By Susan Shinn Turner for The Salisbury Post

On Wednesday, the 19th annual Fashions for a Cause was the place to be, and to see emerging spring trends.

Among them:

• The classic combination of navy and white is back, in a big way.

• Floral patterns continue to be popular in tops, dresses, and formal wear.

• Warm-weather colors coral, turquoise and hot pink are everywhere.

• You can still wear your skinny jeans, in either white, or a dark blue denim finish.

• Getting the “cold shoulder” is OK when your shoulders are cut out of your casual or dressy top.

• For spring and summer, the famous little black dress comes in super-soft material or with the flair of white embroidery.

• Flowing vests and ponchos continue to make the scene, in crocheted, sheer, or silky prints.

But, of course, the three most important words about the event, David Whisenant pointed out, were “for a cause.”

The show, held each year in the Catawba College Crystal Lounge, benefits the Community Care Clinic, and Whisenant, of WBTV Channel 3’s Salisbury bureau, is its longtime emcee.

Co-chair Mary Goodman said she expected the amount raised to approach $20,000. Joyce Goodwin is the other co-chair.

“Every year, we’re always delighted to partner with the Rowan Medical Society Alliance Foundation,” said Krista Woolly, the clinic’s executive director. “It’s a wonderful morning out for our staff, but all the hard work that these ladies have put in ultimately benefits our patients. For every $1 donated to the clinic, we are able to provide $8 in services. Thanks to the foundation, today’s donation will equal $160,000 in services for our patients. Wow!”

The clinic provides residents of Rowan County over age 18 who are under-employed or unemployed with medical services, dental services and prescriptions.

Whisenant always dresses to impress, and Wednesday was no different. He was attired from head to toe in white — in a Ralph Lauren white tie and tails from the Thread Shed. Whisenant admitted beforehand he was wearing white athletic socks because he didn’t have white dress socks.

And really, who does?

Dr. Joel Goodwin, a retired OB-GYN, was in his usual spot to lend a hand to models as they ascended and descended the stage. He wore formal attire from the Thread Shed. Since Patsy Reynolds, the longtime “Hat Lady” wasn’t in attendance, the “Hat Gentleman” added an Easter basket “hat” to his ensemble.

Mary Ponds was the lucky winner of the $100 bill attached to it. She gazed lovingly at Ben Franklin, and said she’d be sure to find a use for him later.

Also modeling tuxedos from the Thread Shed were Joseph Harrison, a senior at North Rowan High School; his cousin Hayden Setzer, a junior at East; local attorney Graham Corriher; and Dr. Tommy Thompson.

Drawing plenty of oohs and aahs were the littlest models, the children showing fashions from Lora Belle Baby. Clara Misner, 5, showed little sister, Charlotte, 2½, the ropes. Goodwin told Hazel Frick and Ganon Foster they did a great job. The day’s youngest model, 1-year-old Elinn Foster, looked adorable in a smocked “bubble” romper. She clearly loved her moment on stage.

The Stitchin’ Post showed plenty of casual and cute designs from Tribal and several other lines. Their longtime models included Judy Barnhardt and Molly Shelton — both skilled quick-change artists.

Longtime vendor Anne’s in Concord showed beautiful outfits from casual to dressy. Their models included Jane Hartsell, Linda Reed, Delores Thomas, and Stephanie Waller.

Cato, 3 Jem’s, Anna Craig, and Winsome Hanger showcased designs for younger women — and men, in the case of Winsome Hanger. Taking the runway for Cato were Madeline Farley, Emily Hibschman, and Autumn Ulrich. Models for 3 Jem’s included Gina Airheart, Sandy Black, Jenna Cook, Jenna Faggart, Meredith Little and Emilee Stamper.

Models for Anna Craig included Ashley Currin, Carlie Darnell, Kim Edds, Greyson Harvey, and Lauren Whaley. Models for Winsome Hanger included Anna Brindle, Jordan Johnson, Lara Koontz, Jake Murphy, and Joe Steinman.

Caniche was another Downtown Salisbury vendor participating in the show. Its models included the mother-son team of Gwin Barr and Charlie Barr, Shakira Humble, and Lindsay Starrett. And farther down Main Street, Attractions on Main also brought its fashionable sportswear. Its models included Donna Beaver, Patti Osborne, Judy Page, and Melissa Taylor.

Adding a touch of royalty to the formal wear designs from A Perfect Dress in China Grove were Taylor Loyd, Miss Rowan County’s Outstanding Teen, and Mary Scott Norris. They were joined by Barbara Richmond, Miss North Carolina 1952, as well as Miriam Roy, Lauryn Davis, and Mary Catherine Fraley.

Mayor Karen Alexander was stunning in a floor length champagne lace dress. Kayla McCorkle, who’s engaged to be married in June 2018, wore a strapless matte satin sheath wedding gown to close the show.

Then it was time for all of the owners and managers to take their turn on the runway, to lively applause.

Before the show, shopping was available in the lobby with these vendors: Treehouse Soaps, Jackie Ford Designs, Anna Craig Boutique, Blythe Leonard Leather Goods, Curiosities Gifts, Rodan & Fields — Kelly Carroll, and Sandi Sisk — No Tie Scarves. Vendors donated 10 percent of the day’s sales to the Community Care Clinic.