TikTok Is Making the Recession an Aesthetic — Here's How to Shop It

Gen Z and millennials have received the unwanted privilege of growing up in many fear-inducing eras, from a worldwide pandemic to an exhausting presidential election. While these moments in time have been nothing short of traumatizing, TikTok has always found a way to ensure we cope with some ease. The latest current event that the beloved app is trivializing for our sanity? The impending recession. Although it hasn't been officially declared yet, the ever-increasing price of eggs and obsession with sardines are obvious signs of it. And of course, TikTok has revived yet another trend to dictate our purchases amidst the chaos: "recession core."

What Is the "Recession Core" Trend?

Recession core is exactly what it says it is — an aesthetic wholeheartedly dedicated to the recession. Due to inflation, consumers are gravitating to more affordable picks when shopping (because shopping is always a good idea no matter what's going on, right?). While this may seem new, this isn't our country's first rodeo with a recession. Anyone remember 2008? Homes were facing foreclosure left and right, and the job market was bizarre.

More than a decade later, our current society is faced with similar issues, but shoppers have found new ways to navigate this crisis. Think: versatile clothing trends like jorts and all-purpose beauty products, like the TikTok-approved bronzer blush from Naked Sundays. Celebrities such as the Jenner sisters have even surprisingly embraced cost-effective products — Kylie used a $6 brow gel in her makeup routine, and Kendall sported a $2 tank top at an NBA game. Whether you're influenced by the stars or want to curb your spending habits, keep scrolling to shop our curated edit of recession core finds you won't regret purchasing.

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