Never by daylight." In this respect
the rule that governs the wearing of a man's dress suit--"from dusk to
dawn," is applicable. Even on those occasions when the jealous
daylight is shut out and candlelight reigns, dress suits and full
_decollete_ gowns are not permissible. A concession can be made by
cutting the corsage a little low in the throat, and by elbow sleeves
or almost no sleeves.

For every social function held from midday to a late dinner hour,
young girls, especially, should wear their gowns cut high with long
sleeves, except on some gala occasion, when the rule may be somewhat
relaxed as above.

Even at balls, evening parties, late dinners, the young girl's evening
dress, if _decollete_, should be very modest in cut. Where a dinner
and dance follow a large afternoon reception and the men who are
invited are apt to arrive at dinner in full evening dress, a girl's
dress may be somewhat elaborated, but not to the extreme of ball
costume.

Ball Dress.

For the ball-room the most elaborate dress is to be worn; _decollete_
corsage, flowers and jewels are all appropriate. Those who dance
should wear pale colors and light, floating fabrics, leaving the heavy
silks and velvets for those who do not indulge in this amusement.

A low-cut corsage is not expected of elderly women unless they wish
it. Chaperons can wear an elegant dinner dress if they desire; velvets
or brocades, cut square in the neck, with a profusion of fine lace and
rich ornaments. In short, she should be as different as possible from
her charge.

If an elderly woman of full figure wears a low-necked dress, a lace
scarf or something of that sort should be thrown over her shoulders.

Gowns cut dancing length or with train, are appropriate for the
ball-room, but where much dancing is to be indulged in, trains are
very much in the way.

Opera Dress.

For the opera the most elegant dressing is desirable. Ladies may wear
evening gowns, and men dress suits. If they occupy boxes this is
almost an obligation. Light colors render the house more
attractive--are, in fact, a part of the whole spectacle. Jewels and
flowers are there, and those who wear visiting or street costume are
in the minority.

If a man wear a dress suit it is expected that the woman will show him
sufficient respect to wear an evening gown. The man's costume is
donned out of respect for the occasion and the woman, and she betrays
utter ignorance or remissness of duty when