Evening star., 1942-09-01


enough to say they thought-that
we were doing them a favor in
conducting these little sessions.
And all the time although they
still don't suspect the new employees
were helping us far more than we
could hope to help them. Their
questions, discussions and ideas give
q clear and vivid picture of what
the Government employees problems
are insofar as fashion is concerned.
and through talking with these girls
from all over the country, the fash
ion writer comes to realize how in
terested Washington Careerists are
in looking their best on budget,
After all, most of the smart young
things now working for Uncle Sam
are new arrivals in town, and the
whims and ways of Washington are
vet to be discovered. So, here are
some of the ideas and inquiries met
the other day. Maybe they're some
you've been faced with; maybe
they'll even solve a problem or two
Naturally, fall clothes are the
topic of conversation. Suits are
No. on the hit line-up-but
good suits. The white collar girls"
have learned that one we'll tailored
suit of good fabric and subdued
tone is the backbone of the office
wardrobe, for it may be dressed up
or down." according to the occasion.
They're staying away from vivid
shades, unless more than one suit
is possible, preferring wearable gray,
black, brown or navy. Many of the
girls are buying jackets and skirts
to mix and match" but all are
shying away from the super-col-
1egiate, campus-queen type of thing
for Office wear. Socks, saddle shoes
and moccasins are tempting, but
they have their place-in college
Same thing goes for all extremely
"rah-rah" clothes. Employers want
a staff that looks poised, efficient
and businesslike-and that goes for
the ones you call mister" instead
Of commander"
Following the non-collegiate trend
of thought, the girls asked about
sweaters for Office wear and were
reminded that simple sweaters are
perfectly all right. provided dickey
or blouse is worn under then and
provided they are not the extremely
sloppy" variety, again verging on
the freshman's idea of sartorial
splendor Simple dresses of wool
or mixtures" of rayon and wool
are ideal for cold Offices, and the new
selection is really very good, sans
frills, bows, trimmings and other
details which make a dress busy"
and therefore unsuitable for Office
wear.
In accessories the questions CEN
tered around hats. But I Just look
horrible in all hats" moaned one
member of the group. I'm terrible
In strictly sports models" protest.
ed another when we talked of ap-
propriate hats with tailored Office
clothes. So, look, don't get the idea
that you have to wear a drab, snap
brim effect just because you wear a
suit or simple frock. Hats can be
plain - without yelling, flowers,
feathers and ornamentation - vet
still be shaped to suit your style of
beauty, and still be right with your
business attire. Some girls don't like
hats. but they can find becoming
ones If they keep at it-and it's such
very important part of any cos
tune.
In coats they decided on the
boxy cloth type, not too desperately
swagger, with a little good fur
rather than a surplus of inferior
fur trimming. These coats, more
popular than ever this year, are
ideal because they can be worn
over suits and because they double
for daytime and evening.
Hair styles? Short, preferably. and
not too extreme, but almost any hair
style will do as long as 1t is neat,
clean and kept in good order. Jew
elry? Take it easy, especially on the
dangling bracelets and exotic ear
rings. Fingernails? Find out what
your employer likes and what is
most comfortable and efficient in
your work.
And If you have any thoughts,
drop us a note about them, so we
can discuss them In another COL
umn devoted to the Washington
business girl.