The last time dresses were of such importance was in the Seventies when Diane Von Furstenberg’s sexy, savvy wrap heralded women’s increasing independence.
 

Now the dress is back and this time it’s flirty, feminine and even a little coy. Baby doll, Empire and strapless looks are key. Adding to the sweet, youthful feeling are prints with a carefree, springtime air. Dresses, left to right:

• Anna Sui joyfully captured the feeling in this dress with matching parasol on uber model Naomi Campbell
• Inspired by New Mexico ’s color-drenched shades, Nanette Lepore’s hot tamale
• Sweet but not-so-innocent is Tracy Reese’s grown-up baby-doll

2. THE AGE OF INNOCENCE?

As designers delved deeper into innocence and spirituality, white emerged as a popular choice for day or after dark. An interest in nature also spurred the trend –think clouds – of white. Left to right:

• Look for this gorgeously elegant Reem Acra gown to hit the red carpet
• Another favorite among celebrities, Monique L’Huillier, chose white
• Betsey Johnson’s spunky take on white
• BCBG Max Azria’s other-worldly dress for the modern-day goddess

3. NO SHORTAGE OF SHORTS

It’s a season for baring legs.  Pants have been overshadowed by the dress, the skirt and shorts. The new pant is cropped short and shorts were everywhere on the runways. Call them what you will – cropped pants, trouser shorts, Bermudas, long shorts, Hot pants, Daisy Dukes, here are some highlights, from left to right:

• Military shorts are part of a suit by BCBG Max Azria
• Zac Posen flashed back to the 1940’s for short elegance
• Heatherette designers Traver Rains and Richie Rich designed shorts as tight as leggings (which will be making a comeback, by the way)
• These from Libertine are as smart and tailored as crisp trousers

4. TURNCOAT

The question, not surprisingly, is what do you wear with these shorts? Try one of the exciting new spring coats. Light and almost as easy as a jacket, this new breed of coat was a hit with every designer.

• At Chado by Ralph Rucci, the spring coat was body skimming and worn over a fitted dress in a contrasting hue
• I loved this feminine ruffled version of the trench  by newcomer Doo Ri
• The romantic Wild West inspired Vera Wang’s silky satin coat-jacket. Try it as a formal evening cover-up or just over jeans
• Military ideas continue from fall, in crisp and creamy white from Tracy Reese

5. CIRRUS CLOUDS

Vogue’s inimitable Andre Leon Tally once referred to the fashion world as “the chiffon trenches” and this has never been truer. Diaphanous, cloud-like dresses floated down the runways, and chiffon was the most popular fabric used by designers to achieve this ethereal effect. Vera Wang and others included tulle in their repertoire.

• Vera Wang’s tulle and chiffon dress
• Layers of café and crème combine in this dreamy number by Douglas Hannant
• The peasant and princess dress from BCBG Max Azria