Daily American organ., 1856-05-06
New York Fashions for May.

There is distinct change In the materials used
for dresses since the early part OF spring. Then
heavy fabrics in large blocks, and wids stripes Of
back, dark crimson, and blue, formed the prevail.
i,g styles They have given place TO the ligh'
founced robes and elegant spring goods which
were then only displayed in the windows. Even
these betray tho same peculiarly of wide stripe,
a contrasting or graduating colors as they show
to such advantage over the hooped skirts
Founces are worn In Pompadour patterns, and
very full black is still favorte promenade dress
with double skirt or three full founces Some
times the founces are embroidered with colors, but
the most recherche are trimmed with rows of gu
pure lace or black velvet Nothing can make q
prettier walking dress than this style with the
Byzantine mantila and handsome spring straw hat
with punches of flowers, fruit and dropping foliage
We are glad to observe that New York ladies
are redeeming themselves from the charge Of Q
love Of violent coiors in street dress, and are im
tating the Partisan ladies' in choosing quiet pat
terms for promenade. Al
There is little change in the hats for this month
"a tendency to enlarge" has been noticed, but the
truth IL they are ifpos be, smaller than ever; i
Ia the immense size Of the capes that gives them
the appearance Of being larger than usual. Inge-
nuity is taxed to invent designs more unique and
fantastic than the last. Black lace is used with
white in ornamenting chip and white Grape bon
nets. Sometimes it is put on in alternate rows,
and the sides finished with branches Of laurel and
crimson poppes. But, after all, the prettiest hate
are the straws and Ieghorns trimmed with the del
icate marabouts or early spring fowera
Wells are much in vogue this season. but wheth-
er to preserve the complexion from injury or de-
lection, is not quite clear. They are very small,
simply piece of Grape reaching just below the
chin. The effect is pretty and coquettish
Parasols are edged with deep fringe, or covered
with black lace, which forms scolioped edge
This is not as pretty as the imbossed imitation OF
lace, of which a few specimens are on exhibition
Some are trimmed around the top with ruches
and fastened with ribbons or cord tassels. The
prevailing colors are the various shades Of brown
drab, lavender and dark blue. a
Much has been said as to whether basques have
or have not gone entirely out. The style Is too
becoming and convenient for the ladies to relin-
quish it readily, but 1t is not suitable for warm
weather, as heavy fabrics best become it. Cut
into shape resembling gentleman's "surtout," !"
they are very becoming, and are now much worn
by ParIsian ladies'. aada 1853
Walking dresses are universally worn high
nscked; sometimes with q point in front, and q
small lappetband, Ike riding habit. Waists will
be worn low this summer, not quite dscoiiefte as
some writer's assert, but running to point, and
made 30 as to insert cteniseffe. Lace capes will
be worn for young ladies they are pretty, when
made of tuile illusion trimmed with ruchss of the
same nterspersed with buds, daisies, knots
of narrow satin ribbon. But more graceful over
dress Is the black or white lace tunc, which Ii be-
coming very popular with our young elegantes
They are made Of plain or figured lace, but the
figured is the most recherche. A frill four to si1
inches deep forms the skirt, which is hemmed and
trimmed with rows of lace, or the summer style OF
moss trimming. The hanging sleeve, which only
closes at the shoulder leaving the arm bare, is the
most graceful, and very pretty for evening dress,
ss well as exceedingly plsasatt in warm weather.
The lovely flowing dresses Of lace tule, and Grape
which some cross old bachelor calls " Haunting
abominations,p are still tho fayorites for evening
toilettes. There is little difference in the style.
Ths corsage is very pointed, and communicates
with fun bouquet Of flowers and ribbons where
double skirts are worn, the upper forms tunic,
which Is trimmed with gold and silver stripes
wE4