The Trend 

Oversized blazers, trousers, clothing in suede—what whispers “quiet elegance” to some screams “we are devolving as a modern society” to others. Individuals are confident in voicing their differing fashion opinions, but most recognize one critical point: conservative fashion is on the rise.

This rise in conservative fashion isn’t a widely debated topic—most recognize it.

“Instead of fashion trends exemplifying resistance and nonconformity,” stated the Fordham Political Review, “they are showing a lean toward conservatism and conformity.”

Walking in stores, you may notice the “clothes that once pushed boundaries now seem to be embracing a more modest look”, commented the Cornell Daily Sun. Skirts that started at mid-thigh now linger around mid-calf to ankles. Ripped jeans are viewed as “trashy.” Crop tops resemble baggy t-shirts more than anything.

The hot topic of debate on social media is centered around this trend’s origin, and questions are arising: what could this reflect for our future? Are we socially devolving or evolving?

What appears to be a superficial trend could redefine expectations for women, leading to stigmas that promote exclusion and suppression, rather than empowerment and self-expression.

A Historical Precedent

Historically, fashion has been an indication of social changes. The Roaring Twenties exemplified this idea. Marked by flappers and “scandalous” fashion, the decade displayed a definitive decrease in skirt length. The skirts eventually led to women’s knees being exposed—how scandalous!

In 1929, the stock market crashed, and “almost overnight, women’s fashion changed to a longer, more conservative style” stated the Oakland Post. Decades later, in the 60s, an economic boom coupled with the sexual revolution pioneered a youthful and risqué style.

This supports a theory that focuses on a correlation between skirt lengths and the stock market, referred to as the “hemline index”. The hemline index is usually credited to George Taylor, Wharton economist, who is thought to have observed a link between hemlines and the economic state.

This was later found to be slightly true; researchers at Erasmus University Rotterdam found a delayed link with hemlines and the economy. Essentially, when the economy is stronger, fashion is bold and skirts can be shorter. A weaker and failing economy brings out conservative fashion ideals and longer skirts.

Explanations Falling Short

While it is true that economic distress tends to shift fashion toward practicality and modesty, this does not seem to be the case in our modern society. Fashion’s lean into conservatism results in trends such as “old money” and “quiet elegance”. Both indicate luxury, not economic ruin.

If the economy—a historically critical factor in fashion—isn’t responsible for this shift towards modesty and conservatism in fashion, then what is?

Dangers and a Possibly Larger Social Indication

Perhaps this shift into conservative fashion is a result of a larger shift back to traditional femininity, with a recent focus on vintage clothing, prairie-style designs, and pastel colors. With “tradwife” influencers, “I’m just a girl”, and “girl dinner”, social media is mitigating the proliferation of possibly damaging trends.

“Women seem to be drawn to the aesthetic appeal of traditional femininity and domesticity,” commented the Waubonsee Weekly. “All of this is oftentimes accomplice by the woman doing homemaker duties such as cooking or cleaning the house alone, or even verbally expressing how their responsibilities stem from their voluntary submission to their husband”.

Some trends poke fun at all things “girly”, while others, as the New University describes, put “women in a box, dehumanizing them into a misogynistic stereotype and glorifying their lack of agency over their choices and actions.”

Modesty in the fashion world is not an inherently negative trend. For individuals that choose to dress modestly, this turn towards conservative fashion could be an opportunity for inclusion. For example, many Muslim consumers are seeing more opportunities to expand their closet in a modest way.

Despite the market for modest clothing and footwear being set to reach $428 billion by 2027, Muslim women are not effectively welcomed by these changes. A UK study into Muslim women’s opinions indicated that “86% felt ‘ignored’ by high street fashion brands”. This indicates the ideals that fuel this turn toward modesty are not inclusive; they are exclusive and possibly demeaning.

Empowering the Future 

We live in a country rich and diverse in fashion, cultures, and beliefs. With such a broad spectrum of styles, it’s important that every person has a space to express themselves through fashion. No one should be judged for their clothing choices, but it’s critical to recognize the perpetuation of ideals behind certain fashion trends.

When social media creates confining boxes for women, we speak up. Mount Saint Joseph Academy fosters an environment that empowers women to be educated and willful. “On the education of women largely depends the future of society”, the mission of the Mount asserts. We are the future, and we must be vocal in advocating for the succeeding future.