Style — Leone Stewart looks at the local scene Clothes to bridge the season gap

Press, 6 August 1976, Page 10

Style — Leone Stewart looks at the local scene Clothes to bridge the season gap

If the budget has made you cancel your travel plans, or forgo the new stereo equipment, the old cliche of going out and buying a new hat — or whatever — still seems a good antidote to the blues, especially the-end-of-win-ter variety.

August is an in-between month; in between grey mid-winter and spring spirits, after the innovations of winter clothes and before the warm weather for wearing the new season’s gear. Peter Mitchell, editor of "Apparel,” has recently made a plea for retailers not to begin the summer season before the weather warrants it. Apparently, some North Island stores start summer in mid-July. Christchurch stores, at least, leave it until this month. So you window shop in what often feels like the coldest weather of the winter, looking at lovely things for sunny days. Nothing is more calculated to make you feel bored with all your winter gear.

This is, of course, the worst time of the year for an unexpected outing or occasion to turn up. The more you think about it the more convinced you become that you simply have nothing to wear. The shops, especially the big stores, are already full of tempting summer things, when you want an in-be-tween weight. No-one wants to spend a lot of money on winter clothes now, unless on a classic that will go on for years, or a fashion line that is seasonless. But it is bargain time. If you search, it’s still possible to find some good buys marked down.

One item bought at this time of year can bridge the gap between the seasons. And if it has two lives, so much the better.

Winter’s ethnic looks may be full-scale costume by summer, if we follow European trends. So, investment now in a quilted jacket which would continue to be a good coverup on cool summer days, should pay dividends later

on. The Derek label produced some snappy ethnic looks for mid-winter release, and some are still around. Tailored pants suits have made a come-back overseas. In light-weight gaberdine fabrics, they are ideal for wearing under a swing or trench coat now, and will go on their own into spring. A sweater will add warmth, a soft blouse or shirt has the feel of spring. Miss Babs mantai] o’-ed pants suit has a waistcoat for extra warmth over its sheer shirt. Peppertree, the Auckland company whose managing director, Peter Nola, travels to Paris frequently, brought out a beautifully-cut-set of blazer, Frenchcut pants, with pin tucks, and a straight-line skirt with pleats centre, back and front.

All are in gaberdine, and made to be bought separately or as co-ordi-nates. The fabric is lightweight, ideal for combating that chill east wind that sweeps across Canter-

bury in the Spring. The classic pants suit seems likely to go on forever, with changes of accessories to keep it looking fresh. This sort of outfit is ideal for this month’s racing season. Airhough nostalgic and ethnic constume is certainly apparent for summer, I’m going to stick my neck out and predict

that it will develop alongside a still-strong sports wear influence. A snappy jump suit that can be dressed up or down, worn to work or after-five, is sporty gear for th-s year. Peppertree has one in velvet, with shiny, silver zips. Velvet is a super in-between season fabric that can go on for an evening event, too.

Photographs by

ROSS BAIN