Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-04

ItbfttL would llaTQly seem 10 De d
time of the year when cloth
gowns were not essential to hap
II piness-that is, the happiness of
the well-dressed woman. So it is
not astonishing that at this time of year
a new lot OF models brought forth and
exhibited, for by this time those costumes
made in the autumn or early winter have
been worn enough number of times to make
them seem like old ones, and to make the
indulging In a new one not seem too much
of luxury. Velvet and velveteen gowns of
all kinds are extremely fashionable this
year. and yet 1t is doubtful If there ever
was a season when the entire costume of
cloth was more fashionable than it Is at
tho present day. There are so many ex-
Qu'site colors and shades of colors; so many
different weaves of material, and so many
different weights of fabric that there is an
unusually wide choice and even the most
economically minded can indulge in 1t with
out feeling too extravagant.
1t Is always a question whether gowns
intended for indoor or outdoor wear are
the most attractive in the womans 81 outfit,
and after all they are so entirely different
1, would seem almost foolish to draw a
comparison. Just now the gowns intended
for reception and theater wear can APP
perently be used for either purpose. The
very smart and elaborate gown OF lace,
chiffon or silk is worn under long cloth
wrap and looks very smart as a reception
gown. Without the wrap 1t Is ideal Tor
wear at home or at the theater. The elab-
crate cloth gown made as IL Is now with
long skirt and with SO much trimming, Is
both appropriate and smart for reception
wear. for driving or for restaurant. At
the same time. made as 1t Is with trans
parent collar and yoke and with short ell
bow sleeves and of light weight cloth, 1t
is perfectly possible to wear in the house
without the outer wrap and for just the
same occasions for which the other gowns
Just described have been considered suit
able.
Velvet gowns, especially those made with
chiffon velvet, come under the same cate
CORY as the others, and are used for the
same purposes. They are exquisite In col
orings and texture, most elaborate and
graceful in design. and as rule are both
becoming and smart, so that 1t would seem
as though there could be no end of variety
in this style of gown. The newer models
that are being exhibited are not so mark
eddy different from those that made their
appearance earlier in the season-they have
lust the same striking characteristics; but
those characteristics have been toned down
and improved upon to such an extent as
to make them infinitely moro attractive to
people of conservative taste. Sleeves are
decidedly smaller, and although made at
elbow length, lace cuffs and undersleeves
are unquesuonabiy coming Into fashion
Whlie the UnlSn OF the sleeve at the elbow
Is much softer and more becoming than 1t
was, the hard line given by the turn back
cuff of lace or velvet yielding to the double
ruffle of lace or chiffon.
While it Is still fashionable. and in truth
becoming more so all the time, to have the
Mnes OF the figure we'll defined, an exag-
geTated long waist and blouse front is no
longer considered good style. The first
fashions that call for the absolutely tight
fitting waist are being modified, and the
soft graceful effect Of the blouse Is being
brought in again, but in most ideallzed
way. The waist that has a loose 'front.' en-
broddered or braided. has the fu1ness drawn
in at the waist line (Which Is now not exag-
geratedly long). and yet Is pointed, and
while the lines of the figure are defined at
the side, there is still loose straight-front
effect that Is becoming to the majority OF
women.
Draped waists are more graceful than
they were, and not quite so smart, al
though the favorite design of the surplice
front is crossed over and fashioned at the
side In a most cleverly arranged bow to