Ever hear the adage, "The shorter the skirt, the better the economy?"

Some experts believe the ups and downs of the stock market mirror hemlines. Skirt hems rose in the 1920s and in the 1960s along with stock prices. Floor-length styles appeared in the 1930s and 1970s, and stocks plummeted.

As fashion week wrapped up here late last week before moving on to Paris, designers appeared to be doing their best to buck up ailing financial markets.

Versace returned to the 1980s heyday of founder Gianni Versace with short party dresses that featured zippers in the shape of hearts. Gucci showed short minis in graphic prints. Robert Cavalli highlighted glazed minidresses that resembled Las Vegas cocktail-waitress attire. And MaxMara featured shirt dresses above the knee.

Ah, if only it were that simple.

"I'd love to say I thought the economy was going to come back because we're seeing short skirts, but I'm not sure I subscribe to that," said Vogue magazine editor Anna Wintour.

Some of the pyjama suits could work as a hostess's lounging attire. Or just to hop in bed and pull the cover over your head if the stock market continues to plunge.

While the Italian collections haven't been earthshaking, they've given retailers a reason to smile: Many of the most noted fashion houses have returned to their roots.

"They're reflecting back to eras when things were a little less tumultuous, and they're bringing forth the best of the best," said Stephanie Solomon, vice-president and fashion director for Bloomingdale's. "When the economy is unstable, you return to what you know best. That's human nature."