Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-09-14
SIDEWAYOR ASTRIDE
THE BURNING oUeSTIoN-wHIcH
WAY SHALL WOMEN RIDEf
The Proper Costume for Cross-saddis
Riding-The Habit for the Conven-
tionaI styie-Top Garment
ICorrnsnnnhanc. q. N. Rianmond pIspstch.l

New YORK, September 10, 1881.
The burning question of the hour as re-
CARDS affairs feminine appears to be How
shall women rider" No doubt the ave-
rage equestrienne, If she loves riding for
riding's sake and does not adopt the exer-
else merely as a fad OF for purposes OF dis
play, will settle this question on-hand ana
will attire herself in such dress as seems
most seemly aud best adapted TOR tho sad
die. However. it seems that she is not TO
be allowed any decision IN the matter,
which is one for the newspapers and the
leading ladies' tailors-in particular Lon
don ladies' tailors-to determine. -,
Firstly-thus runs the discusslon--shail
women ride astrlde, az do their brothers!
Secondly. if not. shall they be allowed TO
retain the old-fashioned. out-of-date
habit of our erandmothers? Thirdly, II
this DO suppressed, then what variety OF
outrs and startling costume shall replace |!
DIVIDED SKIRT.
This text furnishes food for much con-
troversy. and notice that our own press
is riyalled by the English papers in the
importance given to this momentous sub
ject. Miss Jenness has decided for our
fair physical culturists that they must ride
astride and wear divided skirt. The
English idea of proper costume Tor cross
saddle riding IS even more out or the way
and much less womanly. The attire sug-
gested recalls unpleasantly the kind OF
thing we all see on the burlesque stage. 1t
is nothing more or less than loose, man
nish sort of coat, skirt that comes little
below the knees. and full knickerboc kers
underneath. which are supplemented by
L. L. Lev hot yxfr ~
some reason in side-saddle tho old habit
is transmogrified IN that the skirt portion
consists of (apparently) pair OF straight
aprons back aud front.
FOR THE OLD STYLE.
The ladylike horsewoman who continues
TO put little faith in some old conven-
tionalities-one, for instance. which we
used 70 call propriety-will wear this fall q
habit of black or dark brown melton, or
perhaps gray tweed The tight-tittlng
habit-bodice, trim and neat, will show a
small white chemisette. but otherwise Will
be quite plain. The skirt will be straight,
not so long as the habit-skirt used to be,
but covering the instep at any rate; be-
meath it, the usual trousers, chamols-lined'
reaching to the knees, and riding-boots
with soft, wide Morocco legs and patent
leather trimmings.
PoLoSAIsE MODEL.
One of the prettiest. most graceful OF
polonalse models is that which recalls the
Grecian idea Of dress. IL Grapes clear from
one shoulder, and as the skiltul draperN
effects are the soul of the style, soft adapta
bic material must be used IN its creation
say cashmere or crepe de chine.
The sailor-hat was never so altogether
popular as it is Just now. 10 IS such
~, 10 toll ,f
universally becoming that every girl seems
to possess one in the repertoire OF her MILL
merry.
BUGS NOT BIRDS.
Autumn millinery is prodigal of bugs
but birds are not SO common. There ~ {
tendency to trim everything very simply
with ribbons and tule and lace.
OF course with the first coming OF fall 1
is deemed necessary to have something a
hand in the shape Of top garment, On'
wears a loose open Jacket, with or without
q waistcoat of thin cloth. and almost in
evitably tan or fawn-colOred. A good IN
uoyation IL the sleeveless jacket, whlcl
furnishes the slight additional protection
necessary to the chest and shoulders, an,
which is made OF cashmere or some sucl
very light material.
THE COMING SHADES.
All the beige and wood shades are II
great force in the incoming cloth dress
goods. Plaids-and tantan plalds at that
are again TO be worn, but usually will b
combined with the PLAIN fabrics rather thar
used for whole suits. The new tweeds am
cheyiots may as well not be described a
new" since they exhibit favored features
Same old checks, and all that sort OF thing
you know.
Sleeves are large, and there is ever
probability that they will continue To b
so. They are not so often IN contrast wit
the dress now, however. bein. made /
the self-materlal.
OTHER FASHION NOTES.
Furs have already made their appear
ance in the stores, early as It IS. Ermin
IS TO DO high favorite this winter.
The present is time of bargains in a.
of the stores, particularly III the under
wear departments.
The Spencer waist and similar forms ar
disappearing from outdoor fashions, to b
welcomed in home toilets.
As soon as the heavy cloth dresses are /
once more fur-bordering and ornsmenta
| ton will be worn.
The skirt is to be somewhat fuller in III
| fall and winter fashions than II has bee
| throughout the past season.
For yachting, soft low caps of serge o
| flannel. which are very comfortable an
which do not blow Off. are de i'iguelT.
Evening costumes are draped with lace
aud founces are occasionally worn.
The more startling and bizarre a colo
combination is. the more fashionable-tha
seems to be the rule now. q. IL. Nj.
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