The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1904-07-07

Dame Fashion

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NEW YORK, July THE fall sea-
son is rapidly approaching and the
thoughts of fashionable women natur-
ally turn to the question whether there
will be any decided change in the
styles which have been prevailing in
the summer. II indications are not de-
ceiving. the days of the present style
are counted. There are several rea-
sons. which make a radical departure
probable. Ever since spring. when
skirts Of soft and clinging materials
full at the hips and of extreme fullness
at the bottom became fashionable
complaints have been made that the
combination Of pattern and material
was decidedly impracticable and could
not last long. The principal objection
arose from the fact that the gathering
Of soft and clinging material around
the lower extremities impeded walking
to a serious degree and actually made
it an awkward and uncomfortable pro-
cedure.
1t has been maintained for some time
Of two things would have to be done
Either the bulk of material at the bot
tom of the skirts must be reduced. or
some stiffening must be employed to
keep the clinging folds away from the
lower limbs and make walking less aw-
kward. 1t is quite probable, that as
the effect produced by the extreme
fullneSS of the skirts at the bottom
seems to please in a general way, the
chances are, that the other way out of
the difficulty will be chosen
In Paris the beginning has already
been made and many of the most fash
ionable dressmakers employ various
means of insuring freer movement in
walking. Stiff Innings and in some
cases elastic wires are used to hold
the hem of the skirts away from the
feet. From stiff Innings and wires to
something approaching the hoop skirt
is but a small step. Although it is
scarcely probable that the coming fall
will witness the return to the hideous
style of crinolins and their contempor-
hn ctxr1A
undoubtedly be modified in one or more
important features.
There seems to be a decided tend
ency to select more substantial mate
rails for skirts that are to serve for
practical purposes, in place of the soft
and clnging fabrics which have been
in vogue for all kinds of skirts ever
since winter. Soft materials will prob
ably continue to be used for evening.
dinner, reception and theater gowns
but even then some method will be used
to keep them from interfering with the
free movement Of the extremities in
walking.
This change will affect not only the
skirts, but also the waists or blouses
and cause a material change in the
languid lines affected by the present
style of sloping shoulders and dropping
sleeves. There is not much danger of
a sudden return to balloon sleeves as
they We're in style about ten years ago.
but it is safe to predict, that the COM
ing fall will bring a marked depart
ure from the dropping lines of skirt and
waist so characteristic of the fashion
Of the day.
There is probably not another mater
kinds of attire as silk. There is an
enormous variety of grades and STYLES
in the market, from the lightest and
flmsest, to the heaviest and stiffest,
from the cheapest to the most eXpen-
sive. There are silks for every pur-
pose. silks for every taste and for every
pocketbook Silk has many rivals. but
not one of them enjoys the popularity
which that material seems to have. 1t
is used for every purpose, for walking.
travelling, afternoon and even bathing
suits.
Appropos bathing suits! That is a