MISCELLANIES
Weddings.—At morning weddings, the bridegroom wears formal afternoon dress and pearl-gray gloves. The others wear morning dress.
Afternoon weddings, all wear afternoon dress.
Evening weddings, all wear evening dress.
Funerals.—If in the morning, morning wear. Afternoon, afternoon dress. Evening, evening dress. Of course, all the attire is black in this case; the only reason for black being the demand of superstitious custom.
Christenings.—According to the time of day it takes place. If morning, morning wear. Afternoon, afternoon dress. Evening, evening dress.
At Home or Church.—The dress is the same when weddings, etc., take place at home as at church.
Calls New Year’s.—It is not proper now to make calls on New Year’s day. That is the only time that evening dress was ever worn before 6 P. M. It was worn nearly all day then.
For Mourning.—Everything worn that shows, excepting the linen, should be black, for all times of day.
Church Wear.—On Sunday, afternoon dress is worn at morning, afternoon, or evening service.
On the other days of the week, morning wear, or afternoon dress, or evening dress, according to time of service, may be worn.
Suspenders.—These may be of silk, or any other suitable material. Silk should always be worn with evening dress. White is the neatest color that can be worn.
Suspenders are worn with every dress, summer or winter, with or without a sash. Each pair of trousers should have its individual suspenders. Great care must be used in adjusting the suspenders; if not, the trousers will set awkwardly.
Uppers, or Overgaiters.—This article is becoming somewhat obsolete here. They are worn in the street only. They may be worn over any shoe or tie. For traveling or walking only.
On entering the house they should be removed. If worn, they should always be made the same as the trousers, in material and pattern. They spoil the set of the trousers in the legs. They are also clumsy. They are some protection to the trousers in muddy weather. They may be worn summer or winter.
Uppers may be worn with morning wear, afternoon dress, or evening dress. Black cloth uppers may be worn during the daytime as well as in the evening.
Attire Made to Order.—Have everything you wear made to order, when possible.
Blondes and Brunettes.—Blondes should prefer dark materials. Brunettes, light materials.
Jewelry.—The jewelry for a gentleman: Gold hunting-case watches. Gold fob-chains and silk fobs.
A watch may be worn with any dress. Silk fob for morning wear. Gold for afternoon and evening.
As many rings as he cares to possess. Rings are not worn with evening dress; only in the afternoon. In fact, it is not fashionably necessary to wear rings.
The buttons used in the shirt bosoms are of gold set with precious stones. Diamonds are the most elegant.
Plain gold buttons are worn with morning wear.
Stonine studs or buttons, in fact all studs, are out of style.
For the sleeve or cuff: gold buttons are used for all wear.
Any number of gold pins for the scarfs. These may be plain gold or set with precious stones; diamonds, of course, being preferable.
Simple elegance is now the rule in jewelry.
Dressing Case.—Always have on hand a large valise or dressing case for traveling.
It is requisite if you go out of town for a night only, it being necessary to carry evening dress.
Dressing Case Articles.—Articles for a dressing case are hair-brushes, combs, whisk-brooms, cloth-brushes, hand-mirrors, manicure set, soaps, washes and toilet lotions, wash-cloths, brushes and picks for the teeth and gums, and shaving outfit.
Rubbers.—Rubbers or goloshes are worn, if desired; but only while walking in the street. It is much better to have a heavy pair of laced-shoes for mud or snow. Of course, when there is ice on the walks, it is necessary to wear rubbers, if you do any walking. Rubbers, when walking, may be worn over evening dress shoes.
Dress Shields.—These are of silk or satin. White or black.
It is for evening dress only. Only for winter weather. It is placed over the linen bosom while en route.
English Rain Attire.—An English attire for rainy weather consists of an oiled topper—top-hat oiled with vaseline—and a long-skirted greatcoat, with a cape. Material and pattern selected. This is worn only during the day. Umbrella and rubbers are unnecessary.
English Hunt Attire.—A heavy top-hat of black silk plush is worn. Gloves, crop, and spurs.
A single-breasted, frock body-coat, green or pink, kersey. White moleskin, loose breeches. Top riding-boots.
Hunt Ball.—The only change is in the body-coat. This is a pink broadcloth evening dress body-coat. A white lawn cravat and white silk waistcoat are worn with it.
Cloth Bands for Top-hats.—Wide black cloth bands are now worn on the silk top-hat, afternoon or evening. For riding or driving.
Wigs.—The wearing of wigs is a custom of the past. Whether it is to be revived or not the future alone will show.
It is perfectly proper for a bald man to wear a wig. There is no reason in his hiding the fact either. A young man may wear a wig if he is prematurely bald. He certainly will make his appearance more presentable to others by so doing.
Opera Glass.—A gentleman may carry one to the theater or opera—evening or afternoon. The small opera glass is most convenient.
Decorations.—These are worn only on formal occasions. Then they should appear on evening dress, or on afternoon dress with a frock body-coat. Worn on the left breast.
Fans.—These may be carried at any evening reception by a gentleman, if he desires to so do, when there is to be dancing.
Folding fans, with a heavy black or white silk cord and tassel, are recommended.
As a rule, fans are carried only for summer dances. A gentleman will find it convenient and comfortable to have his own fan.
Knee-buckles and Shoe-buckles.—These are of sterling silver. Buckles may be worn when knee-breeches are worn.
Trousers Crease.—This may be worn in trousers or not as taste dictates.
It certainly improves the set of the trousers, and keeps the knees straight.
Pockets.—These appear only in the waistcoat and body-coat. The only things carried—morning wear, afternoon dress, and evening dress—are the linen kerchief—including the silk when in evening dress—money, watch, and fob chain in silk or gold, cards, pencil, silver or gold.
The Monocle.—This is worn any time of day. Narrow black silk ribbon or cord is worn on it for morning and afternoon. For evening a wide black silk ribbon is used.
Wearing a monocle is an English custom.
The monocle is seldom worn in this city. When worn it is placed in the right eye.