TASTE IN DRESS.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 253, 25 April 1888, Page 3

TASTE IN DRESS.

A correspondent of an English Rxtra Journal writes :—: — The woman that can buy one dress or more every season, may have what she pleases. If it is not becoming, she can discard it or have it dyed and made up in a different style. But the woman who can o nly afford one new dress in five years (there are many such among farmers), has to exercise care and spend some thought over the matter. We farmers' wives and daughters do not wish to look countryfied when we go to town, but we certainly will if we buy dresses of any shade that happen to suit our fancy. We cannot make our bonnets last as long as our dresses ; and when the bonnet that matched the dress is laid aside, the next one bought must still match the dress, or else be inharmonious. When one can have but few dresses, it is best to buy black or dark grey for best. The daughters, of course, like a change, and dark brown makes a very handsome suit with a hat to match ; and when one tires of the colour the dress can be dyed. For second best, shopping, etc., nothing is neater or more becoming in summer than a good durable print or percale. For such wear, a dress of tht kind needs to be made, or at lea^t cut and fitted, by a dressmaker a& much as the best dre«s. For those who wish .something better, a black alpacca or mohair makes a very durable suit. In buying black good 3 of a cheap quality always avoid anything of a soft nature, as such poils easily. If you can possibly afford it, have your dresses made by a good dreesmakor, and not profusely trimmed. One soon tires of a dress that has much trimmings on it. Lawns made with a few tucks or rullles make pretty dresses for the young to wear to Sunday-school or church ; and a dark or black lawn is certainly very becoming to the matron. Never patronise a dressmaker because she is poor. If you cannot get one that can do her work better than you can, do it yourself. If you have dmghtei", fend one to a first-class dressmaker in the nearest town, and let her learn the trade thoroughly. Then you can have youi home frocks made by one who understands the business.