Color and Millinery

Color and Millinery

We say we "look well" in this or that color, and others seem to kill all the brightness in our own color tones; there are, of course, reasons for this, but they need not trouble us here. The thing to do is to study what brings out the best in us, makes us look younger and generally pleasing. Eyes, complexion, and hair all combine to rule the choice of colors, and, of course, one's age must be considered. It takes a clear skin to wear delicate gray, lavender, or blue; and the cornflower blues and bluish purples, even if the eyes are gray or blue.

A woman with red hair looks best in all shades of brown, from the very darkest to the richest pale cream; she may wear grays, unless much freckled, dull sage green, flat powder blue, and very light soft blue, but not pink at all in any shade; but she will look well in deep rich garnet or a purplish cardinal, these making her look much more blonde.

Turquoise blue and other blues with green tones are becoming to brown-skinned women, and if they have some color they can wear greens and purples of all shades, but only rich dark reds. Browns, especially the golden tones, are particularly becoming to women whose skins are brown or sallow, and a relief of cream is very good. Pink is more generally becoming than any other color as a trimming.

Women who live in the country are more or less continually exposed to the elements, and cannot take much care of themselves; consequently they often look older than they really are, and any little thing that will help them to retain their youthful looks as long as possible is surely a boon. Such women must avoid bright colors, as these would overbalance whatever coloring they have remaining in skin, eyes, or hair; and a woman's face should at all times be the youngest thing about her. Black is even worse than bright colors, as it reflects dullness, and shows up every wrinkle and brown spot. Women of middle age vary as much in their color tones as their young daughters, and must each study for herself what will brighten and bring out her best aspect.

The fair, stout matron with high color may wear soft grayish blues, dull sage greens, faded quiet lavender and purple shades with creamy white, or pale yellow near the face, and a soft pale blue-if she has blue eyes. In dark colors, navy blue, wine red, chocolate brown, and bottle green will be good, and dull rather than shining black; and always some little relief of cream or white near the face.

The colorless skin is not improved by bright colors; on the contrary the delicate tints alone will bring out the best effects; a delicate pink under facing to the hat is wonderfully good. Soft gray of a pinkish tint and relief of pale pink roses is charming, and in dark colors soft dark red and reddish purple is effective.

Remember that becomingness is the chief consideration; style and fashion are things of the moment only.

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