Concerning Clothes

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Sep 14, 1916

Concerning Clothes

THE “correct thing” in dress for both children and adults is an open question. “What shall I wear?” is the wail of woman the world over. Through spring and summer, fall and winter, the homekeeper of moderate means must anticipate the coming season if she would not be taken unaware, for the wardrobe must to some extent vary with the months, and truly “time flieth.” When the August calendar is torn off, and we see September looming before us, our thoughts instantly center on fall clothes. The average mother is busy devising ways and means, for it seems that autumn demands a more extensive outlay than any other season. Then small boys and girls, as well as those older grown, must be supplied with school clothes.

There is a theory that a person who would be perfectly groomed shall dress appropriately, neatly, and above all, inconspicuously. Then of course each must be guided in his planning more or less by the question of income. If you cannot afford a certain garment, do not buy it, but get the very best you can purchase. It does not pay to buy cheap material for the wardrobes of either old or young. It is well to remember that a dress which is intended to do long and constant service should be of a color that does not soil readily, and should be made plainly. Elaborate trimmings soon become shabby. Consider carefully what colors, styles, and materials are suitable and becoming to the figure, height, age, and complexion of the person who is to wear them. Often grace is more pleasing than beauty in clothes.

Many mothers prefer to make their children’s clothes instead of following the prevalent custom of buying ready-mades, and often a remnant of choice material picked up at a bargain counter will serve the purpose. A school frock of serge, linen, or gingham, for a little miss, is very attractive with white collar and cuffs. For nicer wear nothing could be more serviceable than pongee. This is easily laundered, demanding no fuss about starch and sprinkling before ironing. The midday blouse, with either a dark or a light skirt, is not expensive, and proves exceedingly serviceable. The prevailing styles are plain and attractive, and easily lend themselves to any soft material.

Don’t forget that your daughter enjoys dainty things. Do your best to make her clothes serviceable and pretty. If she has reached the age where she takes an interest in what she wears, would it do any harm to humor her fancy to a certain extent? I remember how, with the intensity of twelve years, I “wished” and even begged for just one dark-red cashmere dress. The dress my mother bought was brown, and cost more than the red of my heart’s desire, but she liked it better. I have despised brown ever since. Of course children do not have the best judgment, but I really believe that if the girl is allowed to help plan her clothes, and if they are dainty, and as far as possible to her liking, she will take greater pains to keep them carefully.

The girl of high-school age is sure to want to follow “the latest” in fashion, but if possible persuade her that a plain dress of good material is much more attractive than a cheaper dress adorned with needless accessories. Discreet trimming is suitable for an evening dress, but decidedly out of place for a school gown. The Peter Thompson sailor suit is fast gaining favor. Some schools have adopted this style as a regular school uniform. If this does not seem attractive, a durable coat suit in Norfolk style is very pretty when worn with neat blouses. This season dark serges are largely in favor. A one-piece dress worn with white collar and cuffs is very attractive for daily wear.

Important accessories to any dress are good, well-fitting gloves and shoes, and a neat, becoming hat. And let the buttons be all in place on gloves and shoes. Extremes in style are in poor taste for those who cannot afford an almost limitless supply of apparel.