Good morning, everyone! It is the fourth quarter of the year and we are starting the day with clear skies, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, an inflation rate of 2.4%, and a rising stock market. I am Madison, here to give you a look at what the fashion forecast is reading as we exit a recession. Whether you are dressing for your morning commute or planning a soiree of the century, we have got all the details to keep you prepared and on trend. Let’s dive into the forecast!

I know you are probably thinking, “exiting a recession? Does she even know what she’s talking about?” And I’m here to assure you that yes, yes I do! Not only have I taken three economics classes, I also know how to do research. What you’re likely feeling is considered a “Vibecession” as wealth creation has been concentrated among homeowners and upper income brackets leaving out about one-third of the population. But as a whole, economic indicators are strong!

Vibecession: 

When a country’s economy is at odds with the public’s negative perception of it.

With status, cultural context and fashion trends shifting, we can expect a change in our dressing habits as the economy is on the rise. Some key characteristics of dressing for a growing economy are shorter hemlines, vibrant colors and patterns, tailored fits, accessorizing and being trend driven. This is because there is an increase in consumer confidence, social pressures to keep up and an array of new options. There may be a delay, waiting for public perception to catch up, but here’s where fashion’s heading as we exit the era of blazers in bars.

Designers often have their finger on the pulse before the pulse even exists. Let’s compare opening looks from Louis Vuitton Spring 2024 Ready to Wear versus Spring 2025 Ready to Wear. This year’s opening look we have legs for days and of course accessories galore. Note the shortened hemline, dramatic silhouette, vibrant pattern of the new collection juxtaposed to last year’s flowing ensemble. Perhaps it’s that 1.26% drop in inflation since last year.

Now let’s take a closer look at Miu Miu. 

Miu Miu is a brand that is fond of short hemlines and is loyal to silhouettes like the pencil skirt but even with staying true to their signature look, we can see a clear difference in the moods from Spring 2024 Ready to Wear and Spring 2025 Ready to Wear. 

I picked multiple looks to encompass the mood of the collections while also choosing aligning looks from the past season to show that intentional or not, the economic hand in trends is apparent. This season we have vibrant patterns, colors and interestingly tailored garments with eye-catching fabrics walking the runway. As opposed to last year’s muted and deep colors, with far less bold and daring choices. 

In a recession we see gender neutral styles, minimalism and avoidance of lavish looks. We saw the results of the pandemic have a lasting effect on the economy and that manifested in ways beyond employment rates and inflation, it finds a home in fashion and it historically always has. 

“At times of economic downturn, high unemployment, and an uncertain future, not only do we adopt a far more traditional and formal approach to what we wear, but we also look for that in those with whom we want to do business,” Andrew Goves, Professor of Fashion Design at the University of Westminster is quoted saying in an Oracal Time article. 

Take a look in your closet, have you fallen victim to a wardrobe fit for a recession? Perhaps you’ve even found yourself styling an oversized blazer and loafers for a night out on the town. A word of advice, don’t. It comes off far more as a child getting lost in Daddy’s work clothes than it does a fun girl with a sophisticated edge. 

And that’s your forecast for today! Keep an umbrella close, and a lavishly exciting coat on hand as the weather gets cooler. Stay safe, stay dry, stay fabulous! 

ARTICLE QUOTED!!!

https://oracleoftime.com/style-watch-are-we-due-a-preppy-style-revival/

DRAWING INSPIRATION TAKEN FROM VOGUE RUNWAY