Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-12-30
Haoiss Department.
The Fashions for January.

To be well dressed is essential to good
taste and to good breeding. An utter
Indifference to it argues a deficiency in
one or both, and an abnegation of the
beautiful, unaccordant with the American
mind. There is a style suitable for work,
for study, for the street. the home circle
and the resorts of fashion. We observe
this winter, while high rich colors are
much in demand, the most elegant cos
tune for the street is black. This is as
it should be. Black or dark neutral
shades are more genteel out Of doors than
any other %colors. Taste, economy, and
good judgement must dictate the color
for other occasions,
We observe ladies are beginning to
wear prints, g~inghams, and musIins for
home, much more than in former years.
AS these are capable Of washing, we re-
gard them as preferable to silks or de
lanes.
We observe a decided improvement in
the sleeves of the ladies. Formerly, we
have been panied at the sight Of blue
arms, cleaning out by the side of fnrs
and velvet, of a cold winter day at
present, the walking sleeve is in the bish-
op form, gathered at the waist, with a
cuff to turn back. The flowing sleeve
holds its place in the parlor.
The basque is not quite in former de-
mand, being nearly superseded by the
pointed waist. For full dress, a point in
front and back is made, and even over
the hips, when the figure is iull.~
Trimming materials are broad>and
fmeryine. The side stripes is no lonesr.
imnorkad, but will retain lis
some tlme 70 Come,
occasio1ss7 A doubles skirt, t5e
skirt to fall just below the knee. and
both trimmed with broad quilted ribbonS
or velvet. zaz|
The cloak is a Raglan slightly mods
fed, the sleeve being elegantly curYedl
and adorned with tassels at the point.
We observe a new sacque, slightly
loose in the back indicating rather than
defining the waist, as in the large basques
is becoming a faVorite. q
There is no ~diminution in the size of !
the hoop. Skirts for the street Just clear |
the ground for the parlor they are made
long to lie upon the carpet indeed, very
nearly a train.
We hope the B.lmoral, or wooden pet
%ticoat, will gain ground for walking. 1t
has a look OF comfort which we much
like. Besides, it lues not absorb the
moisture of the STREET, nor suggest untidy
ankles, the need q a bath tnb. and the
urgencies of soap and water. Fmbroid-
cries and fine linen for the house but a
true lady does not make herself n~oticea-
Bile in any way by her street dress, unless
it be for its simplicity and appropriate
ness.
Thick shoes are decidedly fashionable.
Plain, sdbdued gloves to match the dress,
or make a simple contrast.
Fine point lace which is too expensive
for ordinary purposes has become essen
tial to an expensive wardrobe. Ladies
have adopted the style of wearing black
velvet collars and cuffs, which have a
fine effect.
The head is dressed low in the back,
with folds Of braids around the face. or
eurls as most becoming. Flowers, %velyets,
or chenille, arranged to the taste Of the
Wearer.
The winter bonnets viii be made rath-
er larger than those worn during the
past year the front comes further for
ward, and the crown stants off behind
The curtain is wide, round, and not raised
at all. The very vide aud long strings
are often bound with a piece Of velvet or
ribbon OF q diEerent color. The inside
Trimming continues to be an Empress
knot Of foliage or ribbon, or else half a
wreath Of howers-Gfear Republic,