Style That’s More Than Fair to Middling
Question: Please recommend a dress that will disguise my inflated midsection. My bust measures 36; my hips measure 36. But my midriff and waist measure the same--a whopping 30 inches.--C.B.
Answer: The two-piece dress illustrated here is ideal for your figure because the printed silk blouson top camouflages your midsection, and the slender skirt emphasizes your slim hips. It’s by Paris designer Louis Feraud. For retail outlets, write to Feraud’s New York office at 570 7th Ave., New York, N.Y. 10018.
Q: What style of shoes should I wear with my new strapless black velvet cocktail dress? Pumps? Sandals? What heel height?--E.H.
A: High heels. If you can manage three-inch heels, choose this style because it is the height of fashion for evening. The return of spikes comes on the heels of the return to fit and femininity. If your legs are good enough, ankle wrappings look new again. And don’t be afraid to wear patterned, printed or colorful shoes. Take your pick from black, jeweled black, red, purple, tapestry, damask or brocade.
Q: Is the word paisley an Indian word?--P.A.
A: Textile experts say the paisley design originated in 14th-Century Kashmir in the northwest corner of India. In the 19th Century, the town of Paisley, Scotland, began weaving articles with designs based on the ancient Indian motifs. These patterns became the rage of European society, and the word paisley-- for Paisley--has been in use ever since. Paisleys are once more a fashion passion for fall, inspired by “A Passage to India” and “A Jewel in the Crown”--both popular when the fabrics for this fall’s collections were conceived.
Q: I will be touring Great Britain in September and would like to wear a hat--something casual and easy to pack yet stylish enough to be worn to a nice restaurant if necessary. I’m 5 feet tall, size 6 and will be wearing mostly tailored clothes.--A.M.
A: Take a beret. This classic style is packable, casual, and if you buy it in black you can dress it up at night with a jeweled pin. Black, red, navy, cobalt blue and winter white berets are available in the current catalogue published by Spiegel, 1040 West 35th St., Chicago, Ill. 60609-1494. Madcaps makes them in wool felt with rayon faille linings. They’re priced at $12 and fit head sizes to 22 inches.
