DRESSING GOWNS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 68, 13 December 1932, Page 4

DRESSING GOWNS

Plain and Luxurious Modes

Velvet, plain and lined with satin or crepe de chine, velvet stamped by hand with the interesting and asymmetric designs that only handwork can produce, heavy, soft satin, probably lined with a contrasting colour, or heavy crepe de chine, more or less quilted and inter-lined for warmth, are the most usual fabrics for dressing gowns and those more elaborate affairs which used to be called rest-robes at this time of the year, reports an English expert. There is always a certain affinity between the more luxurious dressing gowns and evening dresses. It is, therefore, not surprising to find so many velvet, and its clever cousin, velveteen, dressing gowns, made as a rule on the rather severe lines which are good with both pyjamas and nightgowns, but particularly with pyjamas. Dark brown, lined with pale peach, is a very lovely and at the same time practical combination. Powder and turquoise blues seem to be equally lovely in velvet or in quilted silk; and for people who like to have all their lingerie pink, the peach tones are exquisite, whether in velvet, heavy silk, or satin.

Some of the pale greens are also most satisfying, and for those to whom this colour is kind, there is a great deal to be said for choosing it to make lingerie and rest robes; more, perhaps, in spring and summer than in autumn and winter, because it is so essentially cool and fresh looking, but a great deal, even at this time of the year.

Those dressing gowns which are cut more or less like a man’s are obviously meant for general use; for meeting the, chill of draughty passages unafraid on the way to the bathroom, and so forth. For people who want to rest decoratively there are plenty of more fragile and elaborate affairs. Velvet, plain or stamped, is used here, so are the silks, satins, and chiffons. The fine wools which wandered into the world of evening dress last winter naturally take their place here, too: usually with a lining or trimming of contrasting silk or velvet; and flannelj properly treated, makes everyday dressing gowns which are really very goodlooking.