Montreal Standard, 6 April 1907

Proper Dress for all occasions

(Written for Standard readers of both sexes)

What shall I wear? Is often one of the most perplexing questions we can ask ourselves. Nothing gives one sensations more unpleasant than to find oneself inappropriately dressed for any occasion. Men suffer on this score, even as women, and are frequently as much in need of help. To be well dressed does not necessarily mean that one must be “gotten up regardless” in the extreme of fashion, and with the utmost limit of expense. Style consists of knowing how to wear your clothes as much as in knowing what to wear. But no matter how stylish in appearance a person may be, if he or she is wearing the wrong things at the wrong time, the effect will go for nothing. The following hints may, therefore, be of service for both ladies and gentlemen.

Morning dress should be as simple as possible. Nothing is in worse taste than to appear in the mornings, downtown shopping, or at business, in over elaborate costumes. They may be silklined through and through, of the finest materials than money can buy, but they must be simple. For business, wear a plain shirt waist, preferably white, of not too sheer material, so that it may be easily and frequently laundered. A dark skirt, with jacket to match, a simple hat and belt harmonizing with the rest of the costume, a linen stock, or collar and tie, and dark gloves. No jewellery except perhaps a simple pin.

For men the same golden rule holds good – a plain, dark business suit, Derby hat, and heavy dark gloves. Never wear a high hat in the morning, unless for some special occasion, nor a frock coat, which properly should be reserved for more formal afternoon wear.

Afternoon dress, speaking generally, can be simple or elaborate.