2422. Flounces should only be worn by those of a tall, graceful figure, and then they should be made of a light material, gauze, muslin, or of stuff akin to it, so that they fall in gracefully with the outline of the dress. When made of any rich stuff, which stands out stiffly, they break the graceful flow of the dress.
2423. Flounces, by marking the height, at regular intervals, take away from it, and make a short figure look shorter. For this reason, short persons should not wear stripes running in parallel rings round the dress. Perpendicular stripes upon a dress make the wearer look taller, like the flutes in a composite.
2424. The rules which we have given for the color of the dress, must of course apply to the covering for the head; the colors must, to look well, contrast or harmonize with the complexion.
2425. Texture, material, and pattern, should suit, not only the taste, but also the purse. There are few greater evils in this country than an inordinate passion for dress.
2426. No one looks so well dressed as those who are dressed properly, neatly, and whose attire sets them at their ease. A lady who is so over-dressed as to be constantly afraid of spoiling her gown, can never be graceful, since she cannot be at her ease.