You’ve probably heard it by now: a recession is inevitable. People pinpointed it by noticing how the style of certain influencers, celebrities, and the 1% of this world has started to shift. It is said fashion follows politics, so the way people dress is a signal for what’s to come. But how exactly have all of these people spotted the recession in fashion? Here is a list of clear indicators, or better said, recession-proof staples that are making a comeback!
1. Midi Skirts Doing It All
Satin, pleated, pencil. There are so many ways to go about midi skirts. They are stylish because they can fit in a variety of ways, which makes them desirable when money turns tight. Affordable on their own, you can even add your own variations free of cost since they are so styleable! Boots in winter, sneakers in spring, yet the midi skirts stay.
2. Ballet Flats
You read that right, ballet flats are back. They are the bridge between comfort and classiness. Why have one when you can have them both? Ballet flats are to be worn with dresses, skirts, jeans, or pants alike. Celebrities have already started ditching high heels and impractical, uncomfortable shoes for a ribbon-glued ballet flat.
3. Tote Bags, Yes
Micro bags are a thing of the past; the 2010s may be filled with them, from Met Galas to red carpets, people flaunted them to showcase wealth. Well, no longer. Now tote bags are in vogue. They are useful and durable, often made from leather and canvas or even recycled materials! This makes them the perfect fashion statement to be coming back this year.
4. Back to Basics
People are already labeling others as “beige moms” or “monochrome fanatics.” But they do have a good point. These colors are perennially chic. Earth tones, whites, and blacks are way too easy to be matched and mixed, reducing the need to shop in excess for accessories or fitting pieces. Neutral colors can rarely, if ever, go wrong.
5. Faux Leather Jackets
It was time. All the durability but none of the cruelty, faux leather jackets are the eternally cool pieces that might be missing from people’s wardrobes. Sleek leather silhouettes are re-emerging everywhere; try not to waste too much time getting one. They’re number one favorites in regard to layering pieces, as noted by multiple magazines.
6. The Little Black Dress
Princess Diana did it first. This is the ultimate essential for fashion lovers. The little black dress always makes its appearance known in times of crisis, and really, you can never go wrong with it. From interviews to dates to events, it’s to be used anywhere and everywhere at your discretion. Over the years, designers seem to keep tweaking it, but the message stays the same. This is the dress above all other dresses.
7. Trench Coats? Timeless
TV series nowadays are full of them. But fun fact, trench coats were originally made for soldiers! Over time, they evolved into a fashion statement, resurfacing every decade. 2025 is no different, with most trench coats being beige, navy, or even bold-colored when set out to complete an outfit. Because that is precisely what they do, they pull the outfit together no matter what.
8. Denim Done Right
Denim is here. It was everywhere in the 80s, yet as we advanced into the 2000s, people seemed to have lost interest in straight-leg classics or mom jeans. That is, until recent years. Now they’re fully back, often centerpieces to outfits influencers and celebrities present as casual, even romantic looks to don at times. See, they’re sturdy and can be paired with virtually anything; hence, denim pieces are favored during recessions.
9. White Button-Downs
Versatility is the keyword of today. White button-downs not only befriend any other pieces, but they’re also crisp, clean, and offer your outfit one more reason for people to turn their heads your way. White shirts are frequently worn in office settings or made casual with jeans, or they’re layered under sweaters as seen on TikTok nowadays. Nevertheless, one thing is certain: they never run out of style.
10. Cable Knit Cardigans
It’s a worldwide phenomenon! Grandma’s cardigan just got cool again. These chunky pieces work wonders with layers, cozy for wintertime, or just when it’s a bit chilly outside and that leather skirt fails to find a perfect partner for your outfit to come together.
11. Slip Dresses
They might have begun as just lingerie, but they’ve now earned the status of wardrobe staples. These slip dresses are earning points due to their flattering and wearable nature in all seasons. When people think of slip dresses, they think of two things: economical and stylish.
12. Flannel Shirts
There is nothing easier to thrift than a flannel shirt. They’re comfortable and warm while not ditching the fashionable part of your outfit. Thanks to “quiet luxury” and lumberjack-chic aesthetics, they are back on track. Bonus points for being gender-neutral and layers with anything.
13. High-Neck Sweaters
Adding on to our list of versatile clothing pieces, a high-neck sweater is both practical and elegant. It never fails to keep us warm while making its debut back on the runway. In neutral shades and ribbed styles, this wardrobe staple is adaptable to so many occasions that it would be foolish not to get it today.
14. Crewneck Sweatshirts
This is a go-to item. They’re cozy and budget-friendly, but the best part of all? They’re endless when it comes to restyling. As confirmed so far, casual wear and athleisure have become the dominant trends. Skirts, jeans, collared shirts? Crewneck sweatshirts work with everything.
15. A-Line Skirts
These were making waves in the 50s and 60s. They’re feminine and flattering, but it is the A-line skirt’s classic silhouette that works wonders in both casual and formal looks. This further reinforces our belief that they will always be in style.
16. Sensible Shoes
Sensible shoes include a wide variety, really. From retro sneakers, to Chelsea boots, chunky loafers, and more. All of which are comfortable for everyday wear, but are built to last. In the face of these options, the delicate heels are losing ground, and fast. Very few influencers and celebrities seem to promote impractical shoes anymore.
17. Midi-Length Coatigans
This is the hybrid between a coat and a cardigan. A “coatigan” combines the benefits of being both lightweight and warm. These longline knits work in all seasons and are excellent for layering, which is a recession-proof staple that perfectly fits in.
18. Classic V-neck Sweaters
Simplicity rarely looked this good. Classic V-neck sweaters are ready to reclaim their position as a wardrobe hero. They’re easily paired with midi skirts, jeans, or collared shirts, making it so whenever you wish to go out, a V-neck sweater has your back.
19. A Lasting Fashion Is A Winning Fashion
Ultimately, investing in versatile, high-quality clothing is the best approach. You don’t need many; you only need a strategy to approach timeless looks that remain unaffected, no matter what happens in the world. These staples prove that practicality complements fashion!
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