Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 113, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 May 1918 — Made to Serve Many Purposes [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Made to Serve Many Purposes

*lt is the war” perhaps that Is responsible for this dress that looks like a suit but Isn’t. Since designers have been giving so much attention to those two-lmonq frocks that must serve for afternoon and evening—or afternoon and street wear—they seem to have acquired the habit of making things of doubtful Identity. Here is a onepiece garment that evidently Is intended to serve almost any purpose. It looks like a very good substitute for a street suit, it might pass for a coat dress or be worn as a coat, for it opens at the front in the fashion of coats. This new evolution in apparel ought to Interest the summer girl who contemplates saving money on clothes—to spend It on war work or in needed recreation. The receipt for making it Is simple. The body of the garment is semi-flttlng and cut on the usual suit coat lines, extended at the front into a full-length panel. The peplum and skirt are to be joined to this panel —and the thing Is accomplished. For

ornament It relies wholly on button® and they prove this confidence very well placed. Serviceable materials, like serge, gaberdine, velours, jersey and twill are to be chosen for it There is no telling what new direction the thoughts of designers will take now that this business of economizing in cloth has become fashionable. If many of their efforts turn out as well as the sleeveless jackets and sleeveless waistcoats that have added so much attraction to the season’s modes, we will all advocate economy. Already we are proud of new accomplishments in gingham and other cottons —and oft reminded of the fact that a saving in material does not always mean a saving of money. Bui one should be willing to pay for cleverness —the intangible value of clothea that lies in their good style.