The woman who has been "dressy" in her youth must curb her fancy as she
grows older, and carefully avoid things that are "too young" for her. She
may "love pink" or pale blue, and because she could wear it when a girl,
unwisely clings to it in her fifth and sixth decades. A bedizened old
woman dressed in a fashion suitable for one twenty years younger, is a
sight more pitable than admirable. She must not permit the milliner or
costumer to convince her that she is still young enough to "wear anything"
but must try to have sense enough to distinguish what is suitable from
what appeals to her because she would have looked well in it in her youth.
Ermine furs, for instance, are absurd on a woman of forty-five or fifty.
The dead white brings out the yellow in her complexion and the faded color
of eyes and hair. A very light "dressy" hat makes the wrinkles more
obvious.
The Suitable.--Dark, unobtrusive colors, relieved by white lace at throat
and wrists, hats modest in size and coloring, set off gray hair and
matronly figure far better than showy and more youthful garb. No elderly
woman should attempt to wear brown; somehow it kills her complexion if she
is sallow. Black, very dark blue, the softer shades of gray, are generally
becoming if relieved with white. Lavender and mauve can be becomingly worn
by those dear old white-haired ladies who have pretty complexions. The
lemon-colored lady must avoid them. We must remember Joubert's saying: "In
clothes fresh and clean there is a kind of youth with which age should
surround itself."
Materials must be as handsome as can be afforded; soft wool materials may
be chosen, cashmere, henrietta, voile, make up suitably. In summer most
old ladies can wear white to advantage.
Simplicity should be the guide as to styles. Leave the fussy and elaborate
to younger women, and adopt a dignified simplicity.
[MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 771]