Fashions At The Trots

Wanganui Chronicle, 11 October 1948, Page 7

Fashions At The Trots

It seemed on Saturday as though the Wanganui Club’s first day of the spring meeting would be spoilt by bad weatner. but after a very unpleasant morning the skies cleared and there was brilliant sunshine all the afternoon. There was a boisterous and cold wind which did not encourage the wearing of spring clothes. Most women wore heavy coats over their frocks or suits ami small hats that would stay on easily with the gusty wind that was blowing. Those who had set out early in the day appeared in raincoats and plastic head scarves, or hooded tweed coats with the hoods used a head covering. Though the usual fur coats, capos, tweed and cloth coats were seen in their hundreds, new styles were noticeable. Fur wraps in many skins and shades, from the soft grey of the squirrel, the brown tone of lovely mink and musquash, to the lambswool in beige and oatmeal shades were to be seen. The new and charming “curiaski, astrakhan and boucle coats, with the longer hemline and the swing back effect given by gored panels found numbers of adherents, being accompanied by small off-the-face hats with the side trimming. It was noticeable that many women favoured longer skirts — usually midway between knees and ankle. A number of young girls wore the latest style two-piece with peplum effect and full swinging skirt. One outfit in turquoise blue with small blue veiled hat was most attractive, as also was a two-piece in lapis-lazuli blue tweed worn with a matching felt hat with upturned brim, side draped in three harmonising shades of ribbons. There were several attractive shades of green. One swing back coal in a lily-of'-the-valley leai green, worn by a racegoer, looked very smart .crowned with a felt beret trimmed with looped ribbon. A silver fox fur completed' the outfit. The frocking on the whole was a quiet blend oi shades with a sprinkling of'gay colours such as scarlet, amethyst, wineberry red, powder olue, green and tartan. There were several suits and coats in shades of autuirp leaf brown, one or two being combined with a soft shade of green. Black was favoured with accessories giving the necessary touch of colour. Most of the hats were of felt, only, a few straw sailors making their appearance. The wind was far from kindly to those wearing widebrimmed hats and also to those who were hatless. Bands of material draped in turban style at the front, squares of cellophane, knitted caps, a “fisherman” cap hanging to the shoulders, and scarves were some of the head coverings seen on the lawn. Adding a spice of variety to the scene was one racegoer in wine coloured corduroy slacks with matching pullover, grey top coat. There was a Red Riding Hood effect about the brilliant red scarf tied to her head.