Evening star., 1940-05-29
BY HELEN VOGT.

If we could persuade our Woman's
Page Editor to turn over the entire
page to US today we night stand
fair chance Of telling you about the
play clothes now very much in ew-
dence In local shops. AS 1t is, Well
hit the high spots, draw a word
diagram of the leading trends and
trust to your own good judgment to
select the best from stocks that are
large and very complete. We would
suggest that you shop now, however,
to obtain the best selection, even
If you're not vacationing until later
in the summer. These play togs
disappear fast-and the cream of
the crop is on hand al the moment.
Flattering femininity appears to
be the keynote of the season, spread
ing its influence in nodded girdles
that slenderize the midriff, flared
skirts of the ballerina type, we'll
fitted bodices to insure a good bust
line, hoods to frame your curls and
other detailing. Stacks, swim suits
and play suits 60 in for these clever
features which add immeasurably
to their success.
Although Washington has never
put the official stamp of approval
on bare midriff swim suits, there
are numbers of them to be found.
And with evening dresses adopting
the trend it's possible that they'll
take" with more success this sea-
son. However, the favorite is still
the one-piece style, with a f1ared
skirt over tight panties in the dress
maker manner. These are carried
out IN sharkskin, rayon jersey, satin
lastex, wool or cotton. Many of the
suits have matching short coats
which remain popular after several
seasons. Zipper-equipped swim suits
are very much in order, most of
them tipped down the back and
some OF them using Upper half
way down the front of the suit in
a very effective manner. The COM
bination of striped rayon jersey skirt
and bra top with satin lastex girdle
and panties makes one of the more
striking suits, but even that can't
compete with the spectacular satin
lastex model in purple and gold
pansy print with huge, splashy flow
ers. The latter suit, if you have
a near-perfect figure, should create
excitement on any beach.
Play suits feature the trends Of
swim suits in almost the same ma
terials. Stripes and polka dots, as
well as solid colors, add fashion in
terest to these three-piece casuals,
and many of them are so well put
together that you'll find them perfect
for office or shopping. Cool, too.
The American theme appears often,
usually in the form of red, white
and blue combinations or not-too-
subtly suggested by star motifs and
other prints. Play suits with match
ing turbans or corresponding shoes
are featured and prove very helpful
In carrying out the ensemble idea.
So far slacks have been the best
seller around Washington. They are
feminized, too, with high waistlines
and exceptionally good tailoring that
is not mannish. An interesting trio
that could serve you for an entire
week end is the slack skirt and shirt
combination which, of course, is in
matching tones. And speaking of
combinations, one of our pets is a
combination of pleated shorts, wind
breaker jacket and smart skirt. This
ensemble combines blue palm beach
fabric and scarlet rayon jersey to
make a really beautiful outfit.
Pinafores are talked Of, due, per-
haps, to the apron influence found
in other fashions. In print cottons
these are appealing and have the
added advantage of covering up a
play or swim suit to make you pre-
sentable enough for tea.
Gadgets and accessories include
huge beach bags, really roomy and
smart-looking; sun glasses in almost
any shape you want from the flower
trimmed type to the modified har-
lequin shape and In an equal variety
Of prices; striped pique bonnets lined
with white: good looking play shoes,
many Of the wedge type: parasols
and even thin wool shawls.