Frocks for Teenage Girls - 1905
No matter how many frocks are provided for schoolgirls, invariably long before the time that, according to the almanac, another season's wardrobe is to be provided, it is apparently much needed. The effects of constant daily wear, no matter how well the clothes are made, must show, so that immediately the holidays are over the prudent mother starts in with the outfit her daughter will require for the spring.
Girls' ready-made costumes which are surprisingly good can be bought in all the large shops, but it is best to choose a rather simple design and a plain color, such as blue, brown, or red, rather than the mixed effects of material that are enlivened by some contrast in trimming.
The pleated or gored skirt with wide flare, deep hem, and rows of braid is a good model, while the medium length three quarter coat or the reefer jacket is the most serviceable. Then there should be shirtwaists of the same color as the costume, and, indeed, there should be more than one of different materials, for cold days velveteen or corduroys, for warmer days crêpe de Chine, pongee, or French flannel.
A pretty taffeta silk waist is always attractive, but it cannot be recommended for hard, general wear. Linen or lawn waists are most practical as soon as the weather is warm enough, and the schoolgirl should be fairly well provided with these.
Veiling or soft cashmere or light-weight cloth is an excellent investment for spring and summer for the Sunday frock. There are any number of pretty designs to choose from, while in light gray, light tan, light blue, or cerise with trimmings of velvet ribbon a charming little frock can be made.
Young Girl's Simple Gown of Woollen Goods, Black Velvet, and a Sort of Corrugated Black Silk Braid on the Waist and Sleeves. Harper's Bazar, April 1905. GGA Image ID # 164d778624
The sleeves must be large—that is, larger than last year—but should not be made elbow length. Only for party frocks is this correct, and then the long gloves hide the arms.
Embroidered muslin and lawn frocks are extremely fashionable for schoolgirls for dress occasions, and it is rather a fad to have colored silk linings for them.
This is an additional expense, and the lawn skirt with lace-edged ruffles is quite effective enough, while colored sashes and bows of different colors make such a change that it is not necessary to have at the most more than two of such expensive garments; for these embroidered muslins, if at all fine, are very expensive this year.
Frocks for Older Teenage Girls. (left) Girl's Reefer Coat and Skirt of Blue Serge, Dark Blue Velvet Trimmings with White Leather Edges. (right) Girl's School Press of Gray-Blue Camel's-Hair Trimmed with Deep Blue and Green Silk Braid. Harper's Bazar, April 1905. GGA Image ID # 164e07fb01
Young girls do not wear their evening gowns cut low in the neck, but the "party gown " made with transparent yoke and without collar is always becoming, and now the fashion of having the yoke itself rather low marks the frock as intended for festive occasions.
Accordion pleated frocks are very dainty and look well in both thin and heavy materials, but as chiffon and muslin are so effective when trimmed with lace, it is sometimes better to keep the accordion-pleating for the heavier fabrics, and then have the chiffon or muslin with its trimmings of lace for the party frock.
Frocks for Young Teenage Girls. (left) Little Girl's White Linen or Veiling Dress with Embroidered Waist and Turned-Back Cuffs. (right) Frock of Gray-Blue Veiling with Collar of Dark Blue Velvet Over White Silk with Blue Braid. Harper's Bazar, April 1905. GGA Image ID # 164e28f269
The corset question is always a vexed one, but both the corset-waist and corset of to-day are built on most hygienic principles and are more of a support than an injury to the figure. Whether corsets are worn or not, petticoats and underwear must be well cut.
"Frocks for School Girls," in Harper's Bazar, New York: Harper and Brothers, Publishers, Special Spring Fashion Number 1905, Vol. XXXIX, No. 4, April 1905, pp. 310-312.
