It looks like in our poor economic climate, shoppers who can only afford a few items are trying to make them count. And what better way than with a dress?

“The dress is still strong for us, and by the look of the resort markets, it will remain one of the best categories. It’s interesting when a trend morphs into a way of life,” Bergdorft Goodman senior vice president Linda Fargo told WWD. “There are far fewer decisions to make, when it’s time to decide what to wear every day … not only does ‘the dress’ simplify our lives, it ultimately says ‘feminine,’ and is able to express many of our fashion personalities, from soft and romantic, to fierce and sexy, to professional, to dramatic and elegant.”

J.Crew, whose printed linen antonia dress, $265, is shown above, left, sent out a dress-specific look book to certain customers for the second time this spring. Prints like the one above are among shoppers favorites.

Macy’s shoppers are into Anna Sui in a big way. The metallic belted dress, $244, above center, is one example. Macy’s has devoted window displays to dresses to encourage customers in building their dress wardrobes.

At Lord and Taylor, Nicole Miller is selling well. We can see why with frocks like the floral halter dress, $265, at right in the photo above.

“It’s the new cargo pant. It takes you anywhere,” said Michael Fink, vice president, women’s fashion director of Saks Fifth Avenue. “I know I have said this a million times but what could be simpler than stepping into a dress for the day? It’s easier than coordinating separates.”

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