The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-02-21
DRESS FOR CLUB AFFAIRS
DONALD MAC LEAN LAYS DOWN THE RULES OF SIMPLC.
ITY, GOOD TASTE AND APPROPRIATENESS AND DE-
sCRIBEs TYPICAL COSTUMES FOR ALL OCCASIONS

merely adjusting guimpe. 1t invariably
gives one the appearance Of being over
dressed. Black and white offer the most
effective combination.
Appropriate dressing for evening func-
lions is largely matter of locality. have
attended such gatherings in small cities
Where evening dress would serve only to
make its wearer conspicuous and suncom-
Portable. In New York, as we'll as in the
other large cities, the decollete corsage
is almost imperative. If banquet or re-
ception calls out the men, a woman is
justified in donning her prettiest ball
gown.
Women who are planning to attend III
ennial and national gatherings of their
organizations should not stand appalled, ct
the thought of preparing an elaborate
wardrobe for the trip. They should curb
the tendency to over-dress rather than
worry about the scarcity of sartorial
changes. [ would suggest that the es-
sentials for such an excursion into club
dom are one good tailored gown, which, by
the use of smart stocks, or bodices, hats
and furs, will do service for the afternoon
as well as morning affairs; two or three
dainty waists, or one entire afternoon
costume, and one evening costume
another point to be remembered. is
That nothing SO completely transforms a.
costume as the mere changing of hats. A
simple tailored gown of fine material be-
comes a. reception costume when COM
blned with richly-trimmed, dressy hat
and good furs.
Let me add for the guidance of all club
women that the over-dressed woman is
never the wen-dressed woman. Elegant
simplicity should be the motto of every
sensible club worker
Minnesota club women have not fallen
into the error of overdressing, and for
the state convention of the federation yerv-
plain dress has been the rule and one to
be commended. The midwinter social
gatner1ng, however, IS taking on a dis
tinctly dressy air that is as appropriate
as 1T is attractive. 1t is not too much to
expect that the woman who comes from
a long distance will be able to bring and
want to wear pretty gown, and it was
discovered few years ago by one Of the
ofhcers that the sight of the many pretty
gowns was one that appealed strongly to
even the most serious minded guests and
that no one enjoyed that feature more
than the woman from the town in which
the social amenities were fewest Before,
she had conscientiously worn the severest
gowns, but she at once changed about and
wore the freshest and prettiest thing she
had that was suitable, in order to be part
of a social picture that gave her friends
less favored socially much pleasure.
| This year there was nothing ostenta-
| tfous in the gowning, but the luncheon
was a distinctly smart affair, sartorially.
! Simple wool and silk reception gowns
were worn very generally by the numer-
Gus st. Paul hostesses and by many of
the guests. Nearly all Of the Others wore
dainty light silk. lace or satin waists. One
of the pleasures OF the occasion was in
glancing with approval on the very be-
coming effect Of. a soft white boa about
the presidents neck, over her pretty light
Rock, and noting the admirable fitness
OF a stunning black velvet picture hat
with a long, dropping white plume set
above frame Of gray hair about a fresh
/ young face Of well-known club woman
at the presidents table.