Washington telegraph., 1849-08-15
LADIES' RIDING DRESS.

fThe following description of the
Jockey Riding Habit now so popular
in all sections of the country, has been
furnished by Mrs. r. E. Campbell, author
of the Lady Equestrian, &c.
The Jockey Habit is composed OF Skirt,
Vest and Habit, each made separately.
For fine habit, the skirt and jockey
ought to be broadcloth; but when econ
omy is an object, they may be made OF
merino, summer cloth, lustre, or other
goods of that character. The waistcoat,
;n all cases, is made of buff cashmere.
The skirt and jockey are usually of the
same color, dark blue or green being
most popular. If they be of different
colors, the skirt should always be the
lightest. Nankin makes pretty skirt,
and sky blue merino looks quite as well,
with dark blue jacket. When light
skirt is worn, the jacket may be of velvet,
cloth, or other dark materials, at the
Measure of the wearer. A habit of this
style will cost from twelve to fifty dollar,
according to the quality of the materials
employed. The following particular des-
cription will be acceptable to many ladies
who may desire to make up their own
materials. or to have them made up under
their own direction.
The skirt is about three quarters of a
ward longer than the skirt of an ordinary
dress. tits gathered bat slightly in front,
and the waistband closes at the back by
a stout steel buckle. If the skirt be
likely to pull down, it is good plan to
secure it by shoulder bands or suspenders
of white linen. A pocket should be in
serted on the left side, for convenience in
carving a handkerchief, and slowing
away the veil when it is not wanted.
The waistcoat IS of fine buff cashmere,
and made, in every respect, like gentle
mans. 1t is cut single-breasted, with a
straight collar, and extends as low down
the form as is consistent with neat mt.
It is ornamented with full length row
of plain fiat guilt buttons, highly polished,
and in size half an inch diameter. The
buttons should be set just one inch apart,
measuring from eye to eye; and the low
er button should be nearly two inches
from the bottom of the vest. The most
tasteful manner of buttoning the vest is
to leave the lower button unfastened,
and use only FIVE or six buttons next
above the lower one; this mode allows
the button points of the vest to separate
and conform to the shape, and the upper
part to stand open. This is far more
comfortable than habit buttoned up to
the chin. AS the buttons will require
occasional renewal, it is advisable to put
them on with eyelet holes and rings.
The holes should not be worked through
and through; that is to say the inside
facing should cover the rings. Nothing
can exceed the elegance of this equestrian
waiscoat, when properly made.
The jacket is worn open in front, but
fits close to the back as low down as the
waist. 1t has narrow rolling collar,
which widens suddenly below the shoul-
ders, and then gradually tapers away
until it loses itself at the waist The
basque is about eight inches broad, and
is no fuller than is absolutely necessary.
The sleeves are plain and tight, with
small gauntlet cuffs. The jacket should
have no ornamental trimming.
The shirt-bosom does not differ matirial-
ly from the style worn by the gentlemen.
The linen ought to be very fine. 1t made
plain, there should be three or four small
pold studs down the centre; and if it be
rufied, the ruffles should lie fiat, and be
confined in that position by a small breast
pin. The cravat is generally of dark silk
or satin, relieved by small stripe or
check of lighter color; it ties in front
with small knot and short ends. Some
eoztcstyie7aues wear a dark cravat, with
a long, dickeylike front. which covers
The entire shirt-bosom. This is very be-
coming, and adds greatly to the effect OF
the waistcoat. In all cases, the collar
should be small and square, and turned
down over the cravat.