often called herd instinct.

Lions Fans

Decorations and Beverages are also required.

Ceremonial

Dress used for a ceremony or ritual.

Oscar De La Renta Bridal Gown

White dress, bouquet, and veil required for this ceremony.

A wedding dress or wedding gown is clothing worn by a bride during a wedding ceremony. Color, style and ceremonial importance of the gown can depend on the religion and culture of the wedding participants. Over the centuries, brides continued to dress in a manner befitting their social status—always in the height of fashion, with the richest, boldest materials money could buy. White did not become a popular option until 1840, after the marriage of Queen Victoria to Albert of Saxe-Coburg. Victoria had worn a white gown for the event so as to incorporate some lace she owned. The official wedding portrait photograph was widely published, and many other brides opted for a similar dress in honor of the Queen's choice.

Sexual Enhancement

Clothing to enhance the sexual appeal of the wearer.

Victoria's Secret "Miracle Bra"

Who doesn't welcome a "miracle"?

The world's most glamorous lingerie is not all this brand is known for. Victoria's Secret has become synonymous with being sexy.