As Others See Us.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue XVIII, 31 October 1903, Page 62

As Others See Us.

When a woman has learned that Fashion's decrees are to be adapted and not merely blindly adopted she has made important progress towards solving the problem of smartness in dress. "As others see us" cannot fail to be of value when one has the wisdom to appreciate criticism, for whatever may be the general truth as to Fashion’s edicts they must be readjusted to apply to particular eases. Fortunate souls are occasionally met to whom any style or colour is becoming. They are the rare favourites of Nature, and need give no thought to adaptability. Because Margie is tall and slender and arrays herself in garments that will add apparent piumpness and reduce her height, it does not follow that Janet, less thin and unmistakably short, can lie as prepossessing in a costume of the same design. The person who assumes that all styles are equally becoming to all women has yet to learn the first principles of artistic gowning. In choosing the spring frock due regard for the impressions received by quiet but critical observers will be taken of the fact that brocades, fashionable as they are, have no sympathy for embonpoint. and that goods with lengthwise stripes will render shortness of stature and stoutness less pronounced. Sashes and dress accessories generally are either friends or foes—there can be no neutral ground. A broad ribbon sash about the waist, with a deep width in front is becoming to the very long, slender waist: stteh a sash defines the body and adds plumpness. But for her whose outdoor life has produced a decided waist the belt will be an obviously undesirable adjunct. Ribbon is the favourite trimming oftheyear.but it defeats its mission when arranged in insignificant bows placed here and there without purpose. Generous bows of ribbon that enhance a drapery or the long sash ends at the back of the summer frocks impart a grace that an u:< reasonable use of ribbon can never attain. Much is being said nowadays in regard to the matron endeavouring to retain a youthful appearance —an anomaly that never fails to excite comment. The outgrowth of thisambition forperennial outward youth is the pitiable object who is overdressed —who wears hats quite in keeping with sweet sixteen—whose gowning can only be called fussy. She cannot grow old gracefully, but shows the results of her fight with Father Time. When she supplements Nature’s failing complexion also she should see herself as others see her to determine the mistake. Such erring ones fail to realise that there is a beauty that belongs to every age. and that often the most charming of objects is the dear old lady with her white hair and dainty cap. Fine feathers make fine birds, but rich and costly garments do not always make the beautifully dressed woman.

Perhaps the most distinctive article of woman’s attire is her hat. Badly chosen, it mars the most beautiful costume. and instead of a crowning triumph it ruins the artistic in her pretty flock and proclaims before all that she dees not know how to dress. In purchasing new head gear criticise it from all points of view. The mirror may show a most graceful and becoming front, but do not forget that others see us from the side and back; therefore, look at it long and critically from these points of view. The woman who can have but few hats should know that the most extravagant colour is white, for an all-white hat may be worn only on occasion, and is seldom in good taste for wear on the city streets. Such a hat is too elaborate, and when we wear such others see us to our detriment. The choice of colour is always the keynote to artistic dressing, whether in froeks, wraps or hats, and to be adjudged a well dressed woman one must keep her eyes open as to what appears beautiful or otherwise upon her neighbour. The result of her observation should indicate that she appreciates the fact that others see her.