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.