Recession Vogue. Yum.

Fashion aficionados and economists alike once judged the length of women's skirts to determine the outlook of the stock market. It was believed that the shorter the skirt, the higher the consumer confidence.

However, in 2009, the Skirt Length Theory proves obsolete, as designers have opted out of lowering hemlines in return for throwback pieces inspired by the era of The States' last great recession: the 1980's.

Channel the styles of The Reagan Recession with mini-dresses and shoulder pads while showing your consumer confidence with bold embellishments. From studded jackets and denim, to leggings adorned with a rebellious and delicate fringe, playful excess proves that your wardrobe does not have to be a sign of the times.

Visuals by Seema. Words by Johanna.