The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-07-18

MIDSUMMER FAsHIoNs.-We are enabled to
present as usual, in advance of the magazines,
a sketch OF the latest fashions for ladies:
MISCELLANEOUS.
Colors in costumes are more gay and alto
getber more diversified than formerly; but
there is still q preference for black or white,
and also for the buff, which locks like dead
gold. Black has survived even to the heat of
the summer weather, and appears in all the
thin materials-grenadine, crepe, barege. 1t
is not, however, 80 fashionably trimmed with
.colors as last season. The ruf1es of the mate-
rails are edged with narrow fringe, or they are
made of silk into ruchings, notched out upon
the edge.
Straw trimming, straw fringe, or straw
braids, are not q novelty upon thin black suits,
but they are considered very aristocrat.c.
strswifringe is used as border to the upper
skirts and paletots. If it is very narrow 1t
may also be employed for edging rufaes. The
braid forms heading, or is very effectively
run through the centre Of ruches made Of silk
or of the same material as the dress.
Almost all the fashionable summer costumes
are made with rufies and puffed out behind,
the sash or ends of the Marie Antoinette Jfchu
passing under the peuf, and sustaining it in its
place. Magnificent white dresses, one mass of
putting and tucking, are tied up in this way,
with wide ends of the material edged with ruf-
fes OF the same without lace or colors, with
exceedingly good effect. So much depends,
however, upon the ssill Of the dressmaker in
properly arranging the drapery that it is not
safe for an inexperienced person to even try to
) do it.
The short dress is still popular; and meets so
entirely the common sense and judgment f
our ladies that we hope it will be fixed nsti-
tuition. Its great advantage is that it affords
every woman neat and uniform dress, Whe-
ther she can afford trimming or costly material
or not. A short dress and cloak OF the same,
even OF cheap material, and without trimming,
is always convenient, neat and lady-iike.
Cloaks are superhuity; suits have almost
altogether taken their place, and all that is ne
cessary is to devise method Of making them
warm enough for winter to render them the
popular street style all the year round.
No material change is noticed, and none
will take place until the approach OF fall'and
winter renders necessary better protection for
the head.
The small bonnets have reached the MIMI
mum Of littleness. OF straw there is only
narrow strip, which serves as foundation for
the garland of leaves or flowers, and as SUI
port for the lace falling at the back and Cross
ing in the front as ornamental strings. I
This style has been common in silk, tulle aud
straw, all the season. New and fresh, 1t pos
sesses certain grace, particularly if worn in
conjunction with an elegant toilet; but the
lace soon looks untidy and stringy with use,
especially ii it is OF common quality, aud
then the bonnet looks shabby and spoils the
entire toilet. The fayorite method OF trim
ming is with black lace and q garland Of field
flowers.
The 'tJardiniete" is the prettiest style for
country wear in round hats, and the diane"
the most elegant in straw for riding. Long,
curled ostrich plumes have been revived, by
the way, to ornament the 'Diane," and are
very graceful. Nothingso becoming has been
worn in their places. For carriage costume
and morning visits little pouf bonnet of white
tule is worn, with tuue lappats, which tie un-
der the chignon behind. A wreath of white
lilac is generally carried across the front, and
forms necklace. The fashionable chignon
now forms o mass of ringlets.'
oLoAKs AND MANTLEs.
There is great latitude awarded to outdoor
covering of all kinds; people can wear what
they please, 80 long IS it is pretty and becom-
ing, and even If it is odd, peculiar, and differ
ent altogether from styles ordinarily worn, it
will only be looked upon as newer fashion.
The summer season has brought out great