SUMMER IN TARANAKI

Taranaki Daily News, 13 October 1934, Page 18 (Supplement)

SUMMER IN TARANAKI

WHAT WOMEN WILL WEAR SHORTS; SNAPPY SWIM SUITS. COOL LINEN MEETING FAVOUR. (By J.H.) As A “bird’s Aye view” of the new summer styles is not sufficient indication Of what we are going to wear, let us take a trip to some of the popular beaches, tennis courts and recreation grounds of Taranaki. What strikes us most is the variety of colours, especially the popularity of the pastel shades and the predominance of the cool cotton materials for all manner of costumes and freeks. Let us view a few of the new modes and see if we like them sufficiently for them to become the “craze.” Will Shorts Top the Ladder? This is a subject which gives cause for*dlnriission whenever it is mentioned. Last year' Taranaki tennis dubs were indifferent—coldly indifferent at times—to the few daring individuals who appeared in shorts, but this year some predict a most favourable season. It is certainly time to decide whether we want shorts or not, as the glorious summer weather we are experiencing rails for tennis to lend wings to idle hours. The drapers are showing very attractive models in pleated and plain shorts. The main objection to shorts this year is that in some cases the charm is detracted by the ill-fit, but with this difficulty overcome, the keen tennis player will surely adopt the free and. easy style. The favourite materials are the cool linens, britways, pique and any of the washable heavier cotton fabrics. The shirt blouse, is worn with the shorts, while often a wrap-over skirt of the same material is a great asset as the shorts can then be changed into a smart blouse and skirt. The shorts are made with either tiny pleats or larger ones. This is important since the severity of beach shorts does not permit sufficient leg play for the courts. Attractive Frocks. For those who prefer not to play in shorts, and for those they do not suit, the tennis frocks this season are equally = new and attractive., They must be white. It is advisable never to wear anything but white on the courts, unless one wishes to be known as an amateur. An inverted pleat is let into the sleeve to allow fullness for play, while the inverted pleats; are also carried out in the skirt, or a group of pleats at the side lends added width. The sleeveless frock with the square-cut neckline is quite a favourite, and we find that many of the new models are sleeveless, many backless, and some attractive styles button up the back.

BREVITY; ORIGINALITY

STYLES IN SWIM SUITS. What is to be the predominant colour on the beaches this summer? Bronze, of The bronzed back of the modem girl will vie with the most dashing colours that have been introduced into our bathing costumes and sun suits. A glimpse into any of the Taranaki shops will convince us that we are plunging into a summer full of delightful surprises on the beach—both in the flattering fit and style of the suits and in their cunningly cut backs, if one can find any! For those who prefer the “in-between” suit to the extreme, the smart low-cut still ranks a favourite, while the threequarter back will still be seen In contrast to her more daring sister. Many of the costumes will have the popular adjustable straps, the use of which will transfer the suit into a totally different garment. Be smart! Have two suits in one! Favoured Colours.

The favourite colours will be scarlet and, in fact, any of the vivid shades, while the smart black costumes still holds it own and is as popular as ever. Many of the smartest suits now showing are models in black and white, often in stripes. Several striking models recently seen on the beaches have been of a bright canary yellow, and no doubt this shade attracts attention as being decidedly distinctive. To all appearances beach pyjamas are giving place to the slacks and shorts. The shorts naturally are not so full as for tennis, but cut on more severe and fitting lines. The swimming accessories, such as bathing caps etc., are decidedly different this season. Many of the new caps give the appearance of velvet and chenille finish.

We can’t help contrasting the “tan” of the modem girl to the dreaded suntan of even a few years ago. The great drawback to sun-bathing was the fact that the exposed parts were apt to become tanned, and this greatly detracted from the milk-and-roses skin so admired some years ago. Everything possible was done to regain that fair delicate skin after a sunburn, but nowadays—special lotions are applied before bathing to create a healthy glow, while the most admired woman on the beach is the one who is well-tanned and glowing with a healthy sun-kissed figure. Linen Fashion’s Favourite.

It Is certain that the feminine world will he very pleased to know that those delightful little linen suits are fast becoming popular. What is more useful for these early summer days than a smart tailored suit in one of the latest shades? You will find that they retain their shapeliness even after the continual use of soap and water, and by suggesting coolness on the hottest day they will prove their usefulness a thousand times* Another version is the yellow handkerchief linen, elaborated with details, of drawn work on the bodice and skirt. These prove smart'little afternoon frocks and something entirely different, a charming model being in a pale apple green drawn with self thread.

TUNICS AND BLOUSES

TUCK-INS FOR SPORTS WEAR.

Although the tuck-in blouse will still be worn this season—especially for sports wear—the tunic will take its place for more “dressy’’ occasions, on such occasions the tunic almost reaching io the knees. The materials used for these more formal blouses are flesh-coloured lace, white satin and lames. The tuckin type will be smart carried out in

linens and check fabrics, cut on more severe and mannish lines than the fuller more feminine style. Square bibs are a popular item of neckwear, also ruffled and slashed collars. Pullover blouses are another popular item for both active and spectator sportswear. They are fashioned of both silk and cotton fabrics. For cooler days light wool jersey pullovers are worn. A slimming and charming effect is given to a tunic blouse by the addition of a long girdle tied either at the side or back of the blouse. With all these new styles a few of the attractive blouses will be a necessary addition to the wardrobe.