For anyone of a rational disposition, fashion is often nearly impossible to fathom. Throughout many periods of history-perhaps most-it can seem as if the whole impulse of fashion has been to look maximally ridiculous. If one could be maximally uncomfortable as well, the triumph was all the greater.
Fashion can often appear bewildering to those who approach it with a rational mindset. Historically, there have been times when the prevailing trends have leaned towards styles that seem absurd or overly extravagant. This suggests a certain contradiction in human taste, where comfort and practicality take a backseat to aesthetic choices that may seem ludicrous.
Bill Bryson, in "At Home: A Short History of Private Life," captures this paradox by noting that throughout history, fashion has frequently prioritized outrageousness. Styles that maximize discomfort and ridiculousness have occasionally been celebrated, illustrating a complex relationship between societal norms, personal expression, and the desire to push boundaries in the realm of appearance.
