DRESSES OF THE WEEK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12761, 3 October 1919, Page 9

DRESSES OF THE WEEK.

IN AND ABOUT THE CITY,

(Written for the “ Star.”)

There is an ‘‘ after, season feeling” about many of us just now, and “an end of season ” look about our clothes. With the exception of the past two days the weather has not been nice enough to tempt women into wearing new spring garments. There have been various small social affairs, a round of afternoon teas, several weddings and a dance, but, on the whole, the fronting has not been particularly smart. Many, of us gaze with unrestrained admiration at the exquisite spring costumes, hats and accessories that are in the shop windows. Never did such things seem so beautiful. Fashion is revelling in the artistic blending of colours. There are many new shades coming to _ the fore. The latest shade of brown in Paris goes under tbo original title of <l onion” colour. An English fashion writer asks, “ Have you ever wondered where colours of fashions get their names?” and goes on to say, “ Mostly from things we eat,” as for instance—orange, cherry, olive, cinnamon, chocolate, coffee, plum, and salmon pink, and so forth. The psychologist tells us there is some connection between our sense of taste and our sense of colour! And there is another colour which is called “fluide,” and which is as near the colour of water as possible. Forecasts of the clothes for the botomer are at variance with each otuer, but there is every indication that Unens, foulards, zephyrs and other cotton fabrics will he worn a great deal for everyday wear, and that georgettes, ninons and other diaphanous materials will be worn for special occasions. In several models I have noticed a combination of georgette and taffetas which is very smart.

Fashion is more artistic now than it has been for a long time past, and there are no extremes. The silhouette figure is “ la, mode,” and skirts are narrow, but the silhouette figure is comfortable, no small waists or tight-fitting bodices; and the skirts are not being worn in the exaggerated “hobble” of a few years ago. There is much to be thankful for in the styles of the present day, and if only prices would come down women would have no need to grumble. To dress well and economically is the aim of most modern women, and there is little doubt that by clothes the character of tho woman is revealed. Probably one of the most distinctive costumes observed in Christchurch during the week was an oyster grey and navy blue coat frock worn by the wife of a surveyor. It was made in silhouette fashion, the bodice being of grey gabardine, made plainly with a roll collar of navy blue. The skirt was of navy blue with a turned up hem cf grey. The sole trimming on the dress was scroll embroidery in navy. This was apparent on the lower part of the tunic bodice. A small' navy and grey hat completed this charming toilette. In Cathedral Square one morning a girl looked smart in a rose pink silk jumper braided in gold, a black and white check skirt and a black velour bat. A smart little garment was worn in town this week by the wife of a soldisr, recently returned to Christchurch. It was a slip-on tunic frock of black chartneuse faced with electric blue satin, and having a narrow blue satin girdle defining the waistline. A black bat lined in the same shade as the rovers with a feather half glycerined and halt fluffy, was in keeping with this costume.

A young daughter of a prominent citizen looked irresistible in the cutest little buff coloured hat and costume. The hat showed beneath it a wealth of golden hair, and a pair of bright blue eyes.

Some of the smartest hats worn lately are small affairs perched high on the coiffure and tilted forward at an angle which can best b© described as pert. One stylish debutante in a blue hat, trimmed sparingly with a band of mushroom tinted ribbon, and wearing a mushroom tinted coat frock, attracted a fair share of attention in a tea room one afternoon.

There was an individuality about a black frock made in a combination of black chiffon taffetas and cloth, worn by an Invercargill‘visitor at a recent party. The bodice was mostly of the taffetas, and the skirt was of the two materials. To complete the smart effect the white crepo de chine accordeonpleated collar was all that was necessary.

• A light buff coloured costume trimmed with vieux rose chenille suited its wearer very well. The accompanying hat was of cream batter’s plush, but it rather spoilt the effect of the costume.

Plaid costumes are still very much the thing. There is something about a plainly tailored plaid costume that dignifies tho wearer. It is mostly seen in black and white, but in navy blue and white it is equally smart and more uncommon. A well-built girl in a navy bine and white plaid coat and skirt, a smart blouse of pink and white striped silk, and a navy blue sailor hat looked extremely chio.

Very charming did a very handsome lady look one day this week in a stonegrey costume, grey shoes and stockings, small shiny straw hat, and a saxe blue tulle scarf.

A costume of nattier blue, with beige collar and cuffs, worn with a mushroom shaped hat of beige chrysanthemum straw and blue ribbon, looked smart and original on a St Albans girl this week.

A simple chemise-dress of dark wine cloth 'opened widely over a cream waistcoat and a large cream collar, worn by a tall and slender lady, was most effective. It showed a long waist line—in fact, the girdle worn camo just above the hips. Narrow soutache in scroll design was used lavishly, and the dark wine-coloured straw hat worn with this had_ a small coloured ornament at one side. “STELLA.”