The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-05-10
Absurditles In Dress Must Be Avoided
By JULTA HOYT

WT0MAN'S dress has never been
 M distinguished by it's logic or
 appropriateness, Although we still retain many incongruities, in cer. tain ways we have become, to my mind much more sensible in the last few years. Who of us would willingly re- turn to the days of tight lacine, or the days when we swept up the filth and dirt of the streets with long and ab- surd dresses and trains? To a certain extent our change of life and interests has changed our dress In days gone by women were much more indolent, exer. cised very little, and, of course, took hardly any part at all in business or sport.
 But today we see absurdities of . different sort. One thing which l must confess that practice as much as any one else, is muffling ones ears in furs on q cold winter day, yet wearing the only thinnest kind of silk stockings and low and fragile slippers I follow this custom for a number of reasons, which presume are the same as those of many others. Why, I can't say, but my ankles and legs never seem to feel cold if I am otherwise warm. Besides, can't bear the feeling of spats and heavy stockings. Consequently, even though l may look absurd l excuse myself, saying that am not. suffering,
 One custom of the last few years which seems to me ridiculous is the wearing of straw hats by women in the middle of January or beginning of Feb ruary. Straw hats are shown on sale in the stores for those fortunate people who are departing for warm climes. They are certainly not intended for wear in snow storms and freezing weather, and 1 cannot see the adyan- tage of trying to change the seasons by our apparel. We have plenty of time in which to wear straw hats without having to be so inappropriately GOV cred in cold weather.
 But the most generally followed and fragrant example of the absurd and H. logical is the use of furs during sboiling weather. I have often been amused to watch women on hot August day. quite evidently and unattractively hot in ap- pearance, clinging (becalse they un- doubtedly think 1t smart3 to large fur neckpiece. It certainly does not look smart, and iss to my mind, extremely unattractive.
 The thing to try for in the summer. I have always believed, is an appear ance of coolness. It is not only pleas. anter for ourselves if we are cool, but it is charming to the people who have to look at us. That is one reason why people who are unfortunate enough to be in mourning in the snnnser have diff. ficulty in dressing, because black is an extremely hot coloTe and no matter how cool the dress actually may be, it gives an impression of heat.
 It would interest me to know what started this custom of wearing furs in summer. It is quite true that in these days of automobiles there are times, if we are going to motor any distance at night. that we may need furs, but as rule, except in certain parts of the country, it seems unnecessary.
 It seems to me that any ihappropri- ateness that adds to the charm of wo. mans dress is perfectly permissible, except when she is working In a busi- ness place, or playing golf or tennis. When her costume is chosen for it's at. tractiveness logic is not the main is. sue. But failito see any reason for illogical dressing if 1t makes for her discomfort and is not attractive to oth- efn-and can see no argument which could be brought against the fact that furs in summer are both uncomfortable to the wearer and heating to the ob. server. Personally, hate to see wo- men give anyone, particularly men, . chance to ridicule them.