If the dainty safety-pin displayed in No. 46, goes out of vogue, the time-honored custom of sewing hooks to the waist-band of the dress, is always in fashion.  Indeed, many women prefer this way of connecting separate skirt and waist to using a conspicuous pin.  This is almost too trivial a detail to discourse upon, but it is as true that details make dress as it is that “trifles make life”—­and neither life nor dress is a trifle.

[Illustration:  No. 46]

The offence in No. 45 is more the result of untidiness than of a lack of artistic discrimination.  Nos. 46-1/2 and 47, on the contrary, outrage the laws of art, and display ignorance of the value and beauty of lines.

No. 46-1/2 might serve to conceal a deformity of the shoulders.  That really seems its only excuse for being.  The full, ugly, straight pleat that falls to just below the waist-line lends neither grace nor style to the figure.  It is too short to give the distinction and dignity that handsome wraps with long lines almost invariably do, although they seem to add age to the form.  There is a hint of youth in this ungraceful jacket to be sure, but it is not especially attractive in its suggestion of youthfulness.

[Illustration:  No. 46-1/2]

[Illustration:  No. 47]

No. 47, with a line at the neck-band, crossed bands in the centre of the shoulders, and lines across the back, is obviously inartistic.  The back of a Venus, even, would be detracted from by such criss-crossed effects.  Happy the woman who has so shapely a back she can afford to allow her waist to fit smoothly and plainly, unbroken by any conspicuous lines.  If bands must be used to remedy the deficiencies of ungenerous Nature, let them be at the neck and waist; and if the back is unconscionably long, a band, or fold, or ruffle across the shoulders is to be commended.

[Illustration:  No. 48]

No. 48 reveals a glaring error frequently made by the thin sisterhood.  A tall, slender woman with a long waist, should not emphasize her length of lines by wearing pointed or V-shaped effects.  The V-shaped arrangement, either in cut or trimmings, apparently increases her “longness and leanness.”  She should aim to shorten her waist instead of lengthening it as the basque finished with a point obviously does.  The drooping sleeves elongate her shoulder-lines, and bring into clearer relief her meagre proportions.  She can easily improve her appearance by adopting either style of gown portrayed by Nos. 49, or 50.  The broad belt at the waist-line in No. 49, and the flamboyant lace or braided piece that adorns the shoulders, perceptibly adds to her breadth and decreases her length.

[Illustration:  No. 49]

[Illustration:  No. 50]

No. 50 is a felicitous cut for a street dress for a slim sister.  The jaunty bloused waist smartly conceals deficiencies in fine points.