The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-05-08
Comfort,
LightneSs
Rank First

PARIS, May 8.-The modern lit
tie girl is the most elegant and
also the most logically dressed Of
children. There was a time when
she was apt to be a sad, over
dressed and listless child, hampered
by too many or too bulky clothes.
All this is changed now.
Comfort, lightness, and perfect
freedom of movement are the three
essential qualities studied by the
people who specialize in children's
fashions, and even infants have
long since abandoned swaddling
clothes.
Plain handwork in the form Of
shocking and tucks or simple en-
broidery trims the everyday frock,
but "best" dresses often display ex-
quisite drawn thread work, fagot-
ting, minute scanning in fancy pat
terms, and the tiniest Of tucks.
Real Valenciennes edging is some
times seen on handkerchief linen
dresses or on georgette dresses, but
this is rather the exception.
More Fantasy in Goats
Coats offer a little more fantasy
so far as form is concerned. Some
have a slightly circular skirt part
attached to snugly-f1tting yoke
top, others are straight from Shout
der to hem.
The vogue Of tailored suits for
groWnups has been reproduced in
the most attractive miniature tall
leurs. The skirt is pleated, the
Jacket is of the double breasted or
Norfolk type, and little blouse, at
tached to the skirt or not, accord
ing to the childs age, completes
the ensemble.
A 7 or 8-year-old is a charming
sight when CARRIED in one of these
suits, and it also strokes a new note
in kindergarten styles.
Adapted to Figures
It is surprising, too, how these
suits seem to adapt themselves to
childish figures, and by way Of fur
Their attraction they happen to be
a very practical solution of the
spring outfit.
The new soft woolens fashion both
coats and suits for the less than
g." but seldom is this fabric used for
dresses.
The practicable advantage Of
fered by all washable materials have
caused woods to be entirely set aside.
Besides. cottons and washing silks
are much gayer for the very young.
The problem of dressing girl
adequately from to 14-the awk-
ward AGES rather more comph-
Gated. A great deal depends on the
child's silhouette.
Some Mature Earlier
Some girls retain the baby look
we'll on into their teens, others who
mature much earlier. A girls
clothes are important at this stage
and she must never be allowed to
become clothes conscious.
Here again the blouse and skirt
theme comes in very handy, as it
is becoming to most children. The
only difference is that the waistline
will be more apparent and the skirt
longer.
Even the younger generations
knees are not displayed quite so
freely as they were before, and
dresses are made to reach just above
or Just below, according to size.
Flannel Most Popular
Flannel is by lar the most popu-
lar fabric this year for the more
practical children's clothes. 1t is
used in gray, red, navy and of
course white, and color combina-
tons are also very much to the
fore.
A red or blue flannel jacket can
be worn with a gray or white fan
mel skirt or with a plaid cheviot.
If the suit is made all in one color
then the blouses can supply the
color note.
For summer wear, flannel is re-
placed by cotton and silk pique or
shantung.
Party dresses, the most impor-
tant number in a child's wardrobe,
are made this season in plain or
figured georgettes, organdie and
embroidered swiss muslin and the
most delicate pastel shades.
Crepe satin and taffetas are seen
only for formal functions.