SIMPLE GOWNS FOR HOLIDAY WEAR

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1675, 6 April 1904, Page 24

SIMPLE GOWNS FOR HOLIDAY WEAR

Those Avho railed at wasp-like waists and tight sleeves and neck band si should be content with the present fashions, for the collar band is eitlier non-existent of of the flimsiest description, the sleeve* are wide and full, and barely clasp the arm at all, and in order to preserve the natural contour of the hips the waist is very little compressed-, and consequently much larger in size. The fashionably made gown has the appearance- of being too large for its wearer, and a. generally loose effect is produced by the shape and trimmings. All cotton gowns follow this rule, and the bodices are full all round', much pouched in. front, and- have some species of vest or chemisette, which is usually 'eft transparent. * When the skirt is accompanied- by a coatee or bolero, this, too, is wide and large, and- follows/ the sac shape, and the front is filled in with hanging frills of la-ce-, or a full pouched! vest, which adds to the loose effect. The Russian, coatee is a favoured- model for lawn or linen, and the fronts are open to show a vest of silk or lace, which is invariably full and very fussily arranged. The front, fastened- on with a high neck band, and lightly pinned- at the waist, is admirable with the open-fronted Russian blouse, and much cooler than a sleeveless vest, as it. may be worn over a. low camisole with an unlined linen blouse. Lacei and net. gowns are cool and comfortable when mounted! on batiste or sateen, and now that the mercerised finish gives a silky effect to thes-e inexpensive fabrics they make admirable linings, which under net o-r lace, with the usual interlining of chiffon, have almost the appearance of silk. Some of thei figured muslins of the heavier type make up* delightfully without any lining, to be- worn over a low, batiste bodice and the silk petticoat which, now being worn almost to touch the ground, answers admirably as a- slip. The- printed coteline and the sateen foulards are quite charming when very simply madei Avith a little insertion lace and a feAV gathered frills, but the pleated skirts are prettier in plain materials.

Red has- still many folloAvers, and is shoAvn in crepe, cotton or muslin, but is someAvhat commonplace in sateen or onteline. The crepey fabrics have undoubtedly a refining influence on the decided colourings and both china blue and rose red are exquisite in spotted crepe cotton. Crash is excellent for morning costumes, but the fine linens are smarter, and can be- rendered quite dressy Avith piped strappings or medallions of lac® inlet a.t Avide intervals in sloping lines on the skirt, and to border a bolero in suitable points or scallops. The lace collar isi quite a, favourite on linen- bodices, but is of moderate size Avbeu used for the bolero.