Reform Dress
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fashioning, not after “the pattern,” without starch or stiffening to give
them form, and clinging close to the limbs. There is certainly nothing
in these dresses manifesting taste or order. Such a dress would not
recommend itself to the good judgment of sensible-minded persons.
In every sense of the word it is a deformed dress.
Sisters who have opposing husbands have asked my advice in
regard to their adopting the short dress contrary to the wishes of the
husband. I advise them to wait. I do not consider the dress question of
so vital importance as the Sabbath. Concerning the latter there can be
no hesitation. But the opposition which many might receive should
they adopt the dress reform would be more injurious to health than
the dress would be beneficial. Several of these sisters have said to me:
“My husband likes your dress; he says he has not one word of fault
to find with it.” This has led me to see the necessity of our sisters’
representing the dress reform aright, by manifesting neatness, order,
and uniformity in dress. I shall have patterns prepared to take with me
as we travel, ready to hand to our sisters whom we shall meet, or to
send by mail to all who may order them. Our address will be given in
the Review.
Those who adopt the short dress should manifest taste in the selec-
tion of colors. Those who are unable to buy new cloth must do the best
they can to exercise taste and ingenuity in fixing over old garments,
making them new again. Be particular to have the pants and dress of
the same color and material, or you will appear fantastic. Old garments
may be cut after a correct pattern and arranged tastefully, and appear
like new. I beg of you, sisters, not to form your patterns after your own
particular ideas. While there are correct patterns and good tastes, there
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are also incorrect patterns and bad tastes.
This dress does not require hoops, and I hope that it will never be
disgraced by them. Our sisters need not wear many skirts to distend
the dress. It appears much more becoming falling about the form
naturally over one or two light skirts. Moreen is excellent material
for outside skirts; it retains its stiffness and is durable. If anything
is worn in skirts, let it be very small. Quilts are unnecessary. Yet I
frequently see them worn, and sometimes hanging a trifle below the
dress. This gives it an immodest, untidy appearance. White skirts,
worn with dark dresses, do not become the short dress. Be particular
to have your skirts clean, neat, and nice; make them of good material