As regards dress for a dinner party, it must be governed in great measure by the character of the dinner, whether friendly and informal, or an occasion of leading importance and marked formality. For the latter, lady and gentleman alike should dress as elaborately as for a ball, though ball dress and dinner dress should by no means be the same. The occasions differ widely, and the fitness of things needs to be strictly observed.

As to the character of the lady's dress, that must depend on her own taste. It will suffice to state here that full dress is requisite and that jewerly may be freely worn. For an ordinary, small dinner, however, a much less elaborate toilette is sufficient, and may prove more comfortable.

The gentleman will wear the ordinary evening dress already described. He may wear more jewelry than is in good taste earlier in the day.