AN ALL-BLACK GOWN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 5, 30 January 1892, Page 114

AN ALL-BLACK GOWN.

I have noticed many people wearing black for choice. In this bright climate it is an unsuitable colour for summer. However, here are a few ideas for those whose fancy runs this way : Black surah, light of weight and not too dull in tone, is made into a pretty gown. The skirt has a deep, scant ruffle that extends over the front and sides, a style of decoration much in vogue. The back is prettily full and trains just a little. The basque is a long one, having its edges outlined with small jet beads. A waistcoat effect is produced by a full jabot of French lace, which extends from the throat to the edge of the basque. The sleeves are moderately full and have lace cuffs as their decoration. A small, round lace cape, formed of three rufflee with ends, is worn with this gown, and the bonnet accompanying it is a lace one, with a jet coronet upon it; the gloves are black undressed kid, and the parasol is of black dotted net. Black surah is a desirable dress, because it ‘ shakes ’ the dust —a something that veryfew black gowns do. For a black surah that will be given general wear, nothing is in better taste than one made with a plain, full skirt, and having with it a tucked blouse that can be fitted as one may desire. In indigo-blue such a costume will also be found as becoming as it is useful. Either blue or black in the plain colours are to be chosen ; blue is specially fashionable this season, and black is always in vogue. The olives are occasionally becoming in the soft silk, but most of the other shades are neither specially becoming nor do they make up picturesquely. Of course, lam referring to the dull shades, and not to the light or bright ones.