The Washington weekly post., 1900-12-25

men who fall to realize how far care In
this direction helps in being we'll dressed.
sitting in skirt Injuries the shape; lolling
Is reckless folly, One costume cared for
In this particular will give better service
than three heedlessly worn. so far econ
omy Is served by the possession of suit
aole indoor gowns. In addition lace and
al the deliciously frivolous belongings OF
feminity can only be used at their best
upon the lighter stnffs, and no woman
ever yet failed to become additionally
charming when soft lace and the like be-
came the background. Those French
cousins of ours have always borne this
last fact in mind. To be fascinating is
their aim, and they know better than to
Ignore such valuable aids. Not one of
them all would be without her afternoon
gowns her tea gowns. and her bewitching
negliges; sooner would she reduce street
costumes to one and renounce various
other luxuries dear to her heart.
This season the afternoon gowns are
lovely in the extreme Their beauty alone
would be sufficient cause for being. were
no question of service involved Materials
include almost innumerable wool and silk
stnffs, but preference can fairly be said
TO be given the soft clinging sort and 10
crepe effects, The handsomest and most
costly are made from crepe de chine. but
the same material in wool and albatross
are faVorites. while cashmere, nuns
cloth. foulard, and henrietta are all In
equal vogue. Colors know, or should
know. no law but the one of suitability
to the wearer. while pastel shades are
much liked, and all Iodes as well as Rus
sian greens and blues have the favor of
Dame Fashion. Odd waists are as varied
as individual taste. and go to increase the
variety. but TO be In the height OF style.
must harmonize with the skirt Sharp
contrasts have had their day. 90 much
Of the costume element as is involved in
harmoniZing color or touching is, or
should be. found. One OF the most SER
vieeable of the simple gowns Is all cream
camefs hair. 1t is charming In texture.
grapes TO perfection, and when seiled, can
be cleansed with ease. Astute women or
Ger the material made with a skirt tucked
AT the seams. and bolero worn over ehif-
fon or the like, In addition they have
ODD waists of white panne. taffeta. and
mousseline and 50 make several changes
with little outlay. When the pure white
-
duced TO bring il into harmony with skirt.
cream and white being a favorite and
rarely beautiful combination. In these
too, bits OF gold are used with singularly
good effect. AS ] have said again and
again y - not used in masses on the best
gowns but as stock and belt IL makes a
charming contrast 10 the white gowns
and is exceedingly chic. Panne with both
plain and printed designs. is much liked
for the odd waists. and is always hand
some. AS rule. the design of the blouse
is simple. An exceedingly attractive mod
ei recently completed, Is made with the
jaunty bolero of the material trimmed
only with narrow applique OF Russian
lace, and the simplest peasant waist of
mousseiine beneath, Another includes q
blouse OF the panne, with the tIniest bo-
lero OF the lace, and IL otherwise quite
uhtrimmed- silk waists are often IN peas
ant style. made OF the tucked material
and chiffon mousseline and liberty silk are
used In accordion plaits, with boieros AZ
lace, Russian point de Yenise. or Irish
crochet.
Darker gowns show infinite variety
Only one fixed law can fairly be said "a
exist and that call for trains. Howeve-
much We may realize the hygienie yalue
of short skirts upon the street. we mus,
have graceful long ones for indoor wear
Shopping. business. and whatnot are pro-
sale occupations at best, and call for pro-
sale dress. Indoor costumes mean the on
pOrtunity for grace and personal charm
Inasmuch as there never yet lived the
woman TO whom a train failed 10 lend
dignity and grace. II is an essential eIe-
nent. skirts may be plain or tucked
fiounced, friiled, or un;rimmed Theg
may be circular. In three cores. I'VE. seven
or nine. bat 10 be up 10 date they must
be long, 4 really fascinating gown re-
Gently completed Is OF Henrietta In char
trease green. The skirt Is cut ia i've