FASHION EXPERTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21112, 20 February 1932, Page 6 (Supplement)

FASHION EXPERTS.

A PLAINTIVE REMARK. IN SPITE OF PASSING YEARS. [SPECIAL TO N.Z. HERALD. —COPYRIGHT.^! LONDON, Janurary 3. Why are fashion experts only concerned with Youth ?" was the plaintive remark recently made by an elderly lady who remains handsome and attractive in spite of passing yoars. * But are they ? Is it not rather that the elderly woman frequently makes the mistake of imagining that young-looking clothes are the only interesting styles for the Seven Ages of Woman. ?jven the young-old woman of fiftyfive should respect dignity and maturity in her choice of dress. However youthful her spirit she must not try to be girlish or juvenile, and the only frills and fripperies she may wear should be confined to lingerie and negligee wrappers. Dress that enhances the ripeness of middle age has its own quality of beauty and is always attractive. The choice of materials is unlimited except that all women of years should insist on choosing good materials for their clothes. If means are limited, one good frock of heavy crepe romain will be more successful than three of those cheap and flimsy crepe de chine. All flat crepe materials are suitable, also velvet and laces of all descriptions. In selecting woollen fabrics the older wearer should choose fine weaves of smooth surface. They are kinder to the complexion and the figure than the fashionable coarse tweeds and cloths. Lines running from the shoulder to the hip or even to the hem are essential in dresses, and a light drapery, V-cut, or soft georgette collar, the most becoming neckline. Half belts —at the back—are usually bettor than full ones, especially on top coats. The longer skirts need careful cutting or they add age and ungainliness to mature figures. Have the hip-line perfectly fitted and in day dresses the fullness below more in effect than in actual fact. No type of woman is such a perfect foil for rich, deep, piled furs as those of the older generation. Frequently the younger woman looks over-dressed and older when swathed in furs. Lynx, fox, sable and mink can all be chosen with success for lavish trimming of winter coats, as these are nearly all reproduced in cheaper imitations. It is the type of fur, and not necessarily the cost, which makes for suitable dress. But the stout woman must avoid any broadening touches of fur. Not for her the wide fur revers and deep bands at the elbow. Fur collars that are high and continue to the waist, or even the hem, with perhaps a small cuff at the wrist, are the types of trimming she should choose. Black, dark blue, brown, violet, and myrtle green are the best colours to wear with a middle-aged complexion, although many shades of brown do not flatter giey hair. . , Which brings me to hats. This season s tilted hats are excellent for both mothers and grandmothers. The brims shade and flatter faces that have grown settled with the passing years, and the softening effect of waved hair which is now shown with every type of hat is very welcome. Several styles that are especially becoming include the tricorne in all its charming vagaries—but do wear it well forward at an angle, and not on the back of the head like last year's beretThen there is the trimmed hat with crushed trimming on a side bandeau, and the newest toque which is trimmed with coq feathers. The evasive blues and greens, and the supple shade of coq feathers have always made them particularly becoming to the middle-aged woman—and this year they jre both new and chic. With so many complexions made up to match clothes I cannot leave the subject of the older woman without a special word of warning. It is the duty of every woman, no matter what her age, to make the very best of her appearance, and to don a handsome toilette, and pay no attention to the face and hair is to entirely nullify any attempts to be well-dressed. Hair should be scrupulously groomed, brushed and waved, the face softened with just that dusting of powder and tiny touch of rouge and lip stick that blend perfectly with the natural colour of the cheeks and lips, but which never suggest make-up. No woman can afford to go .without one face cream, and if you find one that nourishes and cleanses at the same time and which suits your complexion, never neglect the daily use of this. Iheie aie many elaborate " beauty packs for rejuvenating the contours of the face and freshening the skin. Here is a simple one for homo use that is within the means of everyone. Take the white of an egg, and without beating spread it carefully over the face and neck, and lie down and relax for a quarter of an hour, Ihen take a warm, soft flannel and sponge off the egg, rub a suspicion of cream into the face, and add your usual powder, and see how wonderfully fresh you look.