So.  To continue our Fashion Forecast for next year, the longer hemlines we discussed earlier fit into what we see as a larger change, something that’s no so much a specific, measurable trend as a general shift in the overall aesthetic. 
   
    We mentioned that we’ve noticed a certain primness in some of the more influential collections,  as many designers seem to be moving away from the fun frocks and the embellishment-larded pieces of seasons past. 
Instead, we’re seeing the resurgence of a look that we like to call Granny Chic (for lack of a better term). 
More longish skirts and more blouses.  Bigger jackets.  Belted waists.  Small floral prints and plaids, and the occasional ruffle. 
   
    In other words, we seem to be heading toward the sartorial version of comfort food, which, given the economic and political uncertainties we’re all facing, makes perfect sense. 

Which is why Marc Jacob’s much-lauded Spring ‘09 collection‘s frontier/prairie references [don’t you just love the Miss Gulch hats?] couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time, even though the entire collection was in the can long before things started to really unravel this fall. 
But, think about it:  when global events become this shaky,  what could be more appealing than the gritty, make-do self-reliance of the American frontier? 

    Not surprisingly, in times of serious hunkering down, fashion has historically tended to sober up along with everything else.
 
   
   
   
The drapey, waistless short frocks of the Roaring 20’s

   
   
   
   
...gave way to the longer, waist-belted skirts and substantial jackets of the depression-era 30’s.

   
   
   
   
    And the mod,  waistless minis of the late 60’s

   
   
   
....gave way to the midi-skirts and blouses of the recession-plagued 70’s.

   
   
    Sweet mini-florals, gathered sleeves, and ruffles also seem to have more appeal in downtimes than the bold geometric prints of more prosperous preceding eras;  we saw plenty in the 30’s

[Well, not personally, of course, but we’ve watched enough old Fred Astaire movies to get the gist]

   
   
    and again in the 70’s and early 80’s
   
[we saw those versions from our strollers, of course].

    Given all that, we wouldn’t be surprised if some of the Young & Trendy, who aren’t going to remember it from the first time ‘round, started to adopt some elements of the western/prairie look popularized by Ralph Lauren back then,

   
   
    or Kiera Knightly’s English Lady dresses in Atonement:

   
    Especially when they discover that buttoned-up doesn’t necessarily mean frumpy. 
   
    For instance,  this demure little smock blouse/wrap skirt ensemble looks anything but in Helmut Newton’s photo for the May 1975 issue of Vogue:

    And we’ve always loved the way Faye Dunaway rocked the blouse/skirt/boots in Eyes Of Laura Mars:

    Of course, as we usually point out when making these kinds of predictions,  this move toward a more long, covered-up look is all down-the-road speculation; we’re certainly not suggesting that anyone should run out and buy a prairie dress or take down all their skirt hems this very minute.
  We just want you to keep in mind that history tends to repeat itself,  so you might want to, you know,  plan accordingly.

    Speaking of the 30’s, you’ll have to excuse us now; we’ve got to go set the TIVO for TCM’s 4:30AM broadcast of Topper and Topper Returns.  (A screwball comedy is a welcome escape during any depression, don’t you think?)