The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-09-05
FOR FEMININE READERS
SOME WARDROBE REQUIREMENTS
OF A SEASON IN WASHINGTON.
The Woman Who Is a Graceful Liar a
cfaI Orchcstra"-Oddsa and Ends.

During a recent interview with Mrs
Jones by Marion Depew, who has had wide
experience in Washington society, and who
is herself always exquisitely gowned she
made some pointed and valuable sugges-
lions apropos of a young woman in this
position, says the Philadelphia Press.
THE daughter of a congressman from
some small town." said Mrs. Jones, should
not prepare a large wardrobe before leav-
ing home but should wait until she reaches
Washington and have her gowns made &C
cording to the fashions in vogue there. But
IL she lives near an up-to-date dressmaker,
it would be well for her to prepare out
fit that will be adequate for the most usual
demands.
Washington society has become almost
a synonym for receptions and teas, as
these two functions certainly dominate the
social world. With the families of the rep
resentatives at home on Tuesdays, those
of the members Of the Cabinet on Wednes-
days, the senators on Thursdays, and Fri
day Supreme Court day, there is an I'M
ceasing round of this form of entertain
ment. The daughter of representative is
expected to not only receive with her par
ents, but is frequently asked to assist SEN
ators' wives or ladies CT the Cabinet on
their reception days, and, if popular, is also
IN demand for one of the ten young women
who stand behind the Presidents wife dur
ing her receptions.
THE first gown to be considered then
even before the ordinary street GOWNS
one suitable for calling and receptions, and
in these days of bodices the same skirt
may be easily made to serve for both. For
receiving it is absolutely essential that one
should have a high-necked and long-sleeved
light dress or bodice. Some eight ten
years ago it was en- reggie for women to ap-
pear decollete at afternoon receptions, but
it is now considered as bad form, in Wash
ington, at least as for man to appear in
evening dress before o'clock For an
ordinary reception at home a pretty high
necked bodice of light taffeta or chiffon
with a handsome black skirt is perfectly
good form; but the black skirt is not suff1-
GENTLY dressy to receive in at a large and
fashionable tea. Here, again, however, the
skirt may be made to serve two-fold pur-
pose; nothing is prettier for these occasions
than a short white satin or silk skirt, with
a pretty high-necked bobdice of brocade,
silk or chiffon, and the same skirt with
low-cut bodice is quite the thing for even
ing wear.
For calling nothing could be more suit
able than the black skirt with a waist of
the same material combined with some
color; or 1t may be worn with q pretty
black velvet jacket over a light waist and
the jacket removed. if desired, at recep-
ton. For ordinary street weal one must
of course have tailor gown of dark blue
gray, brown or green in tweed, serge or
cheviot. This with a hat trimmed perhaps
with a few quilts is the most chic costume
for shopping and morning calls. Then, if
one has handsome bit of fur for the neck
a big black hat covered with feathers
which is always in vogue and almost uni
versally becoming-and a pretty muff
adorned with chinchilla or what-not the
same tailor suit may be made to take on a
sufficiently festive air for the afternoon
calls.
For her first season in Washington
then, congressman's daughter, If she be
a young woman of invention and taste,
may, with the aid of fresh gloves, wells
and other dainty appointments always ap-
pear extremely we'll and suitably dressed
IL her wardrobe is limited to a good silk
lined tailor gown, a handsome black gown
of brocade or MORE, an evening gown of
white satin or other light material and
three or four high-necked light bodices.
OF course, If she can add to this one or
two high-necked gowns of light silk or
taffeta, combined with chiffon, Irish point
or other laces, she would find them ex-
tremey useful for the ubiquitous reception
and teas and equally SC for street wear in
spring and summer.
"a thin black gown (of net or crepe) with
both a high-neck and lOw-cut bodice, per-
haps trimmed with iridescent gold or tur-
quoise, is also a beautifully adaptable
gown, as it will suit almost and occasion.
1.-THE young lady cannot tell before
hand whether or not she will go out much
during her first season." concluded Mrs.
Jones, las it often takes a little time to
get acquainted, and should she be invited
to dinner dance the cards will give her
at least a weeks notice, which is ample
time for her to provide herself with an ad-
ditional evening dress if she wishes.
"Of course two evening dresses would
not be amiss, if her purse permits. She
will get gloves and boots in Washington
The two hats mentioned, with a little the
alter bonnet ought to be sufficient though
an additional hat to match the color in her
calling dress would be desirable acquisi-
ton"