It may not seem like it, but our multi-billion dollar fashion industry plays a pivotal role in today’s society not only by producing the clothes we wear, creating jobs, and showing creativity, but also by increasing self-confidence in women (and men) all around the world. Because of my particular interest in fashion, I can’t help but be bothered when I come across articles discussing the “irrelevance” of the fashion industry. As a result, I did some research to find the top five reasons people believe fashion is irrelevant, and here is why they're wrong.

Reason #1: Fashion is a blindly-followed industry.
There are always going to be people who blindly follow trends and people who do not have their own style but simply copy others. Still, this is not the case for everyone. So many people look to the fashion industry as an influence and create their own personal style from there. This is why it is important to not only have a fashion sense, but to have style as well. And this is what the fashion industry teaches us, if we listen. We are all independent and all have different styles- we need to dress how we want to dress.

Reason #2: Fashion exploits women and is a form of anti-feminism.
People seem to believe that when a model shows her skin, she becomes less a woman. Yet, her job is to model clothing, and she is simply doing her job. There will always be photo shoots that bring women down, just as there will always be photo shoots that bring men down. We cannot change that. What we can change is what we choose to focus on. There are countless photo shoots that empower women, and that is what we should direct our attention to.

Reason #3: Fashion takes no skill.
For all the people saying anyone can do it, we have all seen many people who- let’s face it- simply cannot “do it”. And nothing is wrong with that! It’s okay! We are not supposed to be good at everything, and that is why everyone has different careers and professions. Still, if you think working in the fashion industry is an easy job, you have obviously never tried.

Reason #4: Fashion is a waste of money.
Fashion is a way for people to express themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin. It makes it easier for people to love themselves and love their bodies, which can be pretty hard at times. I believe when it comes down to self-confidence, cost should not be a factor.

Reason #5: Fashion is only for the wealthy.
You can be fashionable in an old t-shirt from Goodwill just as easily as you can be fashionable in a Burberry trench coat. It is all about your style and the confidence you add to it. The fashion industry would not exist without confidence. Fashion is all about being comfortable with yourself, and expressing your own style.