Dress changes the manners.--VOLTAIRE.
Whose garments wither, shall receive faded smiles.--SHERIDAN KNOWLES.
Men of sense follow fashion so far that they are neither conspicuous
for their excess nor peculiar by their opposition to it.--ANONYMOUS.
1. A well-dressed man does not require so much an extensive as a varied
wardrobe. He does not need a different suit for every season and every
occasion, but if he is careful to select clothes that are simple and not
striking or conspicuous, he may use the garment over and over again without
their being noticed, provided they are suitable to the season and the
occasion.
2. A clean shirt, collar and cuffs always make a young man look neat and
tidy, even if his clothes are not of the latest pattern and are somewhat
threadbare.
3. Propriety is outraged when a man of sixty dresses like a youth of
sixteen. It is bad manners for a gentleman to use perfumes to a noticeable
extent. Avoid affecting singularity in dress. Expensive clothes are no sign
of a gentleman.
[Illustration: The Dude of the 17th Century.]
4. When dressed for company, strive to appear easy and natural. Nothing is
more distressing to a sensitive person, or more ridiculous to one gifted
with refinement, than to see a lady laboring under the consciousness of a
fine gown; or a gentleman who is stiff, awkward and ungainly in a brand-new
coat.
5. Avoid what is called the "ruffianly style of dress" or the slouchy
appearance of a half-unbottoned vest, and suspenderless pantaloons. That
sort of affectation is, if possible, even more disgusting than the
painfully elaborate frippery of the dandy or dude. Keep your clothes well
brushed and keep them cleaned. Slight spots can be removed with a little
sponge and soap and water.
6. A gentleman should never wear a high hat unless he has on a frock coat
or a dress suit.
7. A man's jewelry should be good and simple. Brass or false jewelry, like
other forms of falsehood, is vulgar. Wearing many cheap decorations is a
serious fault. {87}
8. If a man wears a ring it should be on the third finger of the left hand.
This is the only piece of jewelry a man is allowed to wear that does not
serve a purpose.