APPROACH OF SPRING

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 34, 9 February 1935, Page 18

APPROACH OF SPRING

LONDONERS WILL WEAR—

(Written for "The Post" byNelle M.

Scanlan.)"

LONDON, January 23

The winter bales are not yet over, but already some of those earnest women who''were intoxicated with the bargains "offering, are repenting their rashness They could not- resist the lure of lovely things at so low a price For a week they were the proud possessor of a new hat and dress Now the spring fashions are showing, and though there is nothing very drastic in the way of change, there is just that note of newness that makes the modes of late 1934 look out of date^

Skirt lengths are much about the same, so. there.isnbineed to let. down or take up the hem. Blouses are steadily consolidating their position, but in the new ones, it is noticeable that the bjouse is worn over, instead of under the skirt These.over-blouses may have a basque, and some are darted to fit into the waist, which is. clearly defined.' The more tailored type of blouse which'fits inside the skirt, is finished with a narrow belt, or is worn with a corslet Skirt

We have come to our senses about, sleeves These are no longer exaggerated, nor are the shoulder-lines square Many, in fact, are sloping The decorative note is now at the cuff, and much ingenuity is shown in making these attractive ,*. , The collar still favours, the cowl, which is draped in many f different ways, but while the cold -weather lasts, the high neckline is probably more popular. Many of the new blouses, which are made of fine woollen checked materials, or tartan and plaid taffeta, are finished, under the chin with a large tie Some of these tie-ends are an extension of the collar. In other cases, the inch-high straight collar, or the flat Eton shape are separate, and the bow is attached in front. There is a riot,of buttons this "season, not only the oldVtype'.of button, but glass, metal, pasfe.^and enamel. Many of the fastenings, are metal clasps rather-rthan" buttons, frand look rather like harness^fastenings, but are very smart on plain" tailored coats and dresses. ' v £ ~> . % j- « , The newest skirts ""are" cut" plain and straight for day' wear, and everything fits tightly. The % fashion skirts and dresses, cut 'on^the cross, which gives a clinging, snug effects without unsightly bulging, is one that has been 6o' satisfactory, and has such a -,skmming effect, that it 'is not' likely 4to be,.displaced for a while ( *s, You may wear a t co*at of almosttaiiy length, andibe fashionable. Sortie/^re long}*, others three-quarter, '.bufoifeek little hip-length" coats, ter for the young are^all perfectly right. TJie snort "xetefer jacket has been revived for country wear The conservative idea that gloves must be neat and plain and 'fit well, has given way before the craze for decorative gauntlets. Both in wool and kid, and also in -woollen material, gloves with decorative 'gauntlets embody ideas that match the other* trimmings employed in dress or coat The main thing as that they must bear some definite relation to the clothes with which they are worn. White kid is returning to iayour, and the effect, of white kid gauntlet gloves with a smart dark costume or dress, is one in which no one can err.

In stockings, linnet and beige-brown are the correct shades for day wear, but lisle thread, in fancy patterns are often worn with low-heeled shoes | White lingerie effects as a dress trimming, are rather out of favour at the moment. It is newer to use plaid or spotted ribbon for scarf or bow, Crepe and washing white satin collars and fine coloured- wool and silk, handworked, are much t in use in the new models. This opens the-way for individual expression, and redeems a simple frock from looking like so many of its mates

Waistcoats can bring in a vivid note of colour, and jerkins, with sleeves of a contrasting colour, like a jockey's jacket, make a cheerful note on a grey day. * y*

Black and navy still stand firm for dark wear Hats are being worn, experimentally, at almost any angle, and the determining factor is, which angle suits your face. 'Bonnets and hats with brims like halos, some a little trying when youth is past, are new notes m the spring millinery. Black is the wisest choice, and the smartest at the moment It is a little early for pale colours. Two of the most fashionable shapes are a small cloche, with a tiny bnm t and a variation of the Toreador, which may* be worn with or without a veil Most of the veils are stiffened, and stand out stiffly like a verandah over the fact."; i Cire satin is to be seen everywhere, but it will soon be followed by the straw hat, and in so manjr cases you find the hat, bag, and tie ,of the same material <• - For the summer we are threatened wtfh semi-tailored coats and skirts of tiny checked and narrow'striped cambrics, ginghams, and cotton voiles Navy and white, red and white, and green and white always" look weli These cotton costumes will' be.worn with shirts of white or^a colour to tone with. them. v" p *■' "*' *-- ** l. Cotton striped like Roman" ribbon, in which there is a blend of'many. Colours, are also used to^make. severelycut suits^or ensembles.^ ~ tinei-big^ai-tra'ction about these stripes/ is 'ftia^tne'y are irregular, and'not so hard'*to~ >'vviear. (i ln cotton fabrics, 7 smalf-floral pal> terns again prcail, ahH lavender-has returned to favour. f * Canvas shoes and bags this summer will have a newer shiny surface, almost like hopsack or alpaca Some of the new materials are composed of cotton, wool, and silk woven together in a novel and attractive way. *