Fashion Hints for Islands Women
pp. 61-62 · Read in the full issue
By Therese
CLOTHES that challenge gloom are a product of 1938. There is just that little something about modem clothes that makes a tremendous appeal to all women, and there is always some thing new hoving into view over fash ion’s horizon.
Colour is more important than ever.
Everywhere one sees evidence of this in the gaily patterned materials offered by manufacturers, and it is not unusual to see them splashed with more colours than an artist's palette. London tan, cobalt blue, and sabrina (a delicate duck egg shade), are some of the new colours that are demanding attention and re ceiving it, too, with quite a deal of en thusiasm.
White is always popular and some thing in which it is impossible to err; and with colours it leaves nothing to be desired. A gay scarf, a multi-coloured ’kerchief fluttering from pocket Or belt, a posy of vivid flowers, and you are right for all occasions. For evening wear, it is unsurpassed and nothing can compare with a white satin gown of classical lines, in which are combined a delightful trin ity-dignity, graciousness, and charm.
By clever draping (the skirt is gather ed on one side of the bodice to the hip) the uneven hemline is achieved; and a mauve satin gown of this type made with an off-the-shoulder decolletege clips a slender strap over its shoulder. There is charm about the exquisite pastel colours, and a heavy yellow crepe has detachable scarf that lends itself perfectly to classi cal folds.
Simplicity is the keynote of the wood land green dress that encircles its waist with a gold embroidered belt. Its tip tilted front pays tribute to the uneven hemline.
Correct dressing for cocktail parties, little dinner parties, and for the hundred and one semi-formal occasions that crop up in a busy and well-ordered life, is of the utmost importance, and it is made easy by the wide choice that is offered.
The blouse and skirt solves perfectly the query, “What shall I wear?” A skirt of heavy pansy-purple crepe allies itself with a blouse of pale violet chiffon and a silver ©lip holds the soft gathers in the bodice. The billowing sleeves are elbow length, and around the waist swathes a belt of the two colours. Many informal dresses are accompanied by coatees, some being heavily embroidered in Chinese de signs. Dresses of ebon hue have sleeves of contrasting colour, the same contrast being repeated in a corsage or belt posy of immense proportions.
Flowers are worn for day time, too, and the black and white combination is still on top of the world. A black frock has a braided hemline (six, seven, eight, or ten rows of braid). At the square fronted neckline, a cluster of marguer ites is worn, and a fringed sash of heavy white crepe continues the magpie effect.
Two white feathers slashed across the front of the upturned brim of the hat, in audacious style, make it a fitting ac companiment for the frock, and white gloves and bag add the finishing touches to a perfect toilette.
A formal gown of buttercup-yellow crepe patterned with self flowers boasts an extended shoulder line and swathes its waist with a sash that slots in front.
All the skirt’s fullness is drawn to the front.
Black is featured again in the frock of dull crepe with a draped and gathered bodice. A scarlet cord runs around the neckline and down each side of the bodice, gathering it into soft drapes and ending in two tassels at the waist. A
jaunty little hat perches on the side of the head and flaunts a scarlet trimming.
A frock of London tan takes liberties successfully, and an inlet vest of striped silk is new and unusual. The vest is gathered and is multi-coloured, as is the wide brimmed hat with which it is worn.
Suits are as popular as ever and offer a wide range of clever colour combina tions. Uncrushable silk linen that washes and wears well is a happy medium for their expression. A nautical air is achiev ed by a blue linen suit with brass but
tons which takes unto itself a Jack Tar sailor with tremendous success. Twotone shoes and white accessories accompany it. a butter coloured skirt dons a blue blouse and is topped by a, yellow and blue check coat, a boxy affair, the collar of which matches the skirt.
Blouses must be not overlooked as they form an important part of every woman’s wardrobe, and whether the occasion be day or evening, formal or informal, they are always right. A pink spotted blouse and a grey skirt are a delightful combination and when topped by a grey hat and black accessories leave nothing to be desired. A yellow tailored blouse flecked with green is worn with a green skirt and is right for all sporting occasions.
Trim little jumpers and white skirts are as cool to wear as they are to look at, and tailored hats of the same material are worn with them.
Hats are quaint and amusing and express more individuality than ever.
Chinese coolies with their twin baskets
are silhouetted in black on the brim of a red straw. Boomerangs lend an unusual note to the upturned brim of a navy hat. A simple blue band does duty for a head covering, matching the dress with which it is worn.
Ballet girls dance on the streamer ends of an Annabella hat and big yellow dais ies lend a summer air to a hat of oreen Baku straw. Small hats are worn in spite of sunny days when sunshades of every hue make up for their lack of pro tection from the sun.
Beach fashions are noteworthy because of their simplicity and gay colourings, and above all their adaptability. Brightly striped swim suits add coats lined with towelling, and well tailored play-suits have coats to match that button to the knees. A coolie hat and quaint beach sandals complete the scheme. White is as much used on the beach as for other occasions and white linen shorts and sun top are worn with an eye shade and white accessories.