As a part of our "Essays" section,
the views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
Though we are merely three months into 2025, many would argue that it has already been an eventful year. Whether in politics, social issues, or pop culture, there always seems to be a new trend capturing public attention.
One trend that has particularly caught my eye is the resurgence of "recession core," or a concept that links economic downturns to shifts in fashion, beauty standards, and even music.
The idea suggests that economic conditions influence popular aesthetics, with certain styles re-emerging during periods of financial strain.
Much of the content surrounding “recession core” points to a resurgence in certain styles and trends that were popularized during the 2008 recession. Minimalism, muted colors, and a focus on basics and functionality seem to have dominated the fashion trends then and may be making a comeback now.
Just recently, inspired by social media, I purchased a long, white, flowy maxi skirt, thinking it would be the perfect staple for the incoming warmer weather.
To my surprise, I learned that maxi skirts have historically been indicators of economic downturns. According to Forbes, the "hemline index" suggests that when the economy thrives, hemlines rise, reflecting an atmosphere of excitement and abundance, while longer hemlines emerge during economic hardship and struggle.
Furthermore, some fashion brands are seemingly adapting to this societal switch to “recession core” aesthetics. PrettyLittleThing, a UK-based retailer iconically known for its bold, form-fitting, and brightly colored partywear, has controversially shifted toward a more subdued, workwear aesthetic, favoring neutral tones and professional silhouettes.
Beyond clothing, “recession core” seems to be influencing beauty standards as well. Some argue that the era of curvy bodies is fading, with thinness once again taking center stage.
The Kardashians, long associated with their iconic hourglass figures, have notably slimmed down, fueling speculation that body ideals are shifting. Meanwhile, the rising popularity of weight loss medications, like Ozempic, suggests a broader societal pivot towards a slimmer aesthetic.
PrettyLittleThing, for instance, once well-known for promoting plus-size models and showcasing diverse bodies on their website, has seemingly lost this priority by looking at their website.
While many attribute these trends to an economic downturn and a looming potential recession, others believe they stem from the rise of conservative values.
The political polarization of the 2020s, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, resulted in intense cultural debates. From 2021 to 2022, bold, vibrant fashion choices and body-enhancing surgeries, such as Brazilian Butt Lifts, reached peak popularity, reflecting a period of self-expression, defiance, and what some may call “wokeness.”
Now, in 2025, however, the pendulum of trends seems to be swinging in the opposite direction, favoring traditional and understated beauty ideals, almost in retaliation. Though this article does not suggest that a recession is inevitable, it does raise important questions about the relationship between economic trends and societal expectations, especially for women.
I think the evolution of beauty standards in response to financial and political climates can tell us a lot about the roles women are expected to play in society and help us understand how external forces shape these roles.
Ultimately, whether these emerging trends are positive or negative is subjective. The more pressing question is why these shifts happen in the first place — and what they reveal about our culture at large.
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