dresses for dressy occasions." Ms.
Joseff mentions that the stylish full
skirts will be popular for spring, as
well as the long, fitted cocktail dress.
Pantsuits
In 1970, fashion decreed a drastic
drop in hemlines as the mini gave way
to the midi. Women did not take kind-
ly to this new look, however, and
many discovered pantsuits. In fact, in
1971 nurses in Los Angeles, Calif.,
made headlines by demanding the
right to wear pants to work (they
won).
This season, women can choose
menswear pantsuits — made in haber-
dashery fabrics (i.e. pinstripes and
gray flannel) and sometimes shown
on the runways worn with vests, silk
ties and suspenders.
Another option is a feminine pant-
suit of wide-leg pants topped by a
close fitting, shaped-at-the-waist
jacket. In addition, there are pantsuits
with jeans-style pants and with crop-
ped pants, as well as the Giorgio Ar-
mani pantsuits (trousers with long,
loose cardigan jacket), a classic that
is still going strong.
The masculine/feminine mix focuses
on the menswear pantsuits (and a few
menswear suits — jacket and skirt).
Designers are giving it a sexy spin
with various "feminizing" features.
For example, Donna Karan contrasts
pinstriped pantsuits with lace bras
peeking out underneath. Another
feminizing feature is to cut the jacket
closer to the body than a man's jacket
would be, even though the same
haberdashery fabric is used. Or take
a leaf from the designers' book, which
was to show the man-tailored pant-
suit worn with. high heels.
Detroit retailers predict the mens-
wear influence will sell quite well. At
Saks Fifth Avenue, there is a distinc-
LINGERIE LOOKS: Black lace over nude
lends an unexpected twist to a short
evening dress. The bustier-type top and
full skirt make it youthful and sensuous,
a very coquette approach to night,
according to its designer, Louis Dell'Olio
of Anne Klein.
PHOTO FROM ANNL KLLIN