The New Haven Union

WOMAN AND HER DRESS

A young matron is trying to solve rather a perplexing problem.

It is necessary to her husband's business that he go about socially. But as their means at present are rather restricted, it is impossible for her to dress in the manner this social life requires. He can go, for it does not cost a man to dress what it does a woman. And she is wondering which will be the better in the long run, to let him go and she stay at home, or for them both to stay at home. If he goes, his business will prosper; but he may eventually drift away from her. If he stays, his business will suffer, but they will grow more closely together; unless indeed, he becomes bitter over his cramped life.

It is no easy question to solve, and the young wife says rather bitterly, "Why don't women get together and take a stand against all this useless finery and extravagant dressing?"

The only way to take a stand is to take a stand. The only way to begin is to begin. If this woman would decide to forget her clothes, and to make herself such a charming, a delightful person that she was always welcomed for herself, she would probably find that after all clothes do not count for so much, that personality can outweigh them. It would be only the small minds who would criticise her clothes, if she would make herself a force mentally. And criticism from such sources would have no weight.

It may be difficult to get women to act together in this matter. But if one woman will take the lead, she will soon find that she has many followers. This woman is by no means alone in her desire to throw off the tyranny of clothes.

To be sure, one cannot be shabby, but the thing to do is to start it. While each woman holds back and waits for another, the change will never come about. There is no reason why a woman cannot be so charming that every hostess wants her because she is such good company. And when a woman makes this position for herself, few will comment unkindly upon what she wears.

But the thing to do is to start it. While each woman holds back and waits for another, the change will never come about. There is no reason why a woman cannot be so charming that every hostess wants her because she is such good company. And when a woman makes this position for herself, few will comment unkindly upon what she wears.