Evening star., 1942-12-13
Women Find Wartime
Increases Wisdom Of
'Iravel-Light' Rule
Carefully Selected
Wardrobe Eliminates
Bulky Luggage
BY HELEN VOGT,
Star Fashion Editor,


Star Fashion Editor.
For years the mark Of an expert
enced traveller has been his lack of
luggage. This year light baggage
indicates not only a Sophisticated
attitude about travel, but a patri-
otic and practical one as well. All
trains, planes and buses are jammed
to overflowing with servicemen, so
there is no room for the woman
with numerous large suitcases. bulky
hatboxes and assorted makeup kits.
Many women will, however, be
travelling this year. Some are going
South to join officer husbands at
their posts. Wives are on their way
to the West Coast, to Northern cities
or villages-anywhere they may be
able to see their men in the armed
forces.
Travel will not be easy for women
this year. In many cases they will
tote" their own luggage and fire.
ouently they will stay in tiny hotels
or tourist homes" where such
things as pressing and cleaning are
unheard-of services.
All this, then, indicates that the
woman who travels must be more
practical than ever. both in the
selection of her clothes and the
care Of them.
Suits Excellent.
Suits are still number one travel
Ing costumes. With a clean pair of
gloves and fresh blouse, any
woman can step off train looking
well-groomed and charming, despite
the difficulties of wartime trans
portation. A makeup kit, to be
carried in her hand, is an excellent
investment, for it contains all the
essentials. Some of the new kits
have room for a gown light robe
and slippers, yet are compact and
easy to handle.
Should she be going South, say
Miami, the wise woman will take
summery clothes. but also toss in a
few heavier items. Just IN case"
That travelling suit will stand her
in good stead on cool days. A top
coat, possibly in bright or pastel
tone, is must" for almost every
Florida evening.
Casual clothes. preferably in
wrinkle-resistant fabrics. are in or
der. both because Of their appear
ance and because they are a 10y"
to pack. The rayon jerseys. non
crushable cottons and others are
excellent.
Simple pumps are fine, because
one pair takes care of most cos
TUNES and saves luggage space.
Same thing goes for basic" hand
bags and hats. Eliminate all un-
necessary frills and furbelows. Con-
centrate on one color scheme when
ever possible, for not only is it
space saver. but it's good fashion.
Stacks for Sports.
In sports clothes slacks are
highly approved and they will COM
bine neatly with those blouses which
also do double-duty with suits.
Needless to say, slacks should be
meticulously fitted and as trinity
tailored from the back view as from
the frontD
Shirtwaist dresses. dearly be-
loved by the American woman, will
be welcome additions to the war
time travelling wardrobe. for they
are versatile, good looking and easy
to care for. Tiny little "beanies"
and other informal chapeaux slip
neatly into suitcases and provide
change of headgear with little
effort.
For women going North the lug
gage problem will be more difficult.
for heavier materials take up cor
respondingly more space. However.
here again the versatile costume will
be most helpful Travel in a heavy
suit which will be appropriate for
daytime activities. Concentrate on
Separates" such as one evening
skirt and several changes of blouses
or jackets.
Ski clothes now in the stores
manage warmth without bulk, and
the processed cottons, for example,
are not impossible to handle.
The selection Of clothes for colder
climates is excellent this year Incl
dentally, for talk of fuel-rationed
homes has brought forth practical
and smart looking clothes that also
protect the wearer.
Shawls Serviceable.
Along these lines are knitted
shawlS, which keep off drafts and
also give a new look to simple frocks
all-in-one wool socks with leather
soles form ideal foot coverings for
around the house; separate vests
flannel shirts and flannelette night
gowns and pajamas are all popular
items which are also appropriate.
Soft wool dresses frequently fea-
ture crush resistant features that
are desirable in travelling: corduroy
works like a charm and is very new
especially in jumpers to be worn
with varied blouses. Quilted jack
cts, slacks and such are charming
If space limitations permit. Other
wise. the softer, le S bulky materials
will do just as we'll for warmth and
fashion Importance.
This years rule is travel light.
But most of all, be good sport
when inconveriences ari-e. Y YOU
must travel, try to be as little
trouble as possible.