The rise of the “recessionista” will continue in 2010, predicts Brian Taylor, instructor of clothing, textiles and interior design at The University of Alabama.
Recessionistas are able to stick to a strict budget while dressing stylishly; a feat not easily accomplished by their counterparts of high-priced apparel, the recently named fashionistas.
Looking sleek and tailored while saving a few pennies will be the biggest concern of the fashion-forward consumer next year. Both retailers and shoppers will look for more affordable options as they move away from frumpy, high waists in favor of a more form-flattering look.
“I think a lot of women realized that the empire waist, the very high waist, made them look pregnant all the time, so expect to see that look go away,” says Taylor. “Instead, everything, including men’s clothing, will have a more polished, tailored appearance with sharp angles at the shoulders and more architectural lines.”
Taylor predicts shoppers will have more luck in achieving the tailored look, as mass retailers like Macy’s and J.C. Penney court European designers and retailers to create private labels for their stores. Big-box retailers, like Target, are also signing deals with designers in the U.S. and abroad to offer shoppers designer fashion.
“Big department stores want to differentiate themselves from the competition, and European designers are being dropped from former deals, so working together now makes sense to both sides.”
Fashion will not be a casualty of the economic downturn as Americans continue to look their best.
“Thankfully, buying cheap doesn’t mean sacrificing style,” says Taylor.
Source
Brian Taylor, 205/348-6020, btaylor@ches.ua.edu