Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 219, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 September 1915 — A Loose Topcoat for School Wear [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A Loose Topcoat for School Wear

The young woman who is going away to school, or who must make a daily pilgrimage to the halls of learning in her own home town, has now to be provided- with a topcoat This is about the most important item in her apparel. It must be durable and comfortable, proof against rain and snow, good looking and up to date. There are many styles to choose from —all of them ample in width, and straight-hanging garments. Rough mixtures, in stable colors, thorn tweeds and other fabrics are cravanetted and therefore rainproof. Some of the plainer models are mannish looking and wonderfully smart, especially on certain types of youthful, feminine prettiness. These coats are shorter than those that are developed unmindful of the mannish touch. A fine model is pictured here in a green and light brown mixture. It is long, hanging straight, with full skirt. The fullness is belted in just below the normal waist line, with a very wide belt of the material. The ends of the belt at the front are split

into two straps and fastened with buttonholes and large bone button*. The strap idea is repeated in the collar and cuffs. A single strap, overlapping at the front forms the collar. It fastens with buttonhole and button at the left side. The coat is double breasted and fastens with three buttons at the front. The body is cut high at the neck and long at the shoulder. The straight, plain sleeves have a band about the wrist and, back of it, a strap with pointed end finished with a button, is set on. A novel management of the patch pockets is noticeable. The lower part of the belt is extended in a pocketshaped flap at each side and the pocket is set on to this. It is finished with a button. This is an innovation in the placing of pockets that ha* style and something more to recommend it It is usually at the pocket* that the coat must bear the brunt of much wear. The “give” of the belt is promising—it will prevent the usual sagging and tearing at the pockets, which is so destructive.