1. Theories of Clothing: Boland introduces various theories and perspectives related to clothing and fashion, such as the semiotics of dress, the social psychology of clothing, and the sociology of fashion.
2. Clothing and Identity: The book explores how clothing shapes and reflects individual and collective identities. Boland discusses the role of clothing in self-expression, social identity, and cultural identity.
3. Social Context of Dress: Boland emphasizes the social and cultural context in which clothing is worn and understood. She examines the influence of social norms, values, and expectations on fashion and clothing practices.
4. Gender, Race, and Ethnicity: The book investigates the intersections between clothing and social categories such as gender, race, and ethnicity. Boland discusses how clothing can reinforce or challenge social stereotypes and boundaries.
5. Fashion Systems: Boland provides an overview of the fashion industry, including the structure, processes, and players involved in the fashion system, from designers to manufacturers and retailers.
6. Cultural Symbolism: The book examines the symbolic meanings and associations attached to clothing items. Boland explores how clothing can convey messages and communicate cultural values and beliefs.
7. Consumption and Material Culture: Boland analyzes clothing as a part of material culture and explores how clothing consumption and fashion trends relate to broader patterns of consumption and cultural change.
8. Environmental and Ethical Issues: The book addresses the environmental impact and ethical concerns associated with fashion production and consumption, such as fast fashion and sustainability practices.
9. Visual Analysis: Boland employs visual analysis to critically examine fashion imagery, advertisements, and cultural representations of clothing. She discusses the role of visual media in shaping fashion perceptions and desires.
10. Fashion as Social Practice: Boland argues that fashion is not merely an individual or superficial pursuit, but rather a social practice deeply intertwined with broader social, cultural, and economic processes.