Lyons allowed, "As much as I love the idea of dresses, you do have to put them back in your closet for at least a week or two [before you wear them again]."

That said, this fall J. Crew will be introducing suiting separates that are softer than traditional ones. Worn together, the new separates actually look like a dress. The concept will be introduced in a bigger way for holiday and spring 2009.