Dresses of the Week

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17245, 11 January 1924, Page 9

Dresses of the Week

Written by

“STELLA"

Twelve months ago in Sydney, the era of long dresses began, and at first could be seen worn by only very few Indies, who had the courage to brave the criticisms of the over-severe male passera-by. But even the courage of these few did not seem to entice their less bold sisters into the adoption of th© new style, and maidens fair were loathe to forsake ther dainty short dresses for those of the bigger long went begging for lack of supporters. Perhaps it was the weather; Sydney’s beautiful sunny days do not call for surplus clothing to hamper the freedom of the limbs. But here in the garden city women of all agea adopted without a murmur of dissent, th© new fashions thrust upon them by the whim of some ultra eccentric fanatic, or was it the whim of the fashion plates who decree it wise to change at intervals the beauties who adorn this fair city of ours. The question remains, is the new style more attractve? Does it tend towards better freedom and comfort, not to mention the heat. etc. P It’s all wrong. But ladies would possibly be rather bored if nothing new or sensational happened in the way of Extremes are more preferable to flNHerate changes. At all events, changes are more speedily adopted bv Eve’s sister here than those on the other side. Of course the art of “ Getting the Slender Grace ” must not be forgotten, whatever length the skirt. So much depends on the fitting or the frock and the correct fall- It as well to remember that underwear on -long slim lines is important if yqjir clothes are to eit with the slender grace everyone admires in modern dress. Take petticoats. Under a knitted frock, which is so apt to cling, or any dress of thinnish material, an underslip to match is most necessary. You can sav© a good deal by making such slips at home at the time you acquire a new garment which needs one. An inexpensive silky fabric, quite wthout trimming, is all you need , the colour and the cut are the important items.

Belts at the present time are varied and numerous, and th© rolled belt is the leading favourite on afternoon anu evening ureases. a tinea one pubsco once omy round the figure, while a thinner one of the consistence of fine cord may go round lour or nv© Units. It ends in a big twist or a rosette, or is fastened by u buckle or button’ Flat plaiting in ribbon aiuo rnaa«» excellent belts, and bright colours are given to dresseß in mis way. On a soft apricot muslm embroidered in white flowers, for instance, a belt is made of very narrow rinoons in blue, grey and silver plated and then allowed to fly loose from the side. \\ aifcing for the Sumner tram one day early in the week were three young Christchurch ladies and their simple summer frocks were delightful. One, who teaches at a kindergarten, wore a cool pink anjj grey plaid gingham with novel ruffles of grey organdie piped with black. A pretty dark girl wore a blue figured frock trimmed with ricrac braid to match. Very smart were the big set-in pockets and the becoming curved bodice edge that tied into a trim sash at tho back. The third little summer lady wore a gingham of tiny check in blue and white. The sash pulled to make a becoming fulness at the waist and the pipings and ruffles at neck and sleeves frere whiteAll three girls wore rush hats, and more than one admirer turned to have a second glance at this altogether charming trio. A smart little street frock, worn by a business girl who lives at Avonside, was of nigger-brown gabardine, with Russian embroidery in panels from neck to hem. The front nanel was cut down in one and the waist was drawn in by a band of the material. The most beautiful dance frock that has appeared for some time was seen at a recent dance. It was of dovegrey georgette, a line unbroken and artistic. Falling straight from shoulder to hem, hack and front, the fulness was gathered to the sides and tightly smocked across the waist-

line. The corsage, skirt, and sleeves were heavily embroidered in a .striking pattern in crystal and vermilion beads. At a recent bridge party two very smart frocks were worn by keen players, both from Fendalton. One was of golden brown crepe de chine and trimmed with dainty hand-embroidery in shades of green and red on the front panel of the bodice and down the side drapery of the skirt. The short, wide sleeves wore trimmed in the same way, and the frock was finished with a narrow girdle of green velvet, terminating in a rosette on the left hip. The second frock was of navy blue silk marocain. and was finished with a deep berthe of sand-coloured crepe de chine. The sleeves were cut long, drawn in to a tight cuff at the wrist, and the skirt'was ankle-length. The u-i.de girdle and the hem of th© skirt were beaded in the same shade as the berthe, and the hat of navy satin was upturned in front and ornamented with a sandcoloured feather. In another simple frock, worn at a tennis party by one of the leading Cashmere tennis players, was that of primrose yellow and huge striped French voile; a wide panel at the back and front showed the stripes running crosswise. This was repeated in the short set-in sleeves, and the primrosee front was drawn to the waist with a belt of the plain yellow, matching the treatment of the back. The roll coll aland cuffs were of plain white voile. A popular young hostess in Holly Road was wearing during the week an ultra-smart little frock of black and white striped gingham, made with a three-fold skirt, the folds being composed of wide bands of white organdie, nicot-edged. Across the hips and back the material was gathered to the waistline from shoulder to ankle. It fastened down the front with silk loops and pearl buttons from tke high turnover collar of organdie to a point above the waistline. The short set-in sleeves had cuffs of the organdie.