CHARM IN DRESS.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 16174, 27 December 1924, Page 13 (Supplement)

CHARM IN DRESS.

EFFECTIVENESS AND ECONOMY. r To be perfectly dressed does not of necessity imply extravagance, it merely assumes an innate artistry, which pays attention to the smallest details, as well as to the general effect. A costly and beautiful frock s easily spoilt by a careless choice in stockings and gloves, while an unsuitable wrap or a crudely tinted necklace will take all charm away from the most exclusive gown. "Everything to match" should be the motto of the girl with a limited dress allowance, and much heartburning would be avoided if extremes in fashion were left to those who can afford to discard them directly they are demode- (states a writer in the Australasian). A well-known designer once advised all girls with an allowance not exceeding £SO a year to refrain from buying "bargains," unless they were ail in one colour scheme. It was not'good policy, said this adviser, to purchase a model gown — however cheap—unless you have suitable shoes and stockings, hat and gloves to wear with it, and for this reason it is wiser to decide on one colour scheme each season, and to restrict all purchases within these limits. If this,; rule is adhered to, shoes and stockings and similar accessories bought for one frock will do equally well with another, and therefore more can be spent on buying really good articles in the first place. Any experienced shopper will affirm that it is most economical in the long run to buy only the best gloves and shoes, as they keep their shape and look well until the very end, whereas cheaper makes soon become "second best," and the plainest frock attains distinction when worn with nice shoes, hat, and .gloves. Very pronounced colours and patterns are also to be shunned by the careful dresser, as they "date" so quickly—a fact too often forgotten by the impetuous buyer. Black, mastic, grey, 'nut browns or dark blue are, all excellent wearing colours, and can be renovated in a thousand ways, while the garconne collars and plisse frills,

so favoured abroad, look especially charming when worn with simple neutral tints. Black satin frocks are enjoying popularity in London this year, and their vogue is largely due to the fact that a little black frock in some soft rich material is suitable for either day or evening use and combines a very definite charm with an extraordinary capacity for hard wear. Mastic and beige in all their varying shades are also capable of unending service, and their soft neutrality can be rendered most attractive by the addition of a gay little hat or a vivid kerchief; while a remnant of bright brocade or embroidery can fashion the most entrancing waistcoats and jumpers, which quite do away with any fear of monotony.

According to the artist it is inspiration and not estimates that makes for good dressing, and many a simple frock attains distinction by a cleverly placed scrap of embroidery or the addition of a plisse cape collared with an odd length of fur. Patterns are so simple nowadays that blouses, summer frocks and wraps offer few difficulties, even to the novice in needlecraft, and the girl with clever fingers will do well to lay in a store of remnants in her chosen colour scheme with which to supplement and renovate as the need arises. Every girl who wishes to look smart at liLtlo expense will find it is good policy to economise from time to time, so ac to buy one perfectly cut coat and skirt, wrap cloak, or model evening gown, as no amount of home-grown talent can ever attain to the perfect finish of the professional designer. ! With these as a basis, the rest of the wardrobe can consist more or less of the popular little house frock in wool or muslin, which can be easily made at home and which, in combination with a wrap, cloak, or short pleated cape, is adapted for almost every ordinary requirement.