LONDON FASHION NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 21, 25 July 1939, Page 14

LONDON FASHION NOTES

"MORE INTERESTED IN RACING"

LONDON, June 22.

Fashion experts have been reviewing the results of last week's dress parades at Ascot, which showed such a complete swing over to practical fashions. The younger generation seem to be responsible for this changing of the old Ascot dress tradition; they are obviously so much more interested in racing than in clothes. Strolling in the Royal enclosure in picturesque frocks may have satisfied their elders, but the modern debutante likes to study form at the paddock parades and watch the tote! And so we find the short, full skirt, tight waist, and little jacket (that gives, a schoolgirl look to most women) make the outstanding silhouette of this year.

Discussing conditions with a man recently returned from a long spell abroad, he remarked that he thought this year's debutantes were the best '■'turned out" he ever remembered. Not only were they well dressed, but they seemed less conscious of their clothes, and therefore much more interesting to talk to. A great deal of this is due to upbringing. Everyone possesses a certain amount of individuality, but, for some reason or another, not everyone has the gift of expressing it. In the past, mothers were inclined to ignore the opinions of their children often until they were well in their teens, by which time their personality was likely to be blunted. The modern trend, however, is for parents to allow children to express themselves more freely, and with mothers and daughters one finds that quite young girls are permitted a •'say" in the choosing of their clothes. It is a trend that should definitely be encouraged as it helps to develop i a dress sense early in life, also a sense iof values whether there is a question of pounds or shillings to be expended. It is a mistake to force a small girl to wear something she dislikes, too often it inspires an inferiority complex, which leads to her hating 1 clothes all her life. In these days when every girl one meets looks more attractive than the last it is necessary to look as well dressed as possible, and the girl who i hns acquired an individuality in dress and poise is assured of social success and happiness. By choosing a becoming colour and adapting material and length to individual figures, the fashions of the moment can be made to suit all seasons, and the line does not alter as rapidly as the details. Only the very slim .should wear the tight-fitting bodices find brief jackets. The same effects can bo achieved by drapery from the neckline that softens the outline of the bust above a trim-fitting corselet skirt. This is much more attractive on a full figure, which should never be (iahtly fitted; it is so ageing, giving a matronly look to quite a young girl. THE "PICCANINNY" FROCK. I have found a new style which is gong to be a winner; it is so gay and youthful, and yet can be made to suit all types of personalities arm seasons. This is called the tTicc4mni?y" frock, and is a young relation of tine "Gipsy" blouse and skirt which, made such a sensation in Paris this spring. The "Piccaninny" (how theseQAmerican names crop up in present-day fashions) is much more practical£pt is young, gay, and fresh-looking, anja can be as cheap or costly as one pleases. The success lies in combining three colours cleverly and suiting onefs own individuality and figure, for it consists of blouse, deep belt, and skirt in three different colours. Skirts are full —but they may be gathered, pleated, or flared. Some finish at the waistline, others are fitted high, like a coreelet —in which case the

contrasting coloured belt is narrow and cuts through the middle of the corselet. The blouse provides another colour, and this can be as severely simple as a shirt, with pockets and front button : ing, turndown collar, and long or short sleeves. On the other hand, you can make the blouse quite .elaborate as to style and material. It is usually the colour scheme that focuses attention. Lime green blouse, deep belt in flame colour, and flared skirt in a rich dark gentian blue, make a gay little frock to wear under a dark winter coat. Reversing the colour with a dark blue blouse, green belt, and red skirt gives an equally pleasing effect. . Colour is very important and on dull days one's spirits are often influenced by the colours we wear. I liked one of these frocks which had a rich winered skirt, pale cyclamen pink blouse ' (both wool), and a swathed waistline of pale blue velvet. The blouse has become an established favourite in day and evening fashions, and all sorts of unusual materials are used to give a new twist to this popular style. Furnishing fabrics and men's shirtings rival the more conventional materials for the newest blouses. E. RUTH SIBLEY. j