Shoppers Pick Out The New 'Recession Core' Clothes In Stores That Suggest We’re Headed Into Hard Times
Fashion is a great predictor of financial prosperity.
VGstockstudio | Shutterstock The trend of "recession core" fashion has been gaining attention, with stores reflecting a more practical but minimalist approach that hints at tough economic times ahead. In these stores, shoppers have noticed items that emphasize durability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness, all while maintaining a style that reflects hard labor instead of high fashion chic.
The look combines elements of utilitarianism, thriftiness, and even nostalgia for past eras when people had to make do with fewer resources.
Shoppers pointed out the new' recession core' clothes in an Old Navy, suggesting we're headed into hard times.
A shopper named Zoe and her friend visited an Old Navy to showcase the recession core styles that the company is currently pushing. These included "bland beige farmer shirts" for men and "potato sack dresses" for women, reminiscent of wartime clothes or, as she put it, the new "District 12 frock," a reference to the dystopian book "The Hunger Games."
"It doesn't need washing that often," said Zoe in the video. With pants that make you think of a "sailor" or "Rosie the Riveter." While all in good fun, Zoe and her friend might not be that far off from thinking that a recession is on the way.
Style trends can often offer a glimpse at the political and economic climate.
Most people shop without thinking of fashion or style as being one of the signs of a looming recession, but when minimalist and utility-inspired fashion trends gain popularity, then you know something's afoot. People gravitate toward clothing that is affordable and durable when on a budget, investing in items that can be worn in many different contexts. Basically, colors and frills take a back seat to shades of brown and tan with no distinguishing flare.
In response, brands capitalize on this shift by promoting styles that emphasize simplicity and functionality. These clothes are more neutral, durable, and budget-friendly, making them perfect for times when consumers are more price-conscious.
In the '20s, economist George Taylor came up with the concept of the "hemline index" to reflect this exact notion. According to Taylor, the shorter the skirt, the more booming the economy. The short dresses of the flappers were a sign of economic abundance, whereas the longer skirts of the '40s in drab colors were directly linked to the Great Depression.
Stellar Magazine elaborated on the hemline index, writing, "We see this theory reflected in the industry to this day, with more people dressing more modestly — think longer skirts, maxi/midi-length dresses, and long sleeves. People are also leaning into the idea of ‘basics,’ a staple in every woman’s closet, as plainer clothing won’t go out of style and lasts the consumer longer. Since the country is in economic decline, the average shopper cannot afford to hop on every micro-trend that comes by."
The most obvious sign of recession is if the GDP growth starts slowing down or even contracting.
The contraction of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is often used as a key indicator of a recession because it reflects the overall health and performance of a country's economy. When GDP contracts, it means that economic activity is shrinking, which can lead to a number of negative consequences that are typically associated with a recession. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's GDPNow model estimates a contraction of 2.8% for the first quarter of 2025; as of April 2025, that number has increased to 3.7%.
Another sign is in significant stock market volatility or a prolonged decline in stock prices, which can often reflect investor concern about the economy. A major drop in stock values, particularly in sectors like tech or consumer goods, could indicate that investors expect a downturn in economic activity. A negative GDP growth rate over a prolonged period suggests that the economy is experiencing a downturn significant enough to qualify as a recession.
Companies that focus on discount or affordable lines often see an increase in sales, while high-end brands may struggle, reflecting a change in consumer spending habits. Additionally, a move toward more minimalist styles can indicate a desire to reduce unnecessary spending. By observing these shifts in the fashion industry, one can gauge broader economic conditions and anticipate the arrival of a recession.
Sylvia Ojeda is an author with a decade of experience writing novels and screenplays. She covers self-help, relationships, culture, and human interest topics.
