Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-01
FOR UP-TO-DATE WOMEN
A Gown That Will Answer Both for Dinners
and Balls.
Intended Especially for Women
Whose Purses Are Not LOnE-SOmc
Timely Fashion Hints.


NEW YORK, December 81, 1897.
For the next six weeks both matron and
maid Will dance and dire to an extent
| which makes at least one bali and one
| dinner gown an absolute necessity. 1t will.
therefore, be cheering news to those whose
| purses are depleted by the holidays. or are
constantly at q lower ebb than is desirable
| in view of the demands OF society, to know
| that one gown may do service for all even
| Ing functions by the addition of sleeves
and a guimpe to a low-neckcd gown.
Low-nccked gowns for dances have only
an excuse for a sleeve, the airiest trifle OF
g puff, while a dinner gown is incomplete
without very long sleeve. But as the
| long sleeve is always made of the ARREST
| and thinnest material possible its fixture
on any sort of gown is easy matter.
Even velvet gowns have shirred muslin de
sole sleeves. through which the arm is
plainly to be seen, while all light gowns
have sleeves In keeping with their dainty
character.
If you have a relative whose belledom
began late in the sixties early in the
seventies beg from her "A silk gown Of tina;
time. Perhaps you will be surprised to find
how excellent was the quality of silk worn
by the girls of those days. We may have
more silk gowns than cur mothers had,
but they will not be in as good condition II
ever our daughters wish TO borrow them.
The more brilliant the color of this silk
of a bygone day the better; that is,
vivid blue or vivid green will be more
satisfactory than Il pale blue or pale
green. Make or have made from its ample
folds a plain, fitted low-neckcd round
bodice. and n skirt fitting tightly over the
hips. naring and perhaps flounccd around
the bottom, and, alas! that this should he
long enough TO touch in the back. Max.
an over dress of net. muslin de sole, any
transparent scmi-transparent material,
and a most up-to-date gown is the result,
Whatever material is used the waist of the
oNcrdrcs' is generally made with Il ful,
front slightly boused effect, while the
back. although full, is drawn smoothly
over the silk. Tiny pufrs of the net or caps
of the silk form the sleeves. If muslin de
sole is used sun plated skirt is very
smart. If net is the favored material the
skirt may be trimmed with satin ribbon,
flowers spanSles or any of the bright ma
tcrials now in favor.
\ Transformation.
Gowns of this sort may. OF course, be
transformed from ball to dinner gowns by
the addition of pair of shirred sleeves OF
the muslin de sole or net. which should
fit the arm closely. Guimpes of the net
or muslin de sole. finished with collar or
ribbon the color of the silk are also worn,
since 1t has been dccreed that dinner
gown not only must have sleeves, but may,
except on the most formal occasions, have
a collar.
1t must needs he very formal dinner to
absolutely require n low-ncclScd gown.
High-necked gowns are worn this winter
on many occasions when they were not con-
sidered good form heretofore. This does
not at all mean that lo"-necked gowns are
going out, only that they are not necessary
at every MISUNDERSTANDING the theater-
which occurs after o'clock at night.
If there are amy black lace shawls left in
the family possessions after the various
ways in which their use has been recon-
gown. There is a good deal Of work about
It. but its beauty will repay the wcarer.
The gown should be made of white, and
should he quite plain. The richer the ma
terial the more successful it will be, but
whether satin. silk or wool he the founda-
ton, the effect must needs be striking.
Black and White.
The figures In the lace shawl must be
cut out and appliqued to the gown, whether
near or far will depend upon the taste of
the wcarcr and the size of the shawl or the
number of figures in the design. There
must, Of course, be some sort of method
about applying them. Then they should be
outlined IN jet. This is stunning way TO
make an old white cashmere into Il modern
ball dinner gown.
Black alone Is now so popular that a
black taffeta Of most modest cost will do
duty on all occasions the winter through.
1t may only be the quality used for Innings
skirt, laid on either straight around the
skirt, or apron front shape, with square
cut Iow-necked bodice, finished with ruffies
of taffeta or lace, or muslin de sole, one
has the foundation of half a dozen cos
tunes Different sashes, roman stripe
plaid some bright color. will give gay
aspect without any other change. Combin-
ed with soft white lace and a black and
white or all white sash or belt 1t is a new
gown entirely. While sleeves of soft, trans
parent black make it into dinner gown |
and a guinpe of black TO match the sleeves |
relieved at the throat by white or bright |
ribbon collar, gives gown for the theater |
or a concert.
Dancing gowns for young girls are made |
of the gay Royal Stuart tartan in silk or |
silk muslin. The effect of this especially |
bright and beautiful plaid on a young
radiant girl is most charming.
Dancing FrOcks.
Dancing frocks for girls out of their |
teens are often of the brightest shades.
scarlet itself scarcely being considered too |