The first thing that a woman should consider in preparing for the great
work, her toilette, is the shape of her head, which she must also compare
with her stature. The art of dressing the head and the art of fashion
are connected without being identical, and in spite of their close union
we can readily distinguish them. Whatever may be the material, it is
important not to forget that variety is the enemy of severity.
A single color freely used by itself would be more severe than several
colors. Let there be no mistake: there are many things in the bonnet
which do not depend upon fashion, which are released from its absolute
yet limited control. We must be clearly understood: the suitableness of a
bonnet may vary.
A bonnet which would appear smart in the city may be elegant and suitable
for the country or for the sea-side, provided the rest of the dress is
in keeping. At such times a little liberty is allowable. Flowers have a
great deal of character, also feathers, ribbons, lace, and gauze. It
is only a slight thread that connects these with our feelings, but that
slight thread is never broken.
In closing with these few suggestions, it would be well to remark that it
is very important when ladies are making their selections for head-dress,
and are not fully decided in their wants, it is generally well to yield
to the judgment of those who make it a study, providing they are sure
that they are in the hands of such of experience. An observing person,
in attending our fashionable churches, operas, or even promenading the
streets, cannot fail to notice how comparatively small the number of
ladies who wear a suitable and becoming style head-dress. It has often
been remarked by some of our leading modistes, that only one lady in
twenty has the head becomingly dressed, showing that in selecting they
have not studied their complexion, stature, and general style, when the
expense would really have been no greater had they done so.
So the multitude goes, like the flower or weed
That withers away to let others succeed;
So the multitude comes, even those we behold,
To repeat every tale that has often been told.