=For Women.=--This should never be worn before six o'clock in the evening.
In general, it is the same for balls, dinners, receptions, etc., and for
large affairs may be as elaborate and expensive as the purse of the
wearer will permit. It should always be low in the neck, cut square,
round, or heart-shaped over the chest and shoulders, and with short
sleeves. Long gloves, coming at least to the elbow, must be worn. Slippers
should either match the gown in color, or be of patent leather.
For small affairs, and those in summer, gowns of simpler material and with
fewer jewels are in better taste.
A girl in her first season should wear few jewels, and her gowns should be
light in color. A hat should not be worn with evening dress. A lace scarf
thrown over the head will give ample protection.
It is not good form for a woman to wear full evening dress for certain
occasions--such as the theater, dining in a public place, etc.
=For Men.=--Evening dress may be worn on any occasion after six o'clock.
Full dress is obligatory for all large and formal functions. Black
claw-hammer coat, with trousers to match; white waistcoat, cut low in
front to display a stiffly starched and immaculate shirt-front; white lawn
tie, with high white collar; broad cuffs, pearl buttons and studs, and
patent-leather shoes. White gloves should also be worn at the opera, a
ball, or a formal reception.
There are but two possible variations of this costume: one, the Tuxedo,
which may be worn for informal affairs (a black tie goes with this); the
other is the short dinner-jacket, always worn with a black tie, which is
suitable only when dining at home without guests.