Ball Dress for Gentlemen
from
The Fashionable Dancer's Casket, Charles
Durang,
Taste in dress varies with the seasons as its designs are multiform. But fashion has established laws in this respect, from which
well bred persons are unwilling to depart, and which polished society inflexibly adheres to. We will venture to suggest a few remarks
upon the subject:-Showy colors should be avoided; a black coat is always "in keeping," ( a dress coat, of course-we shudder at the
appearance of a man in a ball-room, wearing a frock coat.)
Waistcoats may be of satin, silk, or plain white; gaudy patterns should be avoided; neatness in costume becomes elegance.
Pantaloons must be black, japan'd leather boots, or pumps, and black silk stockings. Scarf, petit tie, or neckerchief of plain or figured
silk or satin. Jewellery may be worn in moderation, (the less the better;) an ostentatious display of chains, rings, and pins, is a
personification of vulgarity.
A white handkerchief, and white or lemon-colored gloves, will complete a gentlemanly dress. Do not forget the hair dressing. Our
preface from a lady of taste, will be perused, we hope, with pleasure by our female readers. Gallantry therefore, forbids that, we
should intrude in any further remarks to the belle of the ball-room; being convinced of the truth of the adage:
"Beauty unadorned, is adorned the most."