Seen In The Shops.

Top coats this summer are mainly of the swagger variety, about seven-eighths length, with wide shoulders, and cut loosely under the arms. Some hang from round yokes that come down over the shoulder and give the necessary width. Collars are straight, upstanding bands, often fastening with one button at the neck. These coats are mainly in tweeds (checks, diagonals or herring-bone) and in blanket cloth for sports wear.

A suit should form the foundation of the summer wardrobe. Skirts are straight, with fullness supplied by inverted pleats, or slightly flared coats are fitted hip-length or loose. The fabrics for suits are mostly tweeds in interesting weaves (shepherds plaids, herring-bone or diagonal checks) and in neutral tonings, fawn mixtures, browns, black and white. You will be smartest in brown and white or oyster checks. The short coats, with or without belts, have standup, straight collars which fasten with one button under the chin, the revers falling apart to show the blouse. A popular type of costume is a swagger coat with skirt to match. This is certainly most suitable for a slender purse, as both skirt and coat can be worn separately.

Choosing a blouse to wear with your new suit is an absorbing occupation, as a blouse lends character to the whole outfit. The severely tailored shirt-blouse is right for certain types. For others there is an array of dainty trifles in organdie or muslin, plain or patterned in the brightest and most charming colourings, from which to choose. Soft draped collars, bows, pipings, buttons, all are drawn into service to add interest to the blouse.

The ubiquitous jumper still holds its own. I have noticed some charming models in wool-lace with pleated frills or collars of organdie outlining the round neck. Nearly every jumper has small, puffed sleeves in self-material, or in contrast.

On the tennis court, white will, of course, predominate. Spun silk, or any one of the range of krinkly crepes in silk or cotton is smart. Our tennis frocks may be sleeveless or otherwise. The square, cut-away armhole is new, or we may have a tiny, flared cape-sleeve. A touch of scarlet (piping, buttons or belt) adds distinction to a white frock.

Accessories are lovely. The eye is bewildered by the array of bows and frillings foaming round the counters. One notices vests to wear with costumes; organdie capes in white with black or coloured spots, stripes or rings. These capes, which can be worn over a white or coloured frock, are high at the neck and almost waist-length, and have ties which cross-over and tie round the waist.

Gloves are interesting. Gauntlets are now made to match other accessories. Very new are gloves in white or fawn mesh. I saw some fawn mesh gloves with checked gauntlets which matched the hand-bag and belt. If you are one of the people whom white really suits, dress in it this summer, and supply yourself with a white handbag and white sandal shoes. With your page 54 page 55 mesh gloves, wear mesh stockings—in lighter colours this summer. Your white shoes may be trimmed with brown or a bright colour, and for beach and holiday wear be gay in colourful striped canvas affairs.

As to hats, take your choice—high crown or low crown, pleated or folded, brim abruptly tilted or severely straight. Only remember—small hats for costumes, large floppy hats for organdie or muslin.

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