LONDON FASHION NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16467, 17 February 1917, Page 6 (Supplement)

LONDON FASHION NOTES.

Ouk London correspondent writes:— There is nothing very new to record in the way of fashions, and I can only repeat a warning already given that Jny attempt at introducing eccentric ideas should ho treated with much suspicion. Plain, Midecorated stvles and longer skirts will be seen. There will be no trimming of any kind on coats and skirts; belts will not be much worn on coats unless they are tho very narrow kind, which will be slightly lifted and give a high-waisted effect. . Panniers and hoops are dead. Anybody who goes about in them is stared at by the plain-tailored women, who are the majority. Some of the big retail firms continue to show them, but they are bad buying ) and wise women will have nothing to do with them for either afternoon or evening. Plainness is likely to be lasting, and on coats and skirts it is relieved by the addition of fine lawn or muslin collars generally rounded in outline. Fichus-are in vogue for the afternoon and have been seen also in many bridesmaids' dresses. All afternoon and evening dresses will have soft clinging folds; there will be plenty of fullness, but no bouffant effects. Simple "fluffiness" is the only possible kind. Little additions to frocks, such as Lawn cuffs, in keeping with the collars or fichus on plain,, well-cut ground, are allowable. Nothing looped or elaborate is good taste. Coat Frocks and the New Uniform. ' 1 The coat-frock effect is very constant in its popularity; it is the nearest approach to a uniform that has met'with general favour, and it is the most useful and at the same time can be the least expensive of designs. . 'Coats and skirts still keep the sairft) silhouette, except that coats can be worn longer and skirts must be. Many women have sufficient stuff turned up in the hems of their skirts for any necessary letting--down in last year's frocks. Flat at the : back, full at the sides, is the right costume note. Some models show tiny little waistcoats and others coats with only part belts, which appear from the sides. The dog chain is to be Been even on some of i the most expensive suits, but, personally, : I don't like it or recommend) it, as it is. bound to go out soon, and it means additional expense when something else has to take ' its place,-;'.. Gabardine, coating serges', and faced' cloths and light tweeds . will be most worn, and neutral shades will predominate. " , , Costumes and Economy. | The question of saving expense is a very necessary one. It is very foolish to buy cheap fabrics and have them made ' up by a good dressmaker. Equally foolish is the,giving of good fabrics to a poor • dressmaker , who will--spoil them. Ileal eoonomy is not an easy thing to decide upon, particularly 'in dress, and often what looks like extravagance is the truest . economy in the long run. It is welt if you have a dress which is likely to '(date ' to wear it out at once. " Saving up clothes is one 'of the most false of economies. It is,# very, old fashion which decreed that one .should have •" beats;" such a habit was only possible when fashions stayed in a long time, and a silk dress was a costly and often everlasting purchase, descending even to one's daughters. ' nowadays it is often found more economical to wear out • a dress for all -occasions,' altering it by the use of more elaborate linen, lawn, or chiffon collars. . The plainness of even the best frocks make this possible. '' " Never wear an ' outdoor frock in tho house" is & maxim I gave some ' months ago. It still holds' good. ' Millinery. ... ... I The extraordinary vogue of , tho curly- : brimmed sailor hat appears to be continuing, but the crown is higher than last year,, and the. brim is . rolled higher ' -at the back. -The trimming remains" simple 1 —some little curious motif or a huge pearl laid fiat ion a . Petersham ribbon. Velours and panne hats, high in the ' crown and dented in the middle, are very ' popular, and have actually been worn all ' through . the - late summer. Velours is J most becoming, and there are few women , who'-could not wear these hats. ... Their trimming is mainly a simple ribbon tied .' in front,, . ' I. ' ' .