A Google search doesn't yield too much (though I did come across this little gem from American Public Radio:  "if things get tough, people will lose their jobs and need interview clothes"). Neither does a flick through the FT's fashion pages. So instead I turned to Vogue, the March installement of which has just hit stands.

Somewhat off-putting is its record-breaking number of ads (282 in total). But, you know, never judge a mag by its ad count - and in fact this particular glossy had some valuable lessons on offer.  Don't believe me? Here's what we learned:

1. In times of hardship, make your own clothes.
Yeah, that's right. Not since world War Two have we seen such levels of industry from Conde Nast. But sure enough, there it is: on page 86, Henry Holland's guide to tie-dying. Fun.

2. Recycled cover stars are a safe bet.
How do we know? Because this march we've got Kate Moss - again. Rumours that she's on a retainer have yet to be confirmed, but readers should note that talk of a three-for-the-price-of-one deal is defamatory and almost certainly untrue.

3. Full skirts are a good place to store supplies
...though nothing low-GI. "The star shape of the season" apparently. Especially when really long, like the one Alexa Chung wears on p255

4. Say no to frills
And to zip-buckle combination. It's one or the other. That's what Tomas Maier says anyway, on page 336. It's just like the railway children: "Jam or butter darlings, not both."

5. Get rid of the competition
Damn those teenagers! Too thin, too trendy, too frickin' expensive. We agree with Grace Timothy: they should be grounded.

So there you go. Recession chic? Pourquoi pas?