The wardrobe needed by a girl who is in New York for work instead of
play is very simple, and not at all expensive. The serge or cloth tailor
gown, consisting of a skirt and coat, has grown to be as much a uniform
of the well-dressed business woman as the simple regulation morning suit
is that of the business man. These can be had at prices ranging from $12
to $30, ready made in the big shops, or can be ordered from a tailor for
about $35 or $40. The latter is the more advisable purchase, as the
material is so good and the cut so recent that a serge gown, if of
medium weight, can be worn summer and winter for two years. An addition
of a heavy outer coat or cape makes such a costume sufficiently warm for
any weather one is exposed to in New York, and by leaving off the coat
and wearing the skirt with a bodice, the hottest weather of summer can
be endured. If, added to this, one possesses a pretty silk costume, with
one high-necked and one low-necked bodice, one is provided to meet all
social as well as work-a-day demands upon one's wardrobe. In New York
one either wears street dress and a bonnet, or else full dress. A
demi-toilet is not necessary except when one can afford to indulge one's
tastes regardless of economy. To the theatre, to restaurants in the
evening, for calling, at afternoon teas or luncheons, for any social
event, in fact, that occurs in the daytime or in a public place one
wears a street dress and bonnet or hat. For even the simplest dinner
parties--unless, indeed, one is the only guest and the invitation is
impromptu--evening dress is the correct wear, and if by chance one has
an invitation to a box at the opera, it is again customary to wear
evening dress. Sitting in the orchestra stalls in the opera one would
wear street dress and bonnet.
For morning and business wear the tailor skirt and coat, worn with a
quiet-colored bodice, would be accompanied by a plain walking hat, with
no more trimming than a few cocks' plumes, low-heeled walking shoes, and
heavy dark gloves. If one's business lay in an office there should be
worn as few rings or jewelry of any description as possible. It is
considered a sign of great carelessness to go upon the street with no
gloves, or with gloves half on, or not tidily buttoned; and nothing has
a more provincial appearance than to have one's feet crowded into
high-heeled boots.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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