SUMMER FASHIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16431, 6 January 1917, Page 6 (Supplement)

SUMMER FASHIONS.

J Our London correspondent writes The high waist is very decidedly in. I came to that conclusion before I'd been shopgazing more than half-an-hour. Not a very aggravated waist right under the armpits, but the normal waist-line raised just an inch or two, with such pretty effects. It goes so well with the flaring of coats and frocks on the hips, which seems to be just as noticeable as ever. Skirts are still very short, but coats are longer. The belted and semi-belted styles are still very popular, though I also noticed a good many semi-fitted coats with quite a pronounced "waist." Black Trimmings. The trimmings of the moment for costumes and coat-frocks are black military braid and black patent leather. The braid is either laid on flat or used for binding the edges of the coat and the skirt hem. The patent leather is used in brood strips, which are machined in place with rows of light-coloured cotton. fichu# ft feature. Fichus are in notable evidence where the more picturesque type of blouse is concerned, and, as we all know, the title covers a big variety of fashions and styles. A little cape fichu is among the latest recruits, together with a fichu arranged with cape back and long ends, the latter crossed and tied in a knotted sash somewhere at front, back, or side of the waist. j The Marie Antoinette fichu, again, with its gracefully-draped front, is also to be seen, and is a style that works out charmingly in cotton voile, georgette, ninon, and crepe de ohine. White Spotted MuiUn. • Whether the result of necessity or fancy, the fact remains that white qpotted muslin of dressing-table fame has once again sprung into favour for frocks and blouses. We have seen several quite irresistible models expressed in it, the spots small for the most part, though sometimes a largesize spot will be employed in which the dressing-table reminiscence .is rather forcibly pressed home, more especially when, as is sometimes the case, the white muslin is thrown up on a foundation of toms delicate-coloured silk or batiste. Now, please do not run away with the idea that we do not thoroughly approve of the revival of white-spotted muslin as a material choice for frocks and blouses, because we do most emphatically, our only stipulation in regard to it being that a little care and caution should be exercised in the making. Spotted muslin frocks should certainly not be made with too many frills. They wash splendidly, provided they are done at home, but if they are sent to the laundry, the frills are apt to be either all starched up, or limp as a rag. So simplicity should be the keynote for these muslin frocks and blouses. Sleeveless Frocks.

The sleeveless dress, for which there is a perfect furore, is one to be reckoned among smart, inexpensive modes. It allows of various blouses or bloueettes being worn with'it; and sometimes it is accompanied by- a smart little coat. Three-piece suite of this sort have assuredly entered into another season of popularity. In fact, the dress with its coat complement is now accepted as a matter of course. , It is interesting to note that the waist is normal in both dresses and coats. After all, it is the normal line that is most generally becoming, and it is doubtless the one that will be finally accepted for the coming winter modes, no matter what favour may be tentatively shown to the high-waisted and long-waisted effects. The Fashionable Pocket. To be smartly gowned means that fashion is closely followed, and that any little new touch is observed that indicates "the last word." One of these touches is represented by pockets, which are now considered very chic, and are made in various shapes and sizes, and are, for the most part, large. Some of them are gathered along the top, and appear to be * continuation of a yoke; others are embroidered along the top and centre, and are cut with straps that proceed, possibly, from a waistband; and others, again, are provided with " wings," more or less braitjed and embroidered, the pockets in such cases being inside ones, whereas the others are sewn to the outside of the dress. A pocket costs nothing—it is made from the waste of the dress material; yet it is very helpful in giving a chic air to a frock, and should be borne in mind when the endeavour is to produce smart dress at small cost. The same may be said of neckwear.