The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-15
EARLY SPRING COSTUMES.
The Inevitable Jacket, Skirt and
Shirt Waist Seen Again.
New York Ledger.

New York Ledger.
Light wooden materials made up with silk and
velvet promise to be among the most popular OF
spring costumes. AS to the way they are made,
the woman of sense finds cause for congratula-
ton in the fact that there is scarcely style
worn within the past four years, with the ex-
ception of the enormous sleeves that she may
not adopt if she chooses.
The skirt and blouse, skirt and Elton jacket,
skirt and blazer, skirt and short basque skirt
and long basque, the princess, and the skirt and
simple bodice are all seen in the collection of
models which are the most approved, and one
may walk about with perfect freedom without
trailing yards and yards of binding and skirt
edge on the pavements. The thanks of timid and
conservative women due to the Rainy Day
Club for popuIarizing short skirts So accustomed
the people to the sight of women's shoes on
the pavements that little mud is a sufficient
excuse for DOMINIC the short skirt that brings
enables to go out without the fear, which
amounts to positive horror to fastidiouS people,
incrusted with the dirt of the streets than which
a more disgusting attachment cannot be mag
ined One Of the most approved models for a
walking skirt has a rather wide front breadth
and two larger sections that complete the sides
and back. 1t is unquestionably the fact that the
old-time three-piece skirt, when carefully made
and put on to the belt with a proper regard for
the hang of it, is one of the most satisfactory
styles that we have had for a long time. This
dresses. 1t is economical of material, and, re-
CARELESS of what the goods may be, If the bias
seam in the back is properly stayed, 1t will not
4 perfect costume for business or the thousand
ness costume, is a good water PROCEED or camels
hair serge made with skirt of this style and
with either blazer Elton jacket
The of the shirt waist for ordinary wear is
almost universal 1t has dts points of grace in
that one revels in the daintiness of clean and
fresh materials. OF close spring morning, If
one can indulge in a refreshing bath, don crisp
clean shirt waist and comfortable skirt and go
out a-wheeling, life seems to be worth living
OF course, a jacket or blazer must always be in
evidence, but there is well-groomed air about
a well-ftting costume put up on these lines that
O
what correct dressing is.
Fer informal morning outings and dainty shop
ping many ladies like shirt waists of wash silk
or the pretty plaids or taffetas that pop
ular. These silks are often made up after the
same patterns cambrics. They are comfort
able as to fit, and with the dropping front, which
is the characteristic of all blouse-shaped waists
are exceedingly attractive and stylish.
There are no very radical departures in the way
of bicycle gear for women that likely to meet
with any favor. Long ago the Ledger predicted
the complete decadence of the bloomer and kin
dred monstrositieS. A short skirt with CATERS,
knickerbockers tights answers every purpose
and is much more womanly and becoming ex-
tremists to the contrary notwithstanding.
There is something essentially feminine and
charming about perfect hanging skirt a trim,
perfectly fitting shirt waist with plain and suit
able hat, thick gloves and shoes either high or
low, and worn with CATERS, although the average
overgaiter is little more or less than hideous.
1t is legitimate and allowable to wear shoes of
the ordinary sort without CATERS if one chooses
to do SO. 1t takes the timd and conservative
some time to accustom themselves to these
things, but when one reflects that custom sane
tons all decent departures 1t is not hard to con-
form to the requirements either of fashion con-
Venience.
American women have struck a sensible lead.
adoption of anything that is at all within proper
limits. When it becomes necessary to use ap-
are not only reasonably indifferent to public opn-
ION but they are able and willing to change the
popular ideas of things if they please.
The most approved skirts just full enough
to hang gracefully with very little fullness to
spare. Just how full this must be depends to a
great extent upon the woman who wears it. Some
women require much more fulIness than others
on account of variations in figure. Whatever is
done, the skirt must not be skinny. Skirts are
not very short, just to the tops of the ordinary
shoes being a good length. 1t is recommended
that high boots be worn if one likes them. They
are quite warm for summer, but not as much
SO as the overgaiters, and coos in them
much more steadily and safely. They must not
be too tight, otherwise they impede that freedom
OF action which is necessary If one would NOT
become over-weary.
Bicycle hose need not vary from those ord-
narily worm 1t is much better however to
wear long tights. Knickerbockers of
some dark material almost universally worn
knickerbockers made of almost any material
a good black or gray being preferred. A good
quality of gloria makes handsome and not very
expensive ones. The material is light and cool
and does not catch on the other garments a list
OF excellences acceptable to women who give
robe.
AS for headgear, it seems impossible to pre-
pines soft hats, braid and felt without trimming
OF course the ideal hat has knot of ribbon
with Quill or bird wing, but it is so easy to
put on q lightweight braid that Is simply
trimmed that many cyclists do not take the
trouble to provide special head coverings for the
purpose.
Ladies who drive great deal are quite given
to using the same >headgear for both purposes
and as 1t is usually quiet and conservative, it
fills all of the requirements without the trouble
of providing anything further.
The cape is likely to remain prime favorite
for spring wear indeed it has not disappeared
during the stormiest days Of winter. The heavy
capes Of frieze and Scotch mixtures are among
the most convenient and desirable of yra MS
Every lady ought to own one to throw on when
she goes for little outings or in the evening when
heavier garment might crush dressy waists