Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 November 1876 — Individual Styles, Etc. [ARTICLE]

Individual Styles, Etc.

Formerly many ladies followed the fashions at the risk of making themselvee individually ridiculous in appeataaee, but now such necessity (if this it were) ladone away with, and one may dress in style, and at the same time consult one’t own peculiarities of person. Many ladies are too slight and otherwise too small to warrant their wearing a polonaise to good advantage. For them are shown elegant styles of overdress and basque, adapted for heavy fabrics, and for much or little elaboration, as may be wished. These basques are now carried to perfection in fit and elegance, many having simulated vests, while the back is cut in imitation of a gentleman’s coat. The appearance of the latter, garment is further carried out by the coat-fronts being closed from the bust to the waist-line, and here branching shandy, to show the lower points of the vest, which is closed with tiny vest-but-tons. A real pocket or lappel at the left aids in completing the Resemblance to a. dress-coat. The simplest forms: of the polonaise are the favorite ones, those styles ‘ prevailing where it is drawn smoothly and closely across the front and hips, and having all the drapery laid ia. broad, flat pleats at the back? A handsome basque, finely adapted to stout figures, has two side-bodies, both ending m the arm-holes, thus ' obviating the wrinkled appearance seen' so often in thia part of a basque. It has also double-darts brought near the center front, and closes with a cord-lacing over a knife-pleated reverse • For the house, yofee and pleated waists find considerable■ favor. Cheap, dark materials may be made thus, and the edge of each pleat piped with a Corresponding er contrasting shade of silk.' Often when a bright effect, is desired cardinaLxcd-pip. ings are used. An odd and stylish design is that of lengthening the skirt portion cd the back of the basque, so as to supply the overskirt. It is eut square at the bottom, and is looped in the center, into a novel and graceful drapery. With this for the back overdress, an apron front Simply Is required. ’His an extretofjy. pretty ?tyle and one much used at present, All overskirts illustrate the popularity Of cldre draperies, but some of the more recent novelties are exceedingly dressy and elaborate. A very showy design has a narrow front profusely trimmed, while the side gores haverather full gathers at the seams, but placed low down. The back Widths are very long; and are effectively,looped by means of.tapes. For bridal dresses three are beautiful designs as well as elegant new materials. A popular mode of making these dresses is the baiqupform. They have either Pompadour squares, or are cut half high both back and front, with mere straps over the shoulders-’They .are closed either with buttons and button-holes, or several rows of small buttons. Lacing with cords, however, takes precedence of all other styles. Sleeves vary greatly, some preferring short sleeves with elaborations of lace, flowers and ribbons; others selecting the charming sleeves reaching only to the elbow, and incasing the arm snugly. ■’ .. wm.-' To the general satisfaction of all, mixed toilettes continue in undiminished favor, but there are some welcome variations in the manner of combining. For example, the skirt is of a solief shade, with the polonaise or overdress And basque of a Corresponding color, but different material, while the trimming is altogether different from either r fabric. Handsome toilettes of damasse and wool, silk and stuff materials are'the favorite, while the richest and • most expensive combinations are of black silk ana black embossed velvet. Pretty modes of combining basket suitings or other inexpensive black goods show a center front and back of silk, with a cashmere collarette piped with silk,, falling low upon the bust. The cashmere sleeves have silk cufis, and ribbon bows decorate the front, the sleeves and. the termination of the collarette.— H. Y. Cor. Chicago Tribune.