T-SHIRT: ELLA MOSS 3/4 SLEEVE V-NECK, $52. A basic V-neck can be found anywhere. Clothes courtesyVanilla Urban Threads in Bend.

The adage is this: Hemlines fall during recessions.

The Roaring ’20s short, flapper hemline dropped right along with the Great Depression in the 1930s. The miniskirts of the 1960s turned into maxi dresses and long peasant skirts during the oil crisis and recession of the 1970s.

In today’s fashion world, it’s not easy to pinpoint recession-fueled changes in the way women dress, though many agree a conservative vibe is in the air.

“What we do see changing — it may not be the hemline — it may be looking for garments that have a tendency to be classic,” said Jill Ouellette, chair of the fashion marketing program at Northwood University in Michigan.

She also said women want “clothes that can be worn with more things, can be layered, can be worn for multiple seasons, not just one.”

Basics come first

April Lawyer, who owns Vanilla Urban Threads in Bend, agrees.

“What I’m really seeing is that people are becoming more conscious,” Lawyer said. “They’re not so frivolous. The basics come first, like a good pair of jeans that fit great.”

She says people are definitely more cost-conscious.

“I’m seeing customers that would never even think about looking at a sale rack, people that would never look at a price tag, but now they’re shopping the sale section.”

Lawyer says in addition to basic jeans, wise shoppers are looking for the perfect T-shirt and, with fall’s arrival, boots and jackets that strike a balance between fun and function.

In jackets, fitted leather — or faux leather — is in.

“We’re seeing a huge push for everybody to have that one leather jacket. It’s that kind of piece that’s smart fashion,” Lawyer said. “You can be wearing the most basic T-shirt or a flowery blouse, and it sort of makes the whole outfit.”

What’s on your feet

Anne Crays, vice president of merchandising for shoebuy.com, says shoes are trending toward the conservative.

“People are tending to move toward more conservative styles, more versatile shoes,” Crays said. She says while price is important, quality is key for people looking to make their purchases last.

“They need to withstand multiple seasons and a lot of mileage. Day after day, if they’re walking to interviews, they’re going to want flats.”

For fall and winter, she projects shoes in traditional styles and muted color palates. Crays says loafers and flat boots — like riding boots — are big. Fun details like studs, rivets, tailoring and fringe keep the shoes and boots from becoming drab.

Classic and feminine

Ouellette says she thinks professional women, while they may be spending less overall, are trying to keep their work wardrobe up-to-date and fresh.

“I think if they have a tendency to cut back, it’s probably for the casual clothing for going out at night,” she said. “We still need to maintain a professional image.” This is especially true for those out of work, she says.

“If you’re not working, absolutely invest in interview clothes,” she said. “So what if the rest of your wardrobe doesn’t match?”

The classic clothes she sees popping up in the workplace include cardigans, argyle sweaters and touches of femininity like ruffles.

Bottom line: Excess is out, classic is in.

“We almost revert back to that late Victorian period. I’m not sure why,” Ouellette said, but “I have a feeling it’s about comfort.”

Pick key pieces

Boots: Veronica slouch boot, $328

These boots from thefrye company.com are jean- and skirt-friendly.

Jacket: MM Couture, $299

Vanilla’s April Lawyer says to look for something tailored and well fitting.

Jeans: Anlo

slim denim, $179

Lawyer says to look for quality with clean design, so you can mix and match and wear the jeans with anything.

T-shirt: Ella

Moss 3/4 sleeve V-neck, $52

A basic V-neck can be found anywhere.