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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 5 (August 2, 1937)

The Swing of Dance Frocks

The Swing of Dance Frocks.

Dance frocks lose none of their charm—and styles are so adaptable. You can emphasise your good points (a slim waist, graceful shoulders or a good back) and disguise your bad ones (if you admit to any).

First of all—waists. The Empire waist flatters slimness—and can give an illusion of it. Bare shoulders are demure above a dropped shoulder line, or sophisticated with a low decolletage. Shoulder straps are not conservative. Cross them, or have two on each side, clipping together at the shoulder line.

Some backs are best hidden. A charming frock I saw, in lace, had a definitely high neckline and swathed shoulders. Another smart fashion is the slit back.

Some backless gowns are so-“less” that one is surprised to find anything at the front.

Don't forget the dinner-suit in broadcloth or taffeta or what-you-will with crisp or gleaming vest—ideal for a cocktail party, for diner-a-deux, and on to a dance. The skirt will be slim, swinging a little to the hem, and slit for free movement.

I like junior frocks, for instance one with a front panel gradually losing itself in its own widening, and with the skirt widening with it to a swirl; short sleeves, puffed high.

If you catch your heel in your frock, the rip probably won't show, as more and more fulness is creeping into dance-frocks. The sway of them is accentuated by banding at the hem-line. Some filmy materials are tiered.