Brand Names...What's the Point?

Okay, I am a bohemian, a hippie, a strange girl, whatever you want to call me. I have always been amazed at how much money people will drop to get an item with a brand name on it, specifically Louis Vutton (sorry if I spelled that wrong), D&B, Ambercrombie and Fitch, Hollister...etc. When you have to pay over a hundred dollars for a pair of jeans that you can find somewhere else for MUCH cheaper, what's the point? Society doesn't say that you HAVE to wear it to be fashion forward or that you won't be cool if you don't, but that's how people see it. I ask this also because trends come in and out so quickly and dropping that much cash for an item that is just going to be dead in a couple months anyways seems foolish. Is it fear o nonacceptance or a constant factor of wanting to look good that drives people to do this?
thanks

I don't see the point. My mom makes fun of me because I love Goodwill. They have amazing, retro clothes for cheap.

U know what I never thought about it, but r exactly right. If we would just buy what we want instead of what brand name it is we would be better off and getting a better deal for our money.

People get brand names for many reasons. Some people may wear them to show that they have money or something. some do to show effort to their loved ones. Some people wear them to fit in. And some people wear it to fit in. I personally wear that typa stuff, but i wear it because it makes me feel more confident. Even though i wear it, it doesnt really mean that i am spending TOO much money, if i really want something nice, i will save up, and buy something i like. Then i wont shop for like a month, and i would shop again after saving up a few times.