Colourful Coatees

Southland Times, Issue 21660, 23 March 1932, Page 5

Colourful Coatees

London. "I have worn this frock many times and it is still good, but how can I give it a new look?” This is a question that every wonian.nsks herself at some time or other. The present fashion, therefore, for having separate coatees is a boon to those who are endeavouring to be wisely economical. By this means variety can be given to an evening frock, and a clever woman can even make these delightful little garments from pretty frocks or wraps which, in the ordinary way, might be cast off. This pleasant way of adding interest to a gown is particularly useful when paying visits. With a couple of evening dresses and three or four coatees which blend or contrast well with both of them, one may be equipped for almost any evening occasion. Take for example, two simple well-cut frocks, one in white and the other in green or in one’s pet colour. The cape-sleeved bolero could be worn with either frock for festive evenings. For informal occasions one would perhaps select the green frock and add the long-sleeved taffeta “broderie anglaise” coat in a lighter or deeper shade to tone. This would look equally well with a white gown, especially with a green bag to match. Black velvet looks almost as well with colour as with white. The new coatee would be lovely in a deep shade of green ring velvet or panne. It has “period” sleeves and could be worn for almost any evening engagement with a suitable gown. Of course, the two evening dresses might each have a separate matching coatee to start with, in which case one might also wear these interchangeably. Surely the originators of these friendly little garments thought of the advantage of lighter luggage, for how-much less room is needed for a couple of coatees than for two extra frocks! Really, the designers have met one’s needs very successfully, for these little scraps of silk and velvet are very becoming and very charming.