Spring fashion trends romp across the runway

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The jumpsuit and its short-pant sister, the romper, weren't the only spring '09 trends evident on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runways earlier this month.Here are 15 others that could make dressing next spring and summer a little more interesting:CaftansThese roomy, one-piece garments are more chic and comfortable than ever, and great for hosting beach parties, entertaining at home or just relaxing alone. Look for soothing colors, lively prints and details such as embroidery and beading. Among the prettiest were styles by Reem Acra, Rachel Roy and Rosa Cha, who sent out some lovely short versions.A red dressNothing grabs the spotlight like a frock the color of a fire engine -- or a rose, tomato, cherry or candy apple. Nearly every designer created a version for spring, from long and flowing to short and fitted. Among the hottest were Vivienne Tam's and Peter Som's.The obiThis wide, Asian-derived belt minus the sash showed up on dresses, coats and jumpsuits to cinch and accentuate the waist. Sometimes, and more strikingly, it was adorned with another touch of the Orient -- dangling tassels. Tibi's and Naeem Khan's styles were among the best.Black-and-whiteThe spectator look is simple to create, yet it can easily be the most intriguing fashion statement one can make. It's at home in every setting, from swimwear and daywear to eveningwear. Brands such as Gottex, Toni Maticevski and Vera Wang demonstrated how the look can be achieved with matched-up solid pieces or by mixing the non-colors in one piece.Watercolor pastelsSometimes paler, lighter color is the way to go. The effect can be stunning in eveningwear. Soft sherbetlike pastels will add a cool wash of color to womenswear for all occasions next spring, as shown by Erin Fetherston and Leifsdottir for Anthropologie.BlueIn every shade imaginable, from sky to turquoise to navy. It was almost always paired with white for a crisp, clean, all-American look. It worked well for women, and Sergio Davila, Perry Ellis and Elie Tahari gave men plenty of handsome options.Nouveau retro colorHigh-wattage coral, chartreuse, seafoam and fuchsia have earned key spots in spring's palette. But they are only for the courageous and should be worn sparingly. Who did it right? A slew of designers, from Joanna Mastroianni, Max Azria and Nanette Lepore to Herve Leger, Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka and Milly.FringesRather than country-western rough, the new fringes are longer and often metallic-hued, adding dramatic detail to dresses and other pieces. Ports 1961, Tadashi Shoji and Anna Sui worked the trend well.Fascinating printsDesigners scoured textile mills and found some of the most captivating nature-inspired print fabrics seen on runways in recent years. Seemingly every designer incorporated at least one eye-catching print -- often more -- from Carlos Miele and Ralph Rucci to Twinkle, Terexov and Tracy Reese.High hemsMini goes to micro as more than a few skirts, shorts, rompers and dresses are cut super-short. Leading the pack in pushing the taste envelope were Miss Sixty, G-Star Raw and Betsey Johnson. Start practicing how you sit, ladies.Billowy sleevesBlouse and dolman sleeves pump up the volume in luxurious, lightweight fabrics, as seen in elegant designs by Carmen Marc Valvo and Monique Lhuillier.Floral appliquesThey dress up a piece, adding texture, dimension and a touch of prettiness without looking frilly or forced. Tibi, Pamella Roland and Vivienne Tam worked the motif.Dramatic collarsJacket collars and lapels get more size and styling, showing that sometimes bigger is indeed better. Designers had to give them more attention, what with the '80s-inspired prominence of jacket shoulders. Rubin Singer and Naeem Khan are among the designers who interpreted the look in a creative, modern way.Roomy trousersYou almost have to be pencil-thin and tree-tall to look right in the sorts of harem, drop-crotch and slouchy pants that came down numerous runways, including Chai's, Steffe's and Som's. The key is to balance them with smaller, more fitted tops.FestoonsThink big bows or flowing sashes on dresses, skirts, tops and pants. DKNY and Carolina Herrera were among those that used the accents to add sweetness and uptown chic to ensembles.(Pittsburgh Post-Gazette fashion editor LaMont Jones can be reached at ljones(at)post-gazette.com.)(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)