Thoughts of autumn Knits fill trans-seasonal bill

Press, 8 March 1989, Page 16

Thoughts of autumn Knits fill trans-seasonal bill

With just a nip in the morning air and a hint of autumn days, what to wear can be a problem. Luckily the gap between summer and full-blown freeze can be filled with some of the fabulous knits available. Even the colours seem to follow the tints of autumn with orange and gold, murky greens, and red. Poly-cotton knit is just right for those sudden hot days, in knee-length shorts and T-shirts smart enough for town wear. As the days cool down, the mix changes to poly-wool and pure wool for warmth. There are many wearable styles. Pants are out in full force, but with a variety of cuts, so a pair can be found to suit most shapes. The jodhpur line is for those with a neat waist but heavier thighs often ending in a trim pair of calves. For the shorter among us there are fuller, straight-legged pants which can conceal a high heel needed for the extra length of leg. For the curvy figures, the snugger-fitting tapered line goes so well with the shorter, waist-hugging jacket. Necklines will please

By

Liz Davies

everyone, from high zip collars and boat necks to plunging, draped V-necks. Separates give the wearer more variety, with belted top and pants looking for all the world like a jump suit, without the attendant problems of comfort stops. Worn next time with a long swirling skirt, the top worn outside, maybe dressed up with one of the fabulous chain belts filched from Chanel this season will give a special

Another great accessory perfect in knit is the huge scarf. This season it has changed back to a rectangle about half a metre wide and two metres long, hurled around the shoulders for extra warmth before the coats come out, or instead of a coat for the hardy. Another perfect midseason wear is denim. After a slow patch in the mid-eighties denim is enjoying a revival, and this time bringing with it warm lumberjack-type shirts and cowboy boots. Occasionally the women’s jackets have a ribbon trimming, and waistcoats of tapestry or suede can make all the difference. Bold coloured, woollen scarves complete the look and underneath it all the plain white T. When the rain finally comes, cover it all with a "mackinaw” or in our terms an up-market “swanni.” The trick when you have varying temperatures to contend with is layers — several lightweight garments, say a shirt jacket and scarf that can be discarded as the temperature rises. As always, lifestyle and occupation can define the

suitability of fabrics, but it seems that denim is to be acceptable again in the

fashion scene, and knit just keeps hanging on in there.