BEFORMING THE FEMALE DRESS.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2934, 11 July 1878, Page 2

BEFORMING THE FEMALE DRESS.

It is stated that a fashionable poetess is about to attempt an important reform in female attire (says an English journal). The idea is to revive the costumes of the ancient Greeks, and with thit purpose a soiree is shortly to be given to a number of the literary and artistic friends of the fair leader of this new movement, at which all the ladies who are presentyoung or old—must appear in the costume of Penelope and Helen. With the invitations, which have already been sent out, are issued illustrations of the garments worn by women of different classes in ancient Hellas, accompanied with directions for measurement and making, and hints for accommodating the materials of the various articles to the exigencies of the British climate.. The last point will probably prove the rock on which thej^ea will split. English'matrons and nutffiews will put up with a great deal of dyftomfort to appear fashionable; but they prefer gar* ments that conceal rather than those that reveal personal blemishes. Albas and peplums, however well they may set off the budding charmi of early womanhood, are hardly likely to be adopted by the fair, fat, and fashionable matron of forty, in place of her comfortable sealskin jacket and quilted petticoat; Rheumatism recoils from the renunciation of flannels, and laurel wreathseven when entwined with Lord John Manners' lillies—are a scant protection' against cold in the head, and are awkward to arrange with borrowed tresses. Some of the elderly ladies who . have accepted invitation! to the forthcoming soiree are pleading strongly to be allowed to retain their stockings; but the utmost concession granted is that the sandals need not be open on the instep, but may be secured by jewelled buttons.