Dresses of the Week

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17781, 26 February 1926, Page 9

Dresses of the Week

WrUUs b u

"STELLA”

As it is only given to the comparatively few people to arrange their holiday just when it is most convenient to themselves, we must always be planning out a dress campaign for that trip when it does come. Dress has become just as standardised for travelling as it has for sports, town or country wear. But in a way it more closely resembles the styles selected for sports and the country than for the other —anyway, in the matter of simplicity and comfort. That dress-ed-up look which was once the only alternative to that any-old-thing-will-do-for-a-journey method is quite unpardonable these days. We are expected to look as trim and \eat at the end of a journey as when wte started—which state of affairs is only achieved by selecting dust-resisting, uncrushable clothes and styles which are comfortable and easy in which to spend long hours sitting in the train or boat.

Then there is the question of luggage. Fares are expensive enough without adding to them with overweight baggage. It is the greatest mistake when going on a tour to have any more clothes than are absolutely necessary. Apart from the trouble of packing, you are always meeting fresh people, and, therefore, do not require the same amount of changes as are necessary on a settled holiday. The young woman, at the moment, cannot do better than travel in a jumper suit, and when made in stockinette or Kasha suiting it will meet most requirements. Both these materials are light and uncrushable, and, while cool, are sufficiently opaque to keep out dust and dirt, and in colour should be one of the many greys or browns. The skirt is best made with inverted pleats at the side, so that it can be sat in comfortably for hours on end without becoming baggy or strained. Either as an alternative to, or in addition to the' jumper suit, you will find the neat, severely plain tailored coat and skilt almost a necessity. It is possible to feel really well dressed on a tour with these two day garments. Under no circumstances whatever are knitted

wool dresses or suits advisable for incessant travelling. One of the most interesting revivals for autumn wear is the coat-frock, which returns to us with all its former severity of cut and outline. Generally it is carried out in serge or silk rep, and if it does not actually dispense with trimming altogether, it uses it but sparingly. Narrow collars and cuffs of white pique or organdie are sometimes chosen to give the necessaryrelief, or it may become frivolous, and indulge instead in a gay ribbon slotted at one side of the bodice, or in multicoloured tassels weighting the pockets and the long, tight-fitting sleeves.

Tunic frocks are still as fashionable as ever. The tunic itself is growing longer and longer, and is invariably poised over- a short, vei*y narrowly* cut skirt, which should repeat the predominant colour note of the tunic. Evening frocks are divided into two sections, the severely simple, straight hanging type for formal occasions; and, for dances or theatres, the fluffy, dainty creations which show a definite return to femininity. These latter are generally'- carried out in chiffon or lace, and show trimmings of diamente or flower trails placed in original fashion on the skirt or bodice. As for suits, they are one and all cut on slim, straight lines, and have a certain trimness which is one of their most effective characteristics. If you have a two-piece suit, the coat must be long, and come to within two inches of the edge of the short skirt. I read in a recent jourial that with .the newest coats and skirts the skirt comes only to the waist, and is very’ plainly cut, and with it must be worn a severely'- simple over-blouse of silk or crepe de chine, trimmed with rows of buttons, and having a neat turned-down collar tied with a ribbon bow. Fashion is in an % accommodating mood this season, and although she has introduced the new flaring outline for public approval, she also shows herself still devoted to the straight-hanging styles. The new autumn fashions are distinguished by the softness of their colourings and materials, and when

choosing new’ clothes it is as well to bear this in mind, since “ cut ” avails nothing if texture and colour are all wrong. A delightfully* simple but stylish frock was w*©rn by a pretty fair girl, •who was shopping in town early y*esterday* morning. The frock was simply cut, choosing grey and blue stockinette lor its bodice, and plain blue clotlv-Tor its short straight-hanging skirt. Her small close-fitting fiat of blue felt matched exactly*, and gave a chic finish to a serviceable and becoming -toilette. A smart house frock, carried out in black “ Louis ” velveteen, was the gown of the hostess at a small bridge party on Wednesday*. The frock opened in front over a pleated panel of pastel ninon, while a hint of this same material showed at the foot of the slit skirt. One of the guests at the bridge party, who is well known in manv bridge circles, wore a distinctive frock of black crepe marocain, made on straight-hanging lines. A smart jumper suit of pale henna stockinette was the frock chosen by a tall fair girl, of Fendalton, to wear while busy shopping at the sales. The skirt was plain at the back and across the front and hips was finely* box-pleat-ed. The straight jumper coat had the tw*o pockets bound with crepe de chine, and the collar and turn-back cuffs, were of the same material, in a shade deeper than the dress. A bow of narrow ribbon with long ends finished the neck, and a hat of velour felt completed the outfit. Approving glances were cast in the direction of a Papanui girl, who is one of the enthusiastic members of the United tennis courts. She wore a tennis jumper of cream stockinette, the collar and cuffs and put-on pockets being of a pale shade of vieux rose. This was worn with a cream skirt, made with wide box-pleats, and as the pleats fell apart they revealed a -wide stripe

of pink. Her white felt hat, which boasted little brim, was trimmed with a narrow* band of pink felt round the crow r n, finishing with a loose bow at one side.