It has been said that the economy’s influence is not just monetary.  When the economy is down, boy bands and pop music drop off the airways, making room for Green Day and Audioslave’s moodier tunes.  In the theatre, heroic action flicks and powerful patriotic dramas take over the screen, shelving romantic comedies and feel good family films for lighter times.  As we are currently up to our eyeballs in recession, it is only fitting that the catwalk has become a history lesson as designer after designer sent models down the runway with hair, makeup, and clothing very reminiscent of the 1930s – the years of the great depression. 

Spring 2009 is exciting because the depression-chic trend is one that every woman can participate in regardless of personal style or stature.  Unlike past trends like skinny jeans, (that only worked well for tall and slender six foot modelesque women) and boho-chic (which was great for everyone that didn’t hold a corporate job therefore nixing their chance of wearing fringed sandals and peasant skirts to the office) depression chic is flexible, adaptable, and above all – classic.  So, how does a girl rock the hottest looks for spring 2009?

Start by thinking about your legs.  Women of the 30s wore plenty of skirts and dresses; casual wear bared the leg from just below the knee and down.  Before you rush out for a long skirt, assess your body type.  Most women look great with a skirt that hits just above or below the knee but if you are on the shorter side, your skirt should hit above the knee so you don’t look stumpy.  Trend or not, make sure your skirt flatters your body.  The classic pencil skirt – which should be one of your investment pieces/wardrobe staple – is necessary for this trend.  If your personal style requires a bit more jazz, a full circle skirt works too, as long as you nip it in at the waist with a large belt. 

Push your t-shirts and hoodies to the back of the closet. They are out.  Light, airy, simple blouses with a nice detail like a ruffle or a bit of sheer are in.  Choose tops fitted to show off the body, not hide it under billowing layers of fabric.  If you are a fan of cropped pants, you are in luck, as they also create the depression-chic silhouette (and look stunning with a thin ballet flat).

A trend is never just limited to the clothing.  Makeup, hair, and accessories are required to complete the look.  Depression-chic hair is, in a word, romantic.  Hair tumbles over the shoulders in bouncy waves or is pulled back neatly into an elegant low ponytail or chignon.  Keep the hair soft and pretty, not severe and flat-ironed straight.  The face becomes more natural looking with full brows and a hint of blush to give you that starlet glow.  Eye shadow is used to bring out the eyes, not to add color to the face and of course, mascara is necessary.  Long, dreamy eyelashes were a 1930s staple!  The mouth is matte with red lipstick á la Gwen Stefani or with a nude shade.  Avoid pinks, and purples. 

Shoes and handbags afford the modern 1930s woman an opportunity for personal expression.  The accessories of yesteryear were basic and designed to go with every outfit.  Today, however, the choices are endless.  The only musts are, (a) wear a stiletto heel or a ballet flat – no sneakers and no clunky or kitten heels, and (b) carry a clutch or a purse with a top handle – no long shoulder straps. 

How does one wear the hottest looks of spring 2009?  Crisp, clean lines, a bit of romance, a sensuous mouth on a natural looking face, and a delicately clad foot will ensure that you look every inch a lady and like the women of the real depression era.  Money woes can’t get you down when you step out looking so fine gentlemen open doors for you and tip their hats as you walk down the street…well, maybe in perfect (and very nostalgic) world! Money woes aside, the recession then and the recession now is just a bit easier to bear as women all over North America step out of their houses looking so classic and beautiful.