The Gary American

FEMININE FASHIONS
By Bernadine Carrickett
(For ANP)

Hello again ladies. No doubt you've read and heard a lot about silk taffeta this season, and probably seen a lot of it as well. Although all of this luxurious fabric may not be all silk, it still has that rich elegant sheen. And since a rustle of excitement has been caused about this fashionably new "swishy" fabric, let's talk about its possibilities.

Most of the taffeta suits are a silhouette of flattering skirt and fitted jacket, with the waist line accentuated by the soft curves of the hip or peplums of the jackets. Collar lines are notched, and shawl effects of other years. This spring there are tabs, knife plaited edgings, shirred cuffs, flaps, turnover folds and every other imaginable dressmaker detail--all making for the essence of feminine elegance.

Thin woolens make eye-catching costumes and dresses contrasted with the smart addition of taffeta in flounces, belts, cuffs, collars and even a companion bolero or short jacket.

Or a smart thin wool crepe dress slides under a spring coat of taffeta. These coats vary. Some are fitted and cut with flared skirts, buttoning all the way down the front. Others are fitted and with a slim skirted silhouette.

Still other full length coats of taffeta are designed in the line dunta or boxy version.

Also there are the convertible or double cutaway coats, just as smart and high fashion on one side as on the other.

Short toppers of taffeta, usually in pastels or bright colors, are wonderful additions for any wardrobe as they can top wool, silk, lace, linen or cotton comes the summer time. Taffeta linings have literally rejuvenated dark colored wool coats.

Coat-dresses of silk make a most impressive collection, with a grand assortment of colors and distinctive models featured.

Wide swishing skirts and big collars are the most popular. Navy blue, black and cocoa brown are the neutrals in solid colors; smart effects in gay plaids, breezy checks of all sizes and dots complete the array.

The novelty weaves also are favorites. Such interesting new weaves as jacquards, contrasting threads of white or beige against blues make most unusual costumes.

The silk suit that consists of a dress (usually a sleeveless affair for cocktails and parties) with a companion jacket is the last word in superlative chic. Jackets with all-over braided motifs top other distinctive silk suits. They are practical, too, because they can be worn with the other dresses and skirts.

With all of its varied appearances in this season's vogue, surely every fashion conscious woman will have taffetas in her wardrobe.

After all it's first time in that glorious fashion change.