Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-13
SART0RIAL HINTS.
BY Elizabeth Lee.

The coat and skirt suit of taffeta silk
will probably appeal to the elderly woman
as being light in weight and serviceable
for general wear, consequently suitable
to her needs as warmer weather ad-
gances. There is really very little spring
weather, so TO speak. that it is impos-
sible to keep on with the winter suit until
1t is changed for one appropriate to early
summer. The silk suit then would seem
to be the very thing. because the blouse
worn underneath the coat could be Of
the right weight or warmth to suit
weather conditions. The only objection
see to the popular fad is that taffeta
is not a weave becoming to women past
their first youth.
Even the lighter shades are harsh
when brought near to skins that have
lost their freshness, while the darker
shades are still more trying. Otherwise
the silk suit is an excellent investment.
And since it is SO, why not use peau de
sole instead of taffeta? Or. if the wearer
to be Is quite tall or slender, there are
the bengaline weaves. Either silk is
handsome in appearance, and is made up
mO0Shly no one will ever notice the
silk is not taffeta. Peau de sole being
rich, substantial kind of silk. will be very
becoming generally to women who are
no longer young. while the weight.
fancy, will be only just comfortable
When one does not go out great deal
socially it will be a good plan to have
three-piece suit the waist separate
from the skirt. If the former is made
up with little lace or marquisette it
can. with the silk skirt, complete smart
afternoon gown, also one suitable for
theater and informal evening wear.
All skirts are made with little trim
ming of some kind. Peau de sole lends
itself we'll to folds, corded ruchings and
panel effects, rather than anything fussy
and so does bengaline.
The simulated overskirt suggested by
broad folds is good for a tall figure,
while the shorter woman should relieve
| the plainness with straight panel down
both back and front, if she should look
her full weight.
While coats are shorter this season
than formerly. the quite short length is
not always becoming to the elderly
woman.
A tall figure should wear a coat at
| least half length. while three-quarter
would. perhaps. be better If the figure
| is spare. The short and the stout woman
must see that her coat covers her hips
well, not stop off at the widest line of
| the hips.
| The fashionable low closing will be cor
rect, and any handsome buttons may
| be used. Passementerie ornaments for
closing are always in good taste, and
| | see no reason why the elderly woman
| may not finish her suit with marrow
collar and cuffs of the white Turkish
toweling in precisely the same was as
her daughter does her coat. This alone
will impart an up-to-date air to the suit.
| Then the turban or toque could be
a combination of Turkish toweling and
| black silk trimmed with violets or a pair
| of black and white wings.
! Should d color be preferred to black
| there are beautiful changeable effects
| in the heavier weaves of silk, as black
shot with red, green with blue and brown
| with gold, though, after all, there is
really no better choice than black bright
ened up or relieved with a color.