Chat From Paris

The trained evening skirt and the I evening trouser imperceptibly divided J and tailored as to hip, is here again for the comfortable dinner-at-home or the tete-a-tete occasion, and with them come a host of enchanting and bewildering dainty blpuses. , .

For some time, I think, we had forgotten how flattering these could be particularly, of course,. to the tall and slender woman who wishes to reduce her inches and yet retain her grace.

One model I saw comprised a skirt of black satin-back crepe, cut to fit the thighs, but sharply flaring at the knee to a slightly-trained hem. Black is undeniably the smartest colour to choose; in this case it suggests accompanying colours, each more attractive than the last. This season sees green worn a great deal—green in all its rather curious "off" tones rather than its mo.re usual ones, from olive to lime relieved frequently with a touch of the richness and darkness of laurel. ALTERNATIVE COLOUR. This colour, actually, with navy, is one of the alternative ones permitted for the dinner-for-two skirt. It is accompanied for the most part by interesting tones of grey, silver, and blue. One model features a fitted coatee of silver lame, closely buttoned from round-cornered hem. occurring well down over the hip, to a simple high-to-throat collar. Breast pockets with flaps to them are set at either side. The sleeves are shaped to peak slightly at 'the shoulders and fit without cuff or hem an inch or two above the elbow. The coatee is belted as plainly as a sports suit, relying for its decoration entirely on its close-set buttons of diamante. Another up-to-neck model is longsleeved, this time in satin, combining grey on green. Silver ,ornamented braid accents the central line of buttoning wrist hems, and sloping, highset pocket edge. The waist is perfectly fitted and without belt. Tapestry coats for theatre of partygoing are cut on more and more accentuated Empire lines, and are uncol lared and feature sleeves demurely fitted to wrist. Though "skirts" are cut high or to point in front, occasionally holding discreet bodice gathers, the true waistline is indicated with a formal bow. GRAND OCCASION GOWNS. The season with its many banquets, balls, and gala premieres promises some truly exquisite gowns among those that are for the grand occasion. Refreshingly different is a model in chartreuse yellow suede crepe, icut on classic Greek lines, the offI shoulder folds being supported by,

FASHION FORECASTS FORMAL FROCKS

straps of plaited gold braid and the waist shirring finished above and below by the same trimming. In contrast is a tailored gown backless and cut with a heart-shaped decolletage of black velvet on which tulips of orchid, mauve, and ceiise are sparsely appliqued, and supported by a double halter. The enormous flared width of the skirt is mounted on a separate bouffant frock of marquisette stiffened with wide bands of crinoline braid. Lacquered lace is to be more and more popular, and net also is ruched with cording separating the frills in widening radiations to hem., The model which I have sketched for you is made of wide taffeta ribbon. The huge bow at the back gives the effect of a bustle which is in accord with the high ibust and leg-o-mutton sleeves. Note, also, the simple Edwardian lines of the coiffure. The frock is in the unusual colour combination of black, white, gold, and rust, especially becoming to a brunette. (By Margret Manet.)