Consumer Mood
Many of us are slowing down to pause and consider more carefully how we spend our money on new fashion pieces. We buy just about everything now in a more considered manner. What we buy, what we wear, how and from where we buy are for many well thought over before the final considered purchase. A considered purchase was once regarded as an item that cost over £100 and consumers gave little though to spending money on purchases under that figure. The recession and the knowledge of the reality or possibility of a future restricted fixed income have created angst among those who feel threatened. Those people now take careful note of every expenditure and pride themselves on savings.
The new all embracing fashion mantra encapsulates the concepts of quality, recycling, eco awareness, handcrafting, fashion swishing/swapping and wardrobe longevity. This doesn’t mean the pieces have to be ultra classic, but it does mean that women are dressing their bodies to enhance them. Women thinking in terms of chiconomics and building personality wardrobes that show the world their individual style dictated by their own body form. It’s not just a case of buying clothes to cover the body or ape someone else its more a case of purchasing items that define your individuality and address your statement style. So fashion has slowed a little.
Clearly the recession of the last two years of the noughties set a new mood globally of more thoughtfulness. Through 2008 and 2009 the majority of consumers quietly set themselves new standards. Now designers recognise that women wish to build groups of wearable outfits that span the seasons. Those existing wardrobes with the addition or removal of a new layer can incorporate new items seamlessly and fashionably. Classic no longer means dull safe and boring, but timeless quality materials and elegant figure flattering cuts. Accessories especially shoes and chunky statement jewellery can add a modern funky touch to any understated look.