The whispers of a recession are echoing everywhere. Financial news outlets caution the economy is “on the brink”—and the warning signs may go beyond red numbers and Wall Street panic. Some argue the recession indicators are strutting down runways and roaming city streets during fashion week. The resurgence of late 2000s and early 2010s style may not just be a blip in the fashion cycle—but a telltale sign of an economic slump.
Predicting the economy is a big ask for a Balenciaga Le City Bag or peplum top, but trends and themes that gained traction during the 2008 recession are creeping back into the mainstream.
Take the rise of business casual during the Great Recession (ask any millennial), both at the office and at the club—think blazers, pencil skirts, etc. It wasn’t an accident or random style choice either—when wallets are tight, investing in a versatile wardrobe is far more practical than separate looks for work and play.
Sound familiar? Enter the “office siren” or Officecore. Beyond practicality, there’s psychology: Looking like the ideal employee—even to the point of romanticizing the workplace—makes sense during economic turbulence or a tough job market, especially for 9-to-5ers and LinkedIn warriors. Stella McCartney even described her autumn/winter 2025 collection as curated for “laptop to lap dance”—proving the work-hard, play-hard mindset is definitely back on the catwalk.
Another hallmark of the Great Recession’s stylebook: quiet luxury. Born from tighter budgets and mass appeal, flaunting logos was a big no-no—instead, it was all about leaning toward polished and understated ’fits that left people wondering, “Is that Quince or The Row?” Now, that minimal aesthetic is seeing a mod revival from streets to social feeds, thanks in no small part to influencers like Sofia Richie Grainge.
Other so-called “indicators” like the hemline index—the theory that skirt lengths rise when the economy prospers and drop during dips—are less clear-cut. (Case in point: last summer’s white maxiskirt craze, though miniskirts and microshorts are still holding their ground.)
Perhaps these shifts in style don’t map directly onto the Dow Jones, but they reveal insight into what we choose to invest in during uncertain times. And let’s be honest: Shopping trending purses is far more fun than tracking financial forecasts.
Reacquaint yourself with the square scarf, the accessory seen everywhere—rivaling “it” shoes and bags at fashion weeks and becoming the new shorthand for style fluency, even. It’s a tale (er, style) as old as time: Bandanas and scarfs were sported by Old Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn circa the ’50s and ’60s, and their versatility lives on today—with styling ranging from “la dolce vita” to “yeehaw.” Here’s how to wear the cult buy and where to find it locally.
Summer is right around the corner and temps are already rising—so, naturally, you’re also gonna wanna turn up the heat when it comes to your wardrobe. Whether you’re sticking around the City of Oaks this season, headed to the beach or gallivanting around the globe, these are the staples you should stock in your closet, according to local fashionistas. Alexa, play “Burnin’ Up” by the Jonas Brothers.
Maxi Dress • You can’t go wrong with a flowy maxi dress—period. “Throw it on and dress it up for a special event, or down with a pair of sandals,” suggests Charlotte’s owner Stephanie Sneeden. To boot, maxis are having a moment and abound in almost any color, pattern or style. NTM the accessory ops are endless—from jewelry (the more layers the better) to hats (go straw for major beach vibes) to shoes (sneakers, heels or flip-flops—oh, my!).
Cuffed Denim • It’s still cuffing season (*wink, wink*). Uniquities Marketing Director Carly Romano says the trend is going to be, well, hot this season thanks to its flattering silhouette—think high waist and wide-leg cut. Plus, it’s a staple that can be worn for both casual and fancy occasions. Short girlies rejoice!
Summer Heel • A sweet summer heel easily takes you from day to night, maintains Monkee’s of Raleigh Business Administration & Accounts Manager Johnna Dodd. Opt for one you’d actually want to wear all day—neutral toned and with just a slight heel that won’t destroy your foot by hour four. Bonus points for texture!
Fab ’fit ideas for the fashionable fundie undie runner
Have a case of the runs? For the 14th year running, kindhearted people around the country are dropping their drawers for Cupid’s Undie Run and jogging toward finding a cure for neurofibromatosis (a group of genetic conditions that lead to tumors growing on the body’s nerves) via supporting the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Starting at Durham’s Motorco Music Hall Feb. 17, participants can pregame with drinks and dancing before a mile-ish jog, then finish off the festivities with a dance party post-run.
Ready to (mostly) strip down in solidarity and support the cause? Here, your fun run outfit inspo—no side stitches allowed. See ya streakin’ across the start line? my.cupids.org
Heart Boxers Need a de-brief? Don some boxers covered in hearts—or another fun design!—to spread the joy. … We really love to see it!
Footie PJs Don’t sleep on this one. … Put your best foot forward—if you’re brave enough to get active in a onesie—and get joggin’ in a pair of jammies!
Knee Socks Fun socks 🤝 elite ’fit. Pick a pair of high-rise knee socks with a fun design to #slay your fun run. A sock star, indeed!
Tutus Stay *tutu* cool via a colorful skirt that will no doubt effortlessly elevate your stylish—and sweaty?—aesthetic.
Heart-Shaped Sunglasses Rose-colored lenses? We raise you a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses. Finish line’s so bright, you gotta wear shades.
Named Rachel Ellen Stevens—with her design process found on Insta as Style by Stevens—the burgeoning fashion enterprise features clothing that mixes up classic silhouettes, plus displays fab ’fits ranging from soft and sweet to wild and funky (check out the caterpillar-inspired ensemble Tamron wore on the show). To wit, Stevens notes much of her inspiration comes from her imagination and nature, two aspects extremely apparent in her creations—think handsewn roses and cloud-themed dresses.
“I pull from my life and different experiences,” she shares. “I really enjoy nature. I live in the outskirts of Raleigh in this cute little neighborhood with a lot of forests around. … The collection I made this summer was inspired by the whimsical charms of the neighborhood with birds, roses, ferns and little plants around.”
The 26-year-old fashionista first began dabbling in the design world as a child making outfits for her stuffed animals and sketching out various styles. After pursuing apparel design and merchandising studies at Appalachian State University—and following a brief hiatus due to pain from hours bent over her work in the studio (occupational hazard)—Stevens now spends much of her time perfecting her detailed *lewks* from her home base in the City of Oaks.
Up next, find the talented young designer introducing her new romanticized collection anticipated to hit the runways in the spring— with a multidimensional couture collection also in the works. … How clothes-minded! @stylebystevens
