The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-04-08
EVENING CHAT
BIZ RUTH CANDRON.

Despite the cry of hard times which
we are hearing on every side, dress
| In all her life had she had so much worI,
as this season. When asked why that
was, she answered: 81 think it is because
people have to have so many gowns now
adayS. They want something different fol
every separate OCCASION"
Ihen she went on to explain that the
time had passed when a woman of mod
crate means in possession of two or three
inexpensive house gowns, an afternoon
dress, tailored suit and an evening gown
mad reason to think that her wardrobe
was competent for every occasion This
Is the age of differentiation in clothes
every year fashion narrows down the
number Of functions at which any partic-
uiar gown can be worn. For instance, a
Few years ago a young woman in mod
crate circumstances was satisfied If she
had stylish and attractive evening gown
and considered herself prepared for any
evening function. Today she must have
at least two: one reception gown with a
dancing frock.
Again, the middle class woman's after
noon gown OF few years ago did ser
vice for home wear, for any afternoon
function, for church and for the less
dressy evening function. Today this dress
has been subdivided into at least two
Trocks. One is called house gown and
is supposed to be worn at home, or to
very informal gatherings. The other is
e. much more elaborate affair and is worn
to teas, afternoon receptions, concerts,
bridges, etc. -zec--.t
Mind you, clothes differentiation such
as this is not simply for the wealthy. If
/ were to try to chronicle the occasions
for which the real society woman must
have separate gowns, I should use the
rest Of this column. But the frocks have
mentioned must be in the wardrobe of
the distinctly middle-class woman. If she
wants to be properly dressed at the func-
lions which middle-class society offers to
her.
Do you remember your mothers best
dress of twenty years ago? Do you re-
member the innumerable occasions for
which 1t did duty-the church supper the
high school graduation, the afternoon tea,
the ladies' aid social, the concert, the for
mai call, the woman'S club meeting
Again I could fill this column IL were
to chronicle the occasions for which that
gown was considered perfectly proper.
Compare that with today. and then
propheSy what we shall have twenty years
from today-if you dare.
While I am on this subject. I can't for
bear to pass on to you a method which
the dressmaker whom I quoted above
has invented to eliminate extra gown
wishes to keep up with the times but finds
herself breathless, rather penniIess, in
her efforts to do This dressma ker
made a combination dancing frock and
in the following way: She made a dane
ing frock with the tunic effect, which is
so popular, and hanging about four inches
from the floor. Under the tunic, where
it wouldn't show, she put broad tuck
and she also fashioned a train which was
to fall from the waist When her Gus
toner wants to go to reception she let's
down the tuck and sews on. the train,
and behold, a reception gown
Perhaps by telling you this I am help
ing on the cause of this outrageous clothes
but I guess 1 am willing
to risk 1t.