Do low hemlines spell bad news for the market?

The higher the hemlines, the better the outlook for stocks, according to a popular, but frequently disputed, theory. When hemlines drop, watch out -- the Dow Jones Industrial Average is likely to fall, the theory goes.

The past few fashion seasons, short skirts have ruled and, this spring, stocks rallied.

The hemline theory proved on the money as the Dow hit 14,000 for the first time this summer, and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index set a record.

But in recent weeks, stocks have plunged following a jump in foreclosures on subprime home loans for borrowers with poor credit that hit bank credit lines and roiled the bond market.

At this week's fashion show extravaganza in New York, hemlines are markedly lower.

Designers Nicole Miller, BCBGMAXAZRIA and Josh Goot showed hemlines at the knee for spring, Generra's hems were mostly mid-thigh, as were those at Erin Fetherston and Miss Sixty, and dresses were knee-length or longer at Nary Manivong.

Tracy Reese introduced dresses that fell some 3 inches (7.6 cm) below the knee.

"The long, printed daytime dress which takes us back to the late '70s" will be the iconic item for spring, said David A. Wolfe, creative director of The Doneger Group trend forecaster.

Analyst Ralph Acampora of Knight Capital Group said the comeback of the long skirt may be quite telling.