The first two months of Autumn in the Western District produce some of the year’s best weather. There are warm days but a chill is felt in the night air. By May, however, we begin to get a taste of what lies ahead with more wet and cold days.
During the mid 19th century, ladies had to rely on reports from London and Paris for their fashion news. In 1848, the “London and Paris Ladies Magazine of Fashion” predicted coloured velvet trimmed for Autumn dresses. Velvet was also popular for bonnets.
FASHIONS FOR OCTOBER. (1848, February 1). Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1847 – 1851), p. 1 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91458993
Bonnets trimmed with fruit were out for Autumn 1851, but flowers such as forget-me-nots were fashionable. Dresses with open or short sleeves were accessorised with bracelets, emeralds and “medal” charms the suggestion.
FASHIONS FOR SEPTEMBER. (1850, December 26). The Cornwall Chronicle (Launceston, Tas. : 1835 – 1880), p. 943. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65576052
The styles for Autumn 1853 changed little from the Spring before.
PARIS FASHIONS FOR OCTOBER. (1853, February 12). Colonial Times (Hobart, Tas. : 1828 – 1857), p. 3. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8772971
Sleeves were changing in shape during the mid-1850s. Also, with the change of season, velvet was replacing ribbon on bonnets.
FASHIONS FOR OCTOBER. (1856, January 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 6. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article482710
A sample of Autumn fashion advertisements from the 1860s.
Advertising. (1861, April 5). Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser (Vic. : 1842 – 1876), p. 2 Edition: EVENINGS.. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65446138
Advertising. (1866, March 15). Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 – 1918), p. 2. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87959303
Advertising. (1868, April 9). Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 – 1918), p. 1. Retrieved February 28, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87895148
L.Robinson & Co. of Collins Street, Melbourne had the latest imported Paris fashions for Autumn 1870.
Advertising. (1870, April 23). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 8. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5818692
Miss S.H. Heazlewood kept the Portland ladies in the latest styles for Autumn 1884 and she offered a dressmaking service too.
Advertising. (1884, May 17). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: MORNING. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63342665
Not much has changed almost 130 years on.
Not Possible. (1886, April 23). The Colac Herald (Vic. : 1875 – 1918), p. 2 Supplement: Supplement to the Colac Herald. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90352809
In 1889, furs and cloaks were hitting the shops but outside the weather was anything but cold.
LADIES’ COLUMN. (1889, March 1). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING, Supplement: SUPPLEMENT TO THE PORTLAND GUARDIAN. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63592223
Two weeks later, the weather was a little more Autumn like.
LADIES’ COLUMN. (1889, March 15). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING, Supplement: SUPPLEMENT TO THE PORTLAND GUARDIAN. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63622402
A “pretty” apron from 1892 with a handy pocket and a cheap price tag.
FASHION’S FRIVOLITIES. (1892, February 26). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2 Supplement: SUPPLEMENT TO The Horsham Times.. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72722663
Colourful straw hats were in vogue for Autumn 1904.
ABOUT HATS. (1904, March 18). The Colac Herald (Vic. : 1875 – 1918), p. 7. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87354212
Jeanne Paquin was a French fashion designer known for her tailored gowns. In 1905, her influence was evident in the fashions reaching Australian shores.
WOMAN’S WORLD. (1905, March 24). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 1 Supplement: Supplement to the Horsham Times. Retrieved February 26, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72815249
The following dress from 1907, in a chiffon Panama material, gives us some idea of the sewing skills that have sadly been lost today. Horsham ladies did not have to go to the city to buy such a dress. They could order a Butterick pattern from M. Thorp & Co of Melbourne.
LADIES’ COSTUME. (1907, April 12). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 1 Supplement: Supplement to the Horsham Times. Retrieved February 26, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72939046
Shades of purple were popular in 1913, especially for hats and veils.
FOR WIVES AND DAUGHTERS. (1913, March 26). The Colac Herald (Vic. : 1875 – 1918), p. 4. Retrieved February 26, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article93194629
By 1914, Horsham ladies not handy with the needle were able to buy fashion equal to their city counterparts without leaving town.
AUTUMN MODES. (1914, March 17). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved February 26, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72900577
Those that suffered for fashion’s sake, would have pleased to see the back of the tight skirt.
OR WIVES AND DAUGHTERS. (1914, April 1). The Colac Herald (Vic. : 1875 – 1918), p. 3. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74224403
FOR WIVES AND DAUGHTERS. (1916, February 23). The Colac Herald (Vic. : 1875 – 1918), p. 3. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75256133
Autumn hats for 1917 had few trimmings, although the white felt hat embroidered with Greek dancing-girls sounds far from plain.
FOR WIVES AND DAUGHTERS. (1917, January 24). The Colac Herald (Vic. : 1875 – 1918), p. 6. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74519149
By the end of January 1917, autumn and winter clothing was appearing in the shops, the last thing shoppers wanted to see during a hot summer. Coat frocks were in and the coatee was flattering for ladies of all shapes and sizes.
