The free patterns for Spring "frocks" which came with the September 1955 issue of the Australian Home Journal were so typical of their era that they've almost become cliches. They are all variations of styles which combine cinched-in waists with bouffant, calf-length skirts. The artist who illustrated them for the cover of the magazine has accessorised them with hats and white gloves. The two figures on the right are wearing fashions for younger women: the woman on the left is wearing a "matron's frock" designed for older women.
As usual the Australian Home Journal has lots of fashion news and advice, including some suggestions on how to spark up your accessories!
Full-skirted, sleeveless cotton frocks are featured in teenage styles for the coming season. In bright prints or soft pastels, many of them have special petticoats or hip stiffening to accent their swirling skirts. Simplicity of design is combined with trends which characterise the spring silhouette for adults. The elongated line is seen in long torso dresses and in frock with a hipline emphasis (a band of braid, velvet or ribbon extending extending around the skirt at hip level is one of the ways in which this is achieved).
Coat frocks, buttoning from neck to hem, have established themselves as a classic which appears in many attractive versions nowadays, from slim sheaths to styles with graceful fullness in the skirt. Their capacity to look equally dressy when worn on their own or when partnered with a coat makes them a particularly practical style.
Fashion's latest . . . Add a rhinestone buckle to a belt, the bow of a sash, or the centre or side of a scoop neckline: stitch brilliants to the curve of a turn-down collar or add a rose to either corner: pull a pert white organdie bow through slots at the jewel neckline of a dark frock: stitch groups of gay glass beads on to a cinch belt: brighten a round necked sweater with a collar of vivid felt flowers sewn on to a foundation.
