LENGTHENING SKIRTS

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18027, 23 May 1930, Page 5

LENGTHENING SKIRTS

The skirt or frock of good material which is short for this season’s mode is sometimes a problem. But there are a number of ways of achieving added length attractively. The material at one’s disposal and tihe general cut of the skirt will influence the lengthening method chosen. Fortunately, trimming or contrasting material can, in many cases, be substituted where matching material is lacking. A yoke is becoming to the tall, slender figure and aids in giving the new silhouette. It can be put on the top of either a plaited or a circular skirt. But matching material is desirable. The yoke may be cut round, pointed, or with a scalloped edge. It is usually stitched close to the edge, with the edge of the yoke turned under. Almost any style skirt or frock can be lengthened with a band of material at the bottom. It may be narrow, or as deep as Bor 10 inches. If not of matching material, it is more effective if the contrasting band is matched with collars, cuffs, a tie or sash. Sometimes it is attractive to inset the band of added material a few inches above the hem. This is especially true if the band is of contrasting material, as it then appears to be a trimming or insertion especially planned for. Often band's of plain material are effective with figured goods. Thus a blue and white printed silk will be charming with a band or several insertions of plain white or blue to let tho skirt down. Figured material let into the plain crepe makes attractive trimming. Polka dotted bands, matched with collars and cuffs or pipings are especially good for the sports frock or ensemble. With wash frocks, organdie is frequently inset to give length to skirts and trim them as well. Tho Flounce. The flounce is a very graceful way of letting down short skirts, and it emphasises the new feminine trend in the mode, besides. Matching material is preferable, but sometimes material a shade darker or lighter is smart, if the flounce is matched with some trimming touch on the frock above it. The straight skirt is best adapted to a straight plaited flounce, knee depth being popular. Circular flounces are often curved up at the back or up the left side. Skirts also may be lengthened with pleated frills, pleatings serving the purpose of covering seams or piecings necessary in using scraps of material. .If an uneven hemline is desired, especially in the afternoon frock of silk or sheer material, godets or gores will modernise and lengthen. A straight skirt may have these godets inserted about six inches apart. They may be cut, pointed or curved at the lower edge and hang several inches below the original hem of the skirt. The effect is petal-like and cither matching or contrasting material may be used. Silk and velvet are seen combined in this godet style. These gores may run up the skirt any height desired. It -is wise, too, to match the godets of contrasting material with other details of the frock to give a harmonious ensemble.