Fashion's association with frivolity stems in part from its disconnect with practicality. Beyond being just a barrier from harsh weather elements, clothing is often used to signal our gender identity, profession, mood, culture, or tribal identity. And for much of recorded history, fashion has also been used to suppress: corsets, for example, have been one of the most enduring forms of subjugation (in certain forms, anyway).
That isn't to say that things like high heels, as tortuous as some can be, have no place in modern society (because I would never voluntarily give mine up). But there have been palpable, seismic movements in fashion toward "comfort," bringing us entertaining concepts like suitjamas, dress pant yoga pants, and snockers (or sock sneakers).
That isn't to say that things like high heels, as tortuous as some can be, have no place in modern society (because I would never voluntarily give mine up). But there have been palpable, seismic movements in fashion toward "comfort," bringing us entertaining concepts like suitjamas, dress pant yoga pants, and snockers (or sock sneakers).

