Village Squire, 1979-09, Page 14Fall
Fashion
Forecast
BY ELAINE TOWNSHEND
Ecology and a look of the 40s will play roles in the 1979/80 fall
and winter fashion scene for men and women in Western
Ontario, according to six local store owners.
"The 1979/80 winter fashions for women are the best we've
seen in many years," says Bertha Miller of Miller's Ladies Wear
in Wingham.
The dress is firmly established, and sports' wear is basic.
Colours are subdued; fabrics are rich in texture giving more of a
quality look. Styling is refined, elegant and feminine.
The suit is back. Jackets are shorter with shoulders that are
broad and padded; some shoulders have tucking which makes
the waist appear smaller.
Popular colours are grey, plum and berry, and black is making
a comeback.
"Accessories are an important part of a woman's wardrobe,"
continues Ms. Miller. "While increasing costs have hit the
clothing industry, accessories can still change and update a look
without requiring a large cost."
Notable accessories for the 79/80 season are belts, clutch
bags, hats and scarves. Hats come in many designs from a low
crown and soft brim to a firm barrel with a buckled strap across
the crown aad a cossack hat in fur felt worn low on the brow.
Anita Swartman of Anita's Ladies Wear in Exeter says, "The
winter coat features a back pleat that allows the garment to hang
straight and look full without being full. It is an easy fitting
style."
The back pleat and padded shoulders are reminiscent of the
'40s. The length is mid-calf, and natural fabrics, such as wool,
corduroy and tweed, are predominate.
Shirley Walker of Shirley's House of Fashion in Wingham
explains that mid -length jackets range from hooded styles to
12 Village Squire, September 1979 _
Broad shoulders are back in jackets for ladies.
plain jackets trimmed with fur or wool. The bomber jacket is still
popular, especially with young girls.
Sweater coats and jackets in wool or a blend of wool and acrylic
are also in demand.
"The dresses are flattering," claims Ms. Walker. The cocktail
length is three to four inches below the knee. Dresses have tulip
skirts or skirts in a straighter style. A wrap effect in dresses is
another feature borrowed from the '40s. Tucks and gathers at the
waistline are more subtle than the blouson look of recent styles.
Some colours are grey, black, chartreuse, royal blue and emerald
green.
According to Ms. Swartman, the "dress up suit" in flannel,
cordoroy, wool and tweed is popular in the basic colours of grey,
black, tan and heather.
Ms. Walker points out that blazers - a mix n' match item to be
worn with skirts and pants - add variety to a woman's wardrobe.
Tweed blazers are "strong"; some with suede patches on the
elbows are especially popular with young girls.
The skirt is gently gathered, pleated or tight with slits.
The pleated pant has a straight leg with a tighter bottom.
Fabrics are gabardine, wool and wool/polyester blends; colours
include brown, grey, burgundy, grape, camel and black.
Ms. Swartman describes an evening pant of slinky crepe that
has a tight leg draped at the foot. Bright tops in purples and teals
are worn with it.
Blouses range from silk to silk blends to wool and cotton; wool
is "an item" in blouses for the 79/80 season. A modified western
shirt with pockets on the front and a yoke at the back are popular
with young girls for its style and easy fit.
Velour sweaters with knitted neckline, collar and cuffs are still
in demand.
Poodle•cloth - a wool fabric with a curly or crinkly appearance -