Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-09
COSTUMES FOR SPRING
SHORT SKIRTS FOR STREET.;
LONG ONES FOR INDOORS.

1t is really necessary to have at best two
coat and skirt costumes for the spring
and, besides these, handsome afternoon
gown of silk or embroidered pongee OF
wolfe and a smart short walking dress OF
foulard or taffeta in the wardrobe for the
coming season. These frocks, with theiI
hats, should all be ready by the LIST OF
April. for the real secret Of dressing well
is in having the appropriate costume at the
desired time, and it is always trying to be
overtaken by the Weather, so to speak, be-
fore ones outfit is complete.
Again, there is a distinct line drawn be-
tween short and long suits and each style
now is worn at a certain time walking
and travelling costumes are always smartly
made to clear the ground. Reception gowns
are not permissible in walking length. This
year all afternoon robes and those for
luncheons bridge, weddings, etc, have long
skirts.
1t is always said that spring reception
garments are to be on a most elaborate or
der, but simple style of dress will be
found Just as smart and infinitely more
serviceable Chiffons, crepes, ETC., make
most attractive frocks, but are unnecessar-
lily dressy save for those receiving at large
reception or for the hostess herself at some
more or less formal entertainment.
Striped and figured silks are In great
favor at present, and, as they have not
been worn to great extent of late years
they look new and will remain in fashion
now for some time. Light colors are more
attractive for spring than the more SOM
Der tones. which have been worn all
through the winter months. 1t Is well
known that the cause of the popularity OF
the spring wedding is due to the bright eff
feet given by the effective light frocks that
help so to give everything a festive air.
A bright silk always lends itself so well
to the picturesque that it is d pity not to
attempt them if they are at all becoming
With the empire style of gown. now
brought down to such fine point that 1t
can be made to look we'll on any figure, and
with the. large Gainsborough style of hat
again in vogue, it is possible to obtain a
truly charming effect in quaint, artistic
colorings. 1t is always well, If possible, to
depart from the winter styles just as soon
as spring has really commenced, and there
are every year materials that are essen
TALLY for this season and do not look quite
correct at any other time of year. Foiles,
for example, always seem appropriate for
early spring and never look as well later
on, 50 that, as wolfe is only worn for so small
a part of the year, it remains in fashion
one spring after another. Then there are
many silks which are peculiarly appropriate
to the spring, and among these can be
found many colorings and designs in which
the artistic and picturesque can be prettily
carried out.
ionable at present, all being striped,
checked, figured or embroidered. some
times all on the one color, and. again, in
two or more different tones. One of the
fads Of the moment is to border all skirts of
light material with a wide band of tat
feta silk or satin. and the majority of
voiles are now finished in this way with
some trimming of the silk upon the waist
as well. This makes an excellent finish. as
the heavier material gives some body to
the skirt and protects the light cloth.
Trimmed skirts are in vogue, but on the
new models the principal characterization is
put on about the hem. AS all these dress
skirts must be quite long there is none of
the barrel effect so much in favor and so
unbecoming about two or three years
back. There is little or no fullness allowed
about the waist and hips, for both the
princess and empire designs are still popu-
lar, and neither allows of any fullness
above the knees.