Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-05-22
THE INFLUENCE OF DRESS.
How 1t Effects the Conduct of the
Wearer.
ROsalind's Philosophie Questions-The
Effects of Ones Exterior Upon
the Inner Life.

''Dost thou think | have a doubtlet and
hose in my disposition?" asked the merry
Rosalind when she was ''eaparisoned like
man" in the forest of Africa. She vowed
to Bella that her smashing and martial
outside had no effect on her feminine
curiosity nor her womanish trait of speak
ing her thought
True, the way one is dressed does not
alter ones nature, says Kate Kaufman In
the Jenness-Miller Magazine, but 1t may
utterly transform ones manners. AS
Rosallnd's costume enabled her tC act the
boy part, so her dress may cause any wo-
man to appear gay, gracious, graceful
sad, sself-assertlve or awkward.
The primary influence of dress is upon
the wearer. Who does not know the ella.
ton of spirit, the sweet charity which fills
a woman heart when she feels that she Is
well-dressed? When detected, an infal,
libie cure may be found in becoming cos
tune and promenade. If an expected
letter fails to come if a business venture is
unsuccessful, if digestion be deranged,
put on your best clothes and take a walk.
The fresh air and the admiring eyes OF
the by-passers will restore your serenity.
Sidney Smith says that it is folly to try
to teach girl that it makes no difference
how she is dressed. Her whole destiny
may depend upon the color of her bonnet,
fact which, if she is keen, she will very
soon discover.
Not the least tragic part of the tragic life
of the Bronte sisters is that they never
had pretty clothes. Think of it. Poor
little girls! Their aunt dressed them in
nine-year- old fashions from Penzance
Charlotte was clad in dark, rusty green
stuff Charlotte, with her passionate,
artistic temperament, alive to every grace
and beauty When at school in Brussels
she tried to change her homely gowns ac-
cording to French fashion. Poor Char
lotte, with a heart of fire and the exterior
of a ''plain, provincial, sick y-looking old
maid.
How much more agreeable to read OF
Hannah More wearing at eighty, pea
green TX. y which, although it contrasted
with her face, was ''in harmony with
the youth of her step and her clear girish
voice.
One exterior has wonderful effect
upon the inner life. Who has not hearo
that "a wo man is as old as she looks?''
The consciousness of a beautiful appear
ance endues a woman with self-conflence.
and with audacity when it is needed; tc
this may be attributed the secondary in
fluence of dress-its effect on the beholder
When Queen Esther wished to win her
people the favor of her husband, the king,
she put on her royal apparel and made
so pleasing an impression that he promised
what she might ask, even unto the half of
his kingdom.
Dellius was Antony's messenger sent to
bring Cleopatra. When he saw her beauty
and address he felt sure that she need feal
no displeasure from his Roman master
however, he advised her to go ''in hel
best raiment."
Rachel Felix, the French tragedinnt
(who was capable of very sprightly comedy
off the stage), once found it expedient t.
cajole and talk over some offended
critics. She thus sportively discloses hel
plan in letter to friend: Il will put
on my little pink bonnet. | tell you they
are done for! | have tried it as Cleopatra
tried to poison her slaves. The effect is
certain. When put it on last week with
a black founced dress. young x was
quite Supplied, and has renamed so ever
since"
The wisdom of dress, as of everything
else, is included in Solomon's experience
He has left US this precept: LET thy gar
ments always be white, and let thy heac
lack no ointment.