Follow Fashion

Southland Times, Issue 22113, 6 September 1933, Page 5

Follow Fashion

Why not dress as fashion fancies? This spring, simplicity is the keynote. Of course, each detail is so carefully thought out and so deftly placed on each model that there is more to them than at first meets the eye, but the whole effect is definitely one of straight simplicity. What flares and frills do appear are insinuated rather than expressed, and the general restraint. in style, combined with perfect attention to the finished appearance, is the charming result. Matching accessories are frightfully necessary these days—gloves, particularly forming an important part of the ensemble and being made either in the same materials as the frocks and coats or in something in tune with the fabric. Many white and pale tinted gloves carry bright-coloured insets to match the striped, plaid or floral effects of the frocks and whole gauntlets are being made of strips of the frock fabric. Many girls are making their own gloves by cutting the tops off mesh and attaching white flares of materials such as stiffened organdie and chiffon. While spotted organdie ruffles, which look very pretty contrasting with a simple dress trimmed wihh a floppy spotted bow to match, are being worn, other gauntlets are fashioned from shirred ribbon or crinkled crepe, and the hands give a pleasing contrast in softly tinted suede. A smart finish for sports wear is linen gloves which are cut in loose sac shape and usually match a swagger coat. They can, also, of course, be of striking contrast. Necklines and hats, too, are the cult of the moment in fashionable circles. I noticed, the other day, a cocoa brown wool fresca ensemble with the collar and gloves of white while the accompanying fez hat had three feather - motifs in the centre front in different shades of brown. Hats of unbleached linen, which material is the smartest of all spring’s offerings, look very dashing made of the same colour as the frock. Afternoon frocks, which are often made of crinkly crepe, nearly always have a high neckline finished with a soft bow. Many fashionable hats are widebrimmed straw models, which, when not trimmed with flowers, show remarkable simplicity in bands of ribbon round the crown. Floral printed designs have an unprecedented position in the spring styles, with spots and stripes well to the fore where colour effects are desired. Checked tartans and plaids will also play their part in silk, linen and cotton fabrics. There really are some beautiful new materials this season—one is a pebbly-surfaced silk and the other a heavy silk which feels almost like suede. What will cheer you up, girls, is the fact that none of the prices are prohibitive and you can be right in the foreground of fashion for next to nothing. Do remember that all the latest styles call for a perfect carriage and the girl who slouches will never show off her clothes to proper effect. Even if you’re a hard-working person just give yourself fifteen minutes each day in which to lie flat on the floor with legs together and arms above your head. The result is most noticeable if you do it consistently and then go and buy your material—spotted, floral, or striped—remember the neckline and accessories, and go out with gorgeous superiority complex one always has when well-dressed.