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In preparing a costume for a ball, choose something very light. Heavy, dark silks
are out of place in a ball room, and black should be worn in no material but lace. For a married lady, rich silk of some light
color, trimmed with flowers, lace, or tulle; white silk plain, or lace over satin, make an exquisite toilette. Jewels are
perfectly appropriate; also feathers in the coiffure.
For the young
lady, pure white or light colors should be worn, and the most appropriate dress is of some thin material made over silk, white,
or the same color as the outer dress. Satin or velvet are entirely out of place on a young lady. Let the coiffure be of flowers
or ribbons, never feathers, and but very little jewelry is becoming to an unmarried lady. All ladies must wear boots or slippers
of satin, white, black, or the color of the dress. White are the most appropriate, black, the most becoming
to the foot. White kid gloves, full trimmed, a fine lace trimmed handkerchief, and a fan, are indispensable. Be very careful
when dressing for a ball, that the hair is firmly fastened, and the coiffure properly adjusted. Nothing is more annoying than
to have the hair loosen or the head-dress fall off in a crowded ball room.
The
Ladies’ Book of Etiquette, Fashion and Manual of Politeness by
Florence Hartley, 1860, page 166-167.
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