Many histories of clothing give a century-by-century account of what people wore. We have a better idea ­ start with what we wear right now and trace it back to its often fascinating and entertaining beginnings.

Discover: Why shoelaces were once a political statement, how military technology influenced men's fashions, how the wristwatch changed from female jewelry to a male status symbol, why today's clothing has so many useless buttons, how button down collars were invented to help a sport, why brides wear elaborate gowns, and how the Audubon society was founded to resist a fashion craze.