WOMEN TO WOMEN. (1917, January 24). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 10. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1592469
WW1 limited the supply of precious stones for jewellery, with diamonds becoming rare and in turn expensive. Charm bracelets and three stone engagement rings were popular and wedding rings had narrowed. Earrings were rarely worn and when they were they were a simple stud. Colours were of subdued tones, fitting for the times. Suits had few trimmings, relying on a smart cut for style.
WAR-TIME JEWELLERY. (1917, April 4). The Colac Herald (Vic. : 1875 – 1918), p. 5. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74520158
Tyler’s of Bridge Street, Ballarat. advertised in the Border Watch of Mt. Gambier a fair distance to travel in 1922 for the latest autumn fashions.
Advertising. (1922, April 21). Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved February 28, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77674135
Some distinctive 1920s styles.
AUTUMN FASHIONS. (1923, March 21). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 6. Retrieved February 28, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1884490
There was plenty of colour on offer with the Autumn fashions of 1926, from rosewood to smoke greys and everything in between. Imitation fur trimmings were popular on coats and handbags.
OUR WOMEN’S CORNER. (1926, March 23). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73002991
A Coolie coat from 1927.
FASHION FORECASTS. (1928, April 3). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 10. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72625587
Styles from Autumn 1934.
The Fashion Parade. (1934, February 17). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 23. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article46465428
Geoffrey Turton, aka Petrov, was an Australian magazine illustrator and cartoonist. He worked on publications such as the Bulletin and Smiths Weekly, but also the Australian Women’s Weekly. The following is an example of work from the Weekly, depicting Autumn styles from 1935.
The Fashion Parade. (1935, January 26). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 8. Retrieved March 4, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47208042
There was plenty of choice for Autumn 1935, with ladies able to choose the look they preferred.
The Fashion Parade. (1935, January 26). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 8. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47208042
The Fashion Parade. (1936, February 22). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 8. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article46942701
Friday 19 March 1937 was the date for the opening show of E.S. Finkemeyer’s Autumn and Winter fashions.
AUTUMN AND WINTER SHOW 1937. (1937, March 26). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 4. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73110816
Black worn with accessories in a new red, “rebel red”, was a fashionable look for 1940.
Treatment of Skirts Shows Variety. (1940, March 6). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 11. Retrieved February 28, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12429983
A promotion for Australian woollen garments during Autumn 1941.
Fashion triumph for AUSTRALIAN WOOLLENS. (1941, March 29). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 21 Section: Autumn Fashion Book. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47483414
A cardigan perfect for those cooler March evenings.
Advertising. (1941, April 26). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 5. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47484959
During WW2, when French and Italian fashion houses closed, America came to the forefront of fashion.
AMERICA LAUNCHES AUTUMN FASHIONS. (1944, November 28). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 8. Retrieved February 28, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11372401
Sewing patterns from 1945.
Fashion PATTERNS. (1945, April 14). The Australian Women’s Weekly (1933 – 1982), p. 21. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47118096
The following two suits sure have that 1940s war-time look about them.
FASHIONS FOR THE AUTUMN. (1947, February 19). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 4 Supplement: Woman’s Magazine. Retrieved February 28, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22409723
This crêpe dress from 1950 was in contrast to the 1947 fashions, above.
No Title. (1950, April 25). The Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72801557
In 1955, Tweed fashions for ladies emerged, not just tomboys, as did the jersey dress that washed like a stocking.
TWEED… is a Lady. (1955, February 22). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 4 Supplement: THE ARGUS SUPPLEMENT OF EXCLUSIVE MYER FASHION. Retrieved February 28, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71634754
The 3-T Gersey Frock. (1955, March 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 12. Retrieved February 28, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71642613
Max Factor cosmetics were 40 years old when this glamorous Myer advertisement appeared in the Australian Women’s Weekly. Hollywood starlets such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor had made red lips sexy.
Advertising. (1955, March 25). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 21. Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71641049
Western District Families 
oh dear, now that the AWW is digitised at the NLA online it has become my black hole of frittering away time. the social pages have been good for genealogy too.
Never mind Paquin, just relish the 1905 Horsham Times journalist SYLVIA’s lyrical description of a pelurine.
You have probably read James Bonwicks accounts of the WD in 1860 and I recall he described the Cusack Russell parsonage of the Wannon Parish as ‘having the latest magazines from London’.
HATS of course, having importance for showing off at church on Sunday.
Thanks again for the fun MR
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Gersey frock is a tpyo MR – Jersey do you think? it is a style of knitted fabric in wool or silk or a mix. delete this comment of course
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Jersey is a descriptor of a type of knitted fabric. It can be knitted using a variety of different yarns and fibres – silk, cotton, wool, man-mades eg rayon & viscose from various bases, and synthetics, eg nylon, and acrylic (which usually went by trade-marked names, eg Orlon, Acrilan, and many others). Because the fabric was knitted, not woven, it behaved in a different way, and needed to be constructed differently, and often, cared-for differently too. Which is why, from the 1920s onwards, when it became increasingly available, it is specifically mentioned in descriptions of clothes. It signified a major difference in the design, look & feel of a garment from one which was constructed from a woven fabric, and was thus important to those in the fashion industry.
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