The Recession Indicator Edit

When the economy tightens its belt, fashion sends signals in the form of longer hemlines, muted palettes, corporate core crawling from desk to disco. Economists analyzing data from 1921 to 2009 found hemlines shift following the economy by about three to four years and poor times mean hemlines creep toward the floor. Meanwhile the lipstick index, a term coined in 2001 by Estée Lauder chairman Leonard Lauder refers to when lipstick sales across all brands went up after the 2001 attacks when people needed affordable dopamine hits because buying houses are out of the question.

With increasing layoffs and rising expenses, the trend has gravitated towards sharp, polished business wear that wave competence and stability. This explains the corporate-inspired business styles on the runways throughout Fashion Week as well as the business attire that we wear out to dinner with friends on an average Thursday night. Options include longer hemlines, a neutral color scheme, and everyone's giving "employed and wishes to stay that way".

Here's your guide to GDP-snitch trends.