There are some rules, which, being based on first principles, are of
universal application. And one of these belongs to our present subject,
_viz:_ nothing can be truly beautiful which is not appropriate. Nature
and the fine arts teach us this. All styles of dress, therefore, which
impede the motions of the wearer--which do not sufficiently protect the
person--which add unnecessarily to the heat of summer, or to the cold of
winter--which do not suit the age or occupations of the wearer, or which
indicate an expenditure unsuited to her means, are _inappropriate_, and,
therefore, destitute of one of the essential elements of beauty.
Propriety, or fitness, lies at the foundation of all good taste in
dressing; and to this test should be brought a variety of particulars,
too numerous to be mentioned, but which may be thus illustrated: The
dress that would be very proper on occasion of a morning visit in a
city, would be so out of place, if worn by the same person when making
preserves or pastry, or when scrambling through the bushes in a country
walk, that it would cease to look well. A simple calico gown and white
apron would be so much more convenient and suitable, that the wearer
would actually look better in them.
Some persons, also, toil early and late, and strain every nerve to
procure an expensive garment, and think that once arrayed in it, they
shall look as well as some richer neighbor, whose style of dress they
wish to imitate. But they forget that, if it does not accord with their
general style of living--if it is out of harmony with other things, it
will so strike every body; and this want of fitness will prevent its
looking well on them.
Let a true sense of propriety of the fitness of things regulate all your
habits of living and dressing, and it will produce such a beautiful
harmony and consistency of character, as to throw a charm around you
that all may feel, though few may comprehend. Always consider well
whether the articles of dress which you wish to purchase are suited to
your age--your condition--your means--to the climate--to the particular
use to which you mean to put them; and then let the principles of good
taste keep you from the extremes of fashion; and regulate the form so as
to combine utility and beauty, while the known rules of harmony in
colors save you from shocking the eye of the artist by incongruous
mixtures.
The character is much more shown in the style of dress that is worn
every day, than in that which is designed for great occasions; and when
I see a young girl come down to the family breakfast in an untidy
wrapper, with her hair in papers, her feet slip-shod, and an old silk
handkerchief round her neck, I know that she cannot be the neat,
industrious, and refined person whom I should like for an inmate. I feel
equally certain, too, that her chamber is not kept in neat order, and
that she does not set a proper value upon time. However well a lady has
appeared at a party, I would recommend to a young gentleman--before he
makes up his mind as to her domestic qualities--to observe her
appearance at the breakfast-table, when she expects to see only her own
family; and, if it be such as I have just described, to beware how he
prosecutes the acquaintance.