PORT NECHES — Short jackets and jewel tones in pinks, reds and purples are fall looks Mid-County women can expect this season.

CavOILcade style show models gave a preview of these looks Friday at the Pompano Club. Marky Belaire of Dillard’s helped models backstage and offered more fashion advice: spots of leather and fir will be strong.

“Equestrian is a very, very strong look this year,” she said.

Tweedy pants, soft knitted vests and animal-print jackets were looks both models and spectators seemed pleased to eye.

Debbie Neef, a former CavOILcade director, loved that a purple, bat-winged jacket gave her plenty of movement. She said she imagined it would be good for toting sacks after a stylish trip to the grocery store. An admirer added it seemed the right weight for cool California evenings.

“The dresses are very important,” Belaire added.

Cheryl Keddy, style show director, modeled a slinky evening number.

“I think it went fantastic,” Keddy said when it was finally time for hungry models to hit the buffet. “We couldn’t have asked for a better show.”

Pam Trosclair, festival director, dined with grandbaby MaKenzie Trosclair, who wore a sash with a far-away date, indicating this little girl has her eyes on the pageant prize when she grows up.

While she ate, Keddy took a phone call about Hurricane Ike damage. She said she had several family members in Bridge City with damaged homes. Ike is the reason so many CavOILcade plans have changed. The style show is the only event that kept its original date this season.

All events involving the 2008 princesses are being rescheduled throughout October and November. For information, call 963-1009.

Models included: Debbie Neef, Sherry Sonnier, Randy Blanco, Darragh Doiron, Pam Trosclair, Doris Hale, Betty Legnon, Jeff Hayes, Carol Womack, Jill Tassin, Carol Hebert, Mary Ann Reid, Randy Sonnier, Dana Melancon, Wanda Mendoza, Roland Mendoza, Tiffany Falcon, Lenora Mistrot, Deanie DeLee, Virginia Sonnier, Walter Breaux, Janise Parks, Rose Day, Fina Desmarias, Sheigh Summerlin, Diane Hollier, Sara Blanco, Whitney Sonnier, Savanah Desmarais, Phoebe Falcon, Bonnie Guidry and Cheryl Keddy.

Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com.