There seem to be assorted inconsistencies throughout the series. If AT was originally written as a one off, there would have been no thought as to anything other than the normal preparation for the start of a new term for the older ones and a new school for the twins.
Having only just read FL, there is the comment about the school changing from red to navy during the war and about to go back again. Even after the war, clothes were rationed and hand me downs even outside families were common. My mum was an only child, but her mother cleaned for the local doctor, who's daughter was older than Mum, so she got some quite nice clothes handed down that way. But with 4 ahead of the twins, it's possible that things may have been worn longer and harder during the war, plus the older ones would have had red uniforms when they were third form, so new clothes for the twins wouldn't have been out of the question.
I don't have my copy of AT to hand, but don't the seniors wear skirts & blouses rather than gym slips, so it's possible that Karen and Rowan would have needed new uniforms anyway. Plus all the differences about girdles and things depending on teams and being Head Girl.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2014-06-25 11:06 am (UTC)Having only just read FL, there is the comment about the school changing from red to navy during the war and about to go back again. Even after the war, clothes were rationed and hand me downs even outside families were common. My mum was an only child, but her mother cleaned for the local doctor, who's daughter was older than Mum, so she got some quite nice clothes handed down that way. But with 4 ahead of the twins, it's possible that things may have been worn longer and harder during the war, plus the older ones would have had red uniforms when they were third form, so new clothes for the twins wouldn't have been out of the question.
I don't have my copy of AT to hand, but don't the seniors wear skirts & blouses rather than gym slips, so it's possible that Karen and Rowan would have needed new uniforms anyway. Plus all the differences about girdles and things depending on teams and being Head Girl.