During a recession, certain styles become ubiquitous. As I’ve pointed out in the past, inexpensive accessory sales (like those of lipstick and hosiery) go up, while the sale of logo-ridden, luxury goods tends to flatline. It turns out hemlines aren’t immune to the economic downturn either. Despite an overwhelming trend towards "less is more," hemlines are lengthening at an exponential rate.

According to the Telegraph, last winter when the recession was first taking hold, “Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren and Chanel had sunk to calf-length.” Now, more evidence can be seen in the success of Mad Men-inspired conservative skirt styles, which have infiltrated every aspect of fashion from the runway to mass-market retail. It's the same story with Victoria Beckham’s recently debuted, mid-calf-length-dominated eponymous dress collection, which has already sold out in the UK, adding fuel to the conservative hemline fire. “For the time being, overt sexiness is to be avoided,” Roberto Cavalli told the Telegraph. Coming from the man whose namesake collection is synonymous with tight-fitting silhouettes and leopard prints, this is no small sartorial retreat.