Fashion Notes In Brief.

Skirts an inch, or even two, shorter, less skimpy. Six or eight gored; pleats breaking out from the knee; pleated all round in plaids.

Frocks and coats have interest centred from the waist up. In frocks page 59 the bodice may be full or draped. Sleeves are deep-set and angular, kimono, raglan. Shirt-waist tweed frocks are popular, especially with a gay scarf tucked in the front opening. Scarf may be of satin with belt to match or of velvet—very smart. The military front with frogs is arresting. Stitching accents some frocks.

Belts are wide, elaborately buckled. Buttons are novel.

Gilets (a species of front, fastening round the neck and with a band round the waist) help to ring the changes with suits or coat-frocks. Satin gilets may have narrow upstanding collar and small, stiff bow in front, or soft bows looped at neck-line. Gilets in silk tartans, velvets, or flat fur fabric vary the neck theme.

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Coats are reminiscent of swagger with flaring backs, or plain and belted with no trimming. Fur collars are elaborate and large. The fur cape for afternoon street wear, or evenings, is new this season.

Wool fabrics have a smooth; suede finish as in mousse cloth, or are rough as in chevron bouche coating, angora, wool frieze, knopp effects, the raised chevron weave for suitings.

Colours? Marsh green, Gloucester green, Lady Alice blue, cocktail red, riff red, ruby red, purple-grape, copper beech, amberust and black, a great deal of black.

Evening gowns, evening wraps and accessories we will have to leave till May.