Dera The long and short of it IT’S GOING to be a long winter. Designers have shown this repeatedly in their collections, in sn enthusiastic attempt to persuade women around the globe to wear Jonger skirts. Since they had exhausted all heights possible with short hem- lines there was nowhere else to go but down. This dees not meun that short skirts will disappear. it simply offers you more choices. The longer skirt, however. is the one trendsetters wouldn't be caught morte without this season. You may already be wearing the new sophisticated silhouette. The long, slim line of the skirt reaches below the calf or just above the ankle, but it is not binding or dowdy. You may never have stopped wearing longer skirts, and therefore have an assortment. However, the newest skirts have been updated, and are more form-fitting around the waist and hip than those of past years. Long, narrow styles often taper near the hem, and pleated or flared shapes are also slimmer, skimming the body in an unstructured fabric, or cut siraight as opposed to wide. The right way to go long? Here is the North Shore News’ super- easy guide. The return to lower hemlines brings questions concerning appro- priate lengths, height of the slit, proper proportions and heel heights, and flattering lengths to different figures. To wear them with confident style requires taking an objective look in a full-length mirror. Common sense and a little experi- ence will tell you that big, boxy jackets, loosely hanging shirts, hip- length fitted blazers, extra-bulky sweaters and little nondescript tops eal FASHION STATEMENTS won't work with a down-to-there hemline. Proportion is the key to making them look smart. Keep your waist visible with thigh-length fitted jack- ets, Waist-cropped loose jackets and boleros, boldly shaped tops. turtle- neck bodysuits to emphasize the slim line, hip and waist-length fine- ly knitted cardigans and tucked-in full shirts. Another trick is to keep the top area slim if it's a long garment (below hip) and fuller if it’s short (waist length). Wear pepium jackets which flat- ter the hip, long waistcoats that are belted or not, narrow tunics and long vests. Make your neckline high and sleeves long to balance the length of your skirt. To gauge the length that looks right, pull up the hemline to vary- ing lengths while standing at the mirror. Manufacturers tend to make the standards longer than desired so the tallest customer can still wear them. This means you may have to hem them to fit your height. On most women, below the bot- tom curve of the calf or three inch- es above the ankle ure ideal lengths. If you prefer slightly shorter styles, keep it one or two inches past the bend of the knee. Most women can wear skirts below calf and longer if they're sleek, tapered styles rather than full, pleated or heavy, wrapped skirts. These silhouettes tend to flatter only taller body types, 5°6" and over, A short woman, under 5'2", looks best in lengths just above the calf; however, she can wear the longer skirts if her figure is slim and the skirt is fitted, You might.want to ease into the longer lengths with a skirt reaching a couple of inches below the knee. Or try a Jonger skirt which has buttons or a zipper down the front or side, since it can be unfastened depending upon the amount you See Choose page 24 NEWS photo cindy Goodman Holt Renfrew fesiured a variety of longer skirts at the Arts Umbrotia benefit in September. for Simplicity Hold the ruffles and glitz, evening wear is turning down the velume this season. Holiday dressing at LeslieJane reflects a spare luxury with simple black dresses, palazzo pants and jackets in rich fabrics like velvet, taffeta, matte jersey anc whispery georgette. Alexander Brown presents this essential look of the season—a softly pleated ankle-length dress in geergette—richly trimmed in Venice lace—just one choice from our extensive Alexander Brown collection of crushed velvets and patchwork dresses. Graduated 1968 from the International Fobricare Institute in Silverspring, Marylond. INTRODUCING 1480 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VANCOUVER 922-8612 AS What this mark of drycleaning excellence means for you. When you see this seal, you are assured of the latest technology and equipment, spe- cially trained personnel, and the rigid stan- dards that provide the best drycleaning pos- sible for your fine fabrics. It's your assurance of drycleaning excellence, only from your Certified Master Drycleaner. CAROUSEL CLEANERS Outside location between Canada Trust & The Bay Mon.-Wed. 6:30 to 6:30 pm Thurs.-Fri, 6:30 to 9:00 pm Saturday 6:30 to 5:30 pm Sunday 12:00 to $:00 pm 922-4811 Park Royal North Dollar Skopping Centre 929-4890