The switch from pale skin to tanned skin in western countries is an interesting example.
When most labor worked outside, pale skin was in. Once labor shifted to working in factories, having the means to travel to sunny destinations and get a tan became the signifier of wealth.
Thats true for a whole ton of age-old fashion trends. Pale skin is one example, white dresses or ridiculous hoop skirts another.
The switch from pale skin to tanned skin in western countries is an interesting example.
When most labor worked outside, pale skin was in. Once labor shifted to working in factories, having the means to travel to sunny destinations and get a tan became the signifier of wealth.