Back to School 2026: Fashion and Recession

Article by: Tiffany Jamero

Inside the August issue for 2026 Opinons section

I went to the mall to take my teenage cousins back-to-school shopping. If you’re a Vegas local, you know the common ground for teenage angst is Fashion Show Mall, a large-scale shopping mall with a good range of TikTok haul-approved clothing brands. 

As we were browsing racks and folded clothing displays, I noticed a theme that looked familiar. Like Raven Baxter in a vision, I was taken aback by the very 2008 vibes I was getting. I’ve heard about the late 2000’s styles coming back but it was strange actually seeing the trend come to fruition instead of it remaining online. I saw lots of henley tops, super short denim shorts, lace detailing on tank tops, and baby doll style tops. I saw a lot of the same styles, regardless of the store we walked into, whether it was Hollister, Cotton On, Aerie, or Urban Outfitters, it was clear that the style was similar to 2008, illegal war in the Middle East and all. 

It’s interesting how fashion can truly reflect the social, political, and economic climate. Culture is nothing without context. We are living in a time of political and economic uncertainty and clothes we put on our back can reflect that. When I see layered tank tops, I’m reminded of a simpler time in my life where I was playing Wii Sports while my parents faced economic turmoil and foreclosure on their home. The shopping sprees may be plentiful, full of denim, sweat sets, active wear, and cotton basics, but they were all on credit cards while gas and food prices are still skyrocketing. 

The styles that teens are chasing after right now hark back to the years they were born. The late 2000s and early 2010s and they feel familiar to them, even if not consciously familiar. Teens are feeling the uncertainty as well, so they may be feeling the push for something familiar, rather than exploring the unknown because they have already faced so much distress in their young lives. The teenagers of 2026 have known Trump as their president for most of their lives, have lived through going to school during a pandemic, and are probably still seeing economic hardship affect their parents in the same way Gen Z and Millennials saw their parents struggle in 2008. 

The trend is continuing towards comfortability and ease but more fun aspects are starting to take shape. In addition to the same trends I’ve seen in the malls year after year, I’ve also started to see more bold, fun colors and funky accessories starting to hit teen wardrobes. We can only be hopeful for the future as the political pendulum starts to swing towards Democratic Socialism and closets start to be filled with color and whimsy once again.