EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption 'Experts' in the
Proxy Statement of Nine West Group Inc., that is made a part of the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 and Prospectus of Jones Apparel Group Inc. dated April 7,
1999, and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated March
26, 1998, except for Note 17 as to which the date is September 10, 1998, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Sun Apparel, Inc. included
in Jones Apparel Group, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 24,
1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
                                                   ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
San Antonio, Texas
April 7, 1999