FUNCTIONS OF DRESS

Decoration:

Although all of these adornments are useful in non-verbal communication, these items that embellish this beautiful lady are purely for decoration.  They do not help her retain body temperature or protect her in any way from the environment.  It's amazing how much time people expend in just decorating themselves...  It goes to show you the power of aesthetics... 

photo courtesy of: http;//1.bp.blogspot.com/hzQHIX0Ywx4

Environmental Protection:

This little dude has to be protected from all that snow or he would obviously not be too happy. The purpose of his clothing, although still 'fashionable', is mainly to keep him warm (rather than just for adornment/decoration).  

photo courtesy of: http://farm1.static.flikr.com/36/91074975_750721b43f.jpg

Ceremonialism:

These Greek men are performing an old/beloved dance of their ancestors.  The dress is ceremonial in that these men do not wear these outfits unless they are performing.  I need to do more research to see if the clothing they are wearing was 'everyday' dress of their ancestors or if it has always been just ceremonial dress... does anybody know??

photo courtesy of: www.pages-plus.com/JPG/cl19.jpg

Sexual enhancement:

Victoria Secret... Western Society's answer to sex appeal, no??  Although heavily overlapping with 'decoration', Victoria Secret currently defines for us what is sexy in mainstream America (As well as in many nations around the globe).

photo courtesy of: www.hotelchatter.com/files/3/victorias_secret_fashion_show.jpg  

Gender Differentiation:

This ancient egyptian sculpture is of Queen Khamerernebty and her husband King Menkaura. It is very interesting to see how the stone carver was allowed to depict them as equals- being equally proud and respected -even though it's obvious one person is a man and one is a woman.  This, I have heard is because the Egyptian society at that time was not patriarchal and women were held in high esteem and were sacred.  It's also interesting that styles of dress were obviously male/female even back then... we would know who was who even if the bust was covered.

photo courtesy of: www.wikipedia.com

Group membership:

It's interesting to see that all the members of this band are wearing the same exact thing except for the size of the stripe in their tie.  I guess that's their only form of individuality in dress while playing.  I have always felt that it's a strange phenomena how groups of people dress alike... the whole 'Birds of a feather flock together' sayin...

photo courtesy of: www.jalc.org/inside/wallpapers/big_bands.jpg