The FASHION REVIEW

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 313, 7 November 1929, Page 2

The FASHION REVIEW

BY

SUZETTE

THE FASHION OF BEING A LADY. Do not be misguided into thinking that all the talk about feminine fashions means simply frills and furbelows, for those are the pitfalls of the unwary. Fashionable and ladylike are to-day synonomous. While the “ flip ” and cute styles with exaggeratedly-flared skirt and tight waist favoured by the younger generation may be feminine' in their way they are not in good taste. There have been times in the past when it was smart to be severe, mannish, sophisticated, elegant, but always there was the underlying principle, the background of breeding. To-day this background has overshadowed all else,_ and to be smart one must also be ladylike. Skirts must not be too full, waist lines too high or neck lines too low. Modesty and reserve have come out of their hiding place. Indications of this trend are appearing in all directions. Take coats, for instance. The smartest are those in which the fulness is nicely controlled —either subtle low-placed flares or slierht semi-princess sugges-

Waist lines are being emphasised, and while they are higher and more “defined they are not too tight, and there is no “ hour glass ” effect. Belts are increasingly important in day time fashions, and narrow leather ones are used on wool sports dresses and coats. Belts of self fabric are often a part of more formal dresses and coats.

The straightening out of the hemline of evening gowns with their greater length ir, front is another example of the tendency toward less extreme treatments. The fact that knees are distinctly out is also indicative of a greater regard for things “ convenable.” Day time skirts are well below the knee, with afternoon ones still longer. This same tendency is evident in jewellery as well. Less jewellery is worn, but they are finer, more exquisitely worked pieces. The “ barbaric ” note of last season gives way to more subtle designs apparent not only in evening jewellery but in the increasing simplicity of day time pieces as well. Pearls are combined with marcasite and real stones, lifting them out of the commonplace. The fact that gloves are now worn in the evening is one more link in the chain of this fashion for things feminine and ladylike. All of this elegance and gentility requires great care in the selection of accessories, and these small details of fashion will demand even more thought and, attention than heretofore.