This piece is an opinion and does not reflect the views of The Eagle and its staff. All opinions are edited for grammar, style, and argument structure; they are the writer’s own.
Fashion is often viewed as an individual expression, a canvas on which we paint our personalities. However, just like Andy in “The Devil Wears Prada,” many of us fail to recognize the extent to which external forces—particularly the economy—shape our wardrobes. Our choices are not merely driven by personal tastes; rather, they are influenced by the pressing currents of societal change.
Fashion serves as a mirror, reflecting our social realities, political climates, and economic conditions. Recent trends, such as the resurgence of minimalist and nostalgic styles, are undeniably intertwined with feelings of economic uncertainty and social anxiety. These aesthetic transitions often predict the mood of society, revealing how what we wear speaks volumes about our current circumstances. The evolution of my personal wardrobe has been a microcosm of this larger trend—simple jeans have replaced the graphic tees I once favored, aligning with a broader quest for longevity and sustainability over ostentation.
During the quarantine of 2020, fashion took an unexpected turn. People, particularly women, began dressing with exuberance, embracing textures, patterns, and color as a form of expression during a period of isolation. Five years later, the pendulum has swung back, and the eclecticism has given way to monochromatic palettes and the notion of “clean girl” aesthetics. This shift from vibrant self-expression to polished simplicity has made style feel impersonal and uniform for many women, evoking nostalgia for more expressive times.
This transformation isn’t happening in isolation; it reflects a broader cultural shift reminiscent of past economic crises, such as the 2008 stock market crash. That recession marked a significant moment in our economic history, dragging many households down with it. Fashion budgets shrank, leading consumers to prioritize functionality and affordability. Thrift stores and DIY projects gained newfound importance as fashion became less about trends and more about multipurpose garments.
Trends are not random; they are responses to cultural sentiments. We’ve navigated ebbs and flows—baggy clothing, bright patterns, and are now gradually returning to structured styles reminiscent of more prosperous eras. As runway collections influence everyday fashion, the role models and celebrities we admire have a profound impact on what we choose to wear. For instance, Yves Saint Laurent’s “office siren” collection introduced muted tones and professional silhouettes, reinforcing the notion that work and career ambitions have re-entered our social consciousness.
Moreover, fast fashion brands are not oblivious to these changes. Titles like Pretty Little Thing are rebranding to reflect more conservative styles, featuring business casual pieces in neutral shades. This rise of minimalism signals a demand for comfort and flexibility over the bold and unique. High necklines and longer hemlines dominate, a sartorial nod to the economic realities of our time, with an emphasis on well-tailored silhouettes.
Refined aesthetics are becoming the new norm, as many women now opt for business casual attire regardless of their work-from-home status. Designers like Stella McCartney are redefining boundaries by creating versatile collections that seamlessly transition from professional settings to social gatherings, embodying the changing expectations of women today.
The concept of the “hemline index” illustrates this relationship even further. Introduced in the 1920s, this hypothesis suggests that the length of women’s skirts corresponds to the state of the economy—shorter skirts in good economic times, longer skirts during downturns. Currently, as midi and maxi lengths dominate this summer’s collections, the influence of economic sentiment on fashion becomes increasingly clear.
We witness this trend across the retail spectrum, from high-end labels to accessible brands like H&M and Zara, each adapting to a landscape that values modesty and professionalism. Online fast fashion platforms, including Boohoo, echo the sentiments of more traditional brands, providing options laden with classic pieces that address the current preference for modesty.
Miranda Priestly’s memorable quip about the intricate connection between fashion and the economy remains profoundly relevant. It urges us to realize that even the simplest style choices are steeped in deeper meanings shaped by external forces. Fashion, as it turns out, is not merely a matter of personal expression, but a rich, intricate web that mirrors broader societal dynamics.
Being attuned to the interconnectedness of fashion and economics enhances our awareness as consumers. It encourages us to be intentional in our clothing choices and mindful of the cultural narratives they perpetuate. The clothes we wear communicate our relation to the world, and by choosing wisely, we can support sustainable practices and challenge mindless consumerism. Awareness, then, becomes our most powerful tool in navigating both fashion and society.
Francis Gist is a recent graduate from the School of International Studies.
This article was edited by Quinn Volpe, Alana Parker, and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Sabine Kanter-Huchting, Emma Brown, and Ariana Kavoossi.