By Megan Shore

Graphic Designer

hile I don't believe in the long-held theory that "hemlines rise and fall with the stock market," it does seem true that fashion designers are innately tuned to the social buzz.

Just as art and music tend to reflect and respond to the social temperature, so fashion reacts to these changes. Fashion just reacts in a more blatant and wearable way.

Think of the militaristic angles of the mid-to-late 1930s. Sharp shoulders, lower heels and the widespread use of zippers, which before had only been used in uniforms.

The hard lines of wartime were followed by post-war exuberance and reflected in the celebratory full skirts of Dior's "New Look" in the 1940s.

The 1920s and '60s were a time of liberation in fashion and also social mores. While the '20s had women's fashion hiding their feminine lines and embracing their new masculine rights, the '60s released the body and put it on full display.

Flower children's showing of skin was not just for fashion purposes, though these newly released women were echoing their liberated sexuality.

As always, though, ideas changed and both of these decades were followed by years of recession.

The economically tough '30s saw a re-emergence of curves and womanly gracefulness. Fabric was airy and limp, clinging to the body. Tough times brought forth a more down-to-earth wearable aesthetic.

Remember the space dreams of the 1950s and '80s?

Fashion responded to the futuristic outlook of these decades by creating structure and clothes tailored down to the centimeter. Suit jackets and tops of dresses were so fitted and seamed they began to take on the look of armor. Fashion hasn't always taken such a mirrored reflection, though.

While fashion can reflect great social change, it can also allow for an escape from that-not-so-peachy reflection.

Recent trends have seen uniqueness in silhouettes, an emphasis on detail, extreme hemlines and exuberant color.

With the economy and joblessness at record lows, a fashion observer might expect "street chic" or "homeless hip."

But rather we have heels that are higher than ever and hemlines that are downright censor-inducing.

As our wallets get thinner, fabrics have followed suit. Designers are using less expensive materials to bring costs down and cover a larger price spread.

Accessories are more popular than ever and fashionistas are piling them on. If one bracelet is good, then five stacked on top of each other are great. Belts, bracelets, necklaces, sunglasses and even pantyhose are getting the VIP treatment.

Every style, color, design and price point is represented, allowing even the most penny-pinching woman to pile it on.

As Simon Doonan, the creative director of Barneys department store, was quoted, "there is one certainty about recession, which is that fashionistas will buy less - by which I mean one pair of Louboutins instead of three."

So I say bring on the fashion - just make sure it is on sale.

Contact Megan Shore at megan@thepilot.com.