The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1871-03-09
CHOICE OF coLoRs IN DRESS.
Suggestions by Mrs, IL. w. Beecher.

in the last the question OF COlorS III
Dress is discussed Mrs. Beecher re-
marks that works on the combinations
of color in dress, divide complexions
into the Fair and Ruddy Blondes" and
the Pale and Florid Brunettes." In
the Fair Blondes we find a delicate
white skin, light hair--in all the shades
from a golden hue to yellow or orange
brown; light blue or gray eyes slight
tinge of rose on the check, and richer
tint on the lips. In all such complex
ions the rose color is not decided enough,
and the hair would be improved by
deeper hue--and these changes can be
made, in a good degree, by suitable
mingling of color in the dress One OF
the most favorable colors for the Fair
Blonde is q delicate green-as it imparts
to the flesh white of the skin tint of
red, which, mingling with the natural
hue, forms an agreeable rose tint-a
good contrast both to the face and hair,
especially if the hair is golden, inclining
to orange.
The best colors to mingle with The
green, as trimmings, are red, orange,
and gold. Green and gold form q rich
harmony, peculiarly becoming 4 the
fair blonde. Scarlet blended with green,
harmonizes better than red; but if red,
inclining to crimson, is used, then or
ange and gold must also be combined
with it. There are some shades of green
that are not becoming, unless blended
with and enlivened by other harmonious
colors. A green bonnet, with rose-color
and white feather, will always be becom-
ing for this complexion. Be careful
that too much white is not used, else it
will have a cold effect, and therefore will
not aid the fair complexion so much.
Orange or gold may be substituted for
the pink or rose-also red, in small
bonnet, but neither should be placed
close to the face. Orange, in q green
bonnet, in small quantities. is becoming,
if the wearer's eyes are blue. A few
autumnal shades of red, orange, or vel
low-green are also in harmony with the
fair complexion but dark green is not
at all desirable.
Blue is very suitable, giving an or
ange tint, which harmonizes finely with
the delicate white and flesh hues of
complexion. There is always natural
trace of orange color on the skin, and
this color by intensifying this natural
tint is very pleasing; but the blue must
be light, and not too positive. Blue be-
ing the perfect contrast of orange, it
agrees finely with golden or orange
brown hair. This is the reason that
light-blue head-dresses are so very be-
coming on light hair. To give good
effect to blue by gas light, a little white
or pale blue is necessary to be in con-
trast or very near the face. If there are
green leaves with the blue flowers of a
head-dress, they should be placed as near
the face as possible.
White, black, very little yellow, Or
ange, straw, or stone color, may either
of them be used in the trimmings of q
light-blue bonnet, with good effects, but
not if there are pink or purple flowers
ON it, as these colors mingled with blue
are unsuitable. The colors to be used
carefully or avoided altogether with fair
compilations are yellow, orange, red, and
purple. The light shades of lilac may
be sometimes used but it is very trying
to and must always if used be separated
from the flesh by an edging of tulle or
some similar trimming, or be associated
with its harmonizing colors-cherry,
scarlet, light crimson, or gold color, and
then they will in part overcome the bad
effects; but green and lilac should never
be coupled, as it will form positive
discord. A very little light purple is
agreeable for head-dress on light hair,
but must be placed near the skin.
Neutral colors, if not too dark, accord
well with fair blondes-gray, fawn,
drab, and some few shades of brown,
are the best. Black is good for the fair
blonde, who has some healthy color, be-
cause it increases the rose in the COM
plexion; but it is bad for pale skins, as
it bleaches them by the painful contrast.
No delicate color can be blended with
black without seeming of a lighter tone.
Unless used for mourning, black must
be mingled with either blue, cherry,
mulberry, drab, or lilac, to remove the
sombre effects; but cherry and lilac
must be used sparingly. Red must not
be used at all with black for fair blondes,
as it gives rusty tinge. White is suit
able with black, if some other color is
added-otherwise it is too cold. A black
bonnet looks we'll with fair complexion,
but a little white and rose color should
be added, keeping the rose away from
the skin. White is pleasant for all COM
plexions, but more so with the fair
blonde who has some color than for any
other. Bright colors with white bonnet
may be added, but must be kept low and
well grouped. White increases the pale
ness of pale skin, but this effect may
be neutralized by blue or green wreath
brought we'll on the face. ....
The ruddy blonde has a full-toned
complexion, inclining to positive rose.
red, or carnation; dark blue or brown
hair. All the colors suitable for the fail
blonde are generally suitable for the
ruddy blonde, but the tones, and in some
cases, the hues must be changed. As 6
rule this type may use more freedom il
the selection'of colors than the fair; hel
complexion not being so delicate, is les,
sensitive. The hair being the medium
between gold and black, and the com.
plexion higher toned and more positive
rich and moderately dark colors may bt
used. ... %
Green is very becoming, but it mus
be of the darker shades, and not the del
icate green, that is so becoming for the
Fair Blonde. If the complexion is ight
and can use more red, without being
overcharged, rich, full-toned green, sucf
as grass or moss-green may be used, as
although sufficiently bright, to yielG
color to the skin, it is not SO powerful g
contrast as to bleach it. In proportion
as the complexion increases in color {
deeper green may be selected, passing
from the positive to the neutral hues, al