Trend of the Month — Recession Core

Times are hard and money is tight, but fashion stops for nothing; welcome to the era of Recession core. Think slouchy, subtle, grungey and absolutely no jewellery, let’s take a closer look.

Frances May
Fashion Police
3 min readMar 29, 2023

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Photo by Oliver Johnson on Unsplash

Define Recession Core?

Recession-core is basically what it says on the tin. A regression, moving away from affluence and back towards subtler styles. Take for example the 1920’s, when it was flappers, sparkles, and champagne then moving into the 30s it became rationed and conservative due to the outbreak of war in Europe. Basically, when times are tough the style becomes more rigid.

How does this relate to 2023?

Due to the financial struggles of now, the rich and famous are (trying) to reflect this back in their fashion choices by doing one thing, and what is that I hear you cry?! Not wearing jewellery! Yes, my friends take a good look at the last few awards seasons and you’ll see a big gaping chasm of jewellery-less Celebs. We laugh, but as a rich fabulous actress what else can you do? You’re obviously going to want to wear a beautifully crafted dress…or are you?

Enter Miss Katie Holmes, who turned up to the iheartradio Jingle Ball in none other than jeans and a kinda fashionable Cami. It was a bold move that trended, which is most probably what the actress wanted. Now to wear jeans to an event is shocking, but for 2023 frankly, it was perfect.

It was an f you to award show rules, and that’s what we should be doing while the world is crumbling. Likewise, the look is bang on the Y2K trend, and Katie looked brilliant. A complete serve, that will go down in the history books. Solidifying a complete move back to 2000s recession style, with casuals at the centrefold.

On a side note, please see my previous articles which delve into the rise of Re-selling, Statement Sheers and Cut-out tops all of which fall into the category of Recession Core.

How does Recession Core affect our personal style?

For the coming months, I wouldn’t be worrying too much about jewellery and sparkles, as affluence is being put on pause. I’m using this time to really work with the pieces I already have, rather than purchasing more garments I don’t need.

Think grungey and layering of old-school pieces, fashion now is a plethora of what we can gather together while thrifting and looking through sites like Vinted. Having a staple that you can use time and time again. Think Capsule Wardrobes, but get more creative with colours- don’t just opt for boring black and white.

How this trend will develop?

It’s going to be interesting to see the Recession Core effect as we move into the warmer months. I foresee simpler styling, take for example a short cami dress but with trainers. It’s going to be a bright mix of different colours, cuts and eras; I’m thinking pinks and yellows, oversized blazers and old-school converse. Let’s wait and see…

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Frances May
Fashion Police

I'm an experienced Trend Analyst and Freelance Actor. These are my musings on fashion and life; brought to you with humour and the odd pop culture anecdote. ..