Madam,

The couturiers, those tactful diplomats, have made changes in your fashions for this winter — changes in everything: the colors — the lines — the shape.

The colors:

"Blue" floods over this winter's dresses as the waters of the tide flood over a sandy shore... So do not hesitate, choosing: "Blue does not suit me." Wait a moment, Madam — your blue exists: it may be the clear color of the sky, or the dark color of the sea on a stormy night.

And there is luminous red — so hurry and choose it. Thus has "Dior" created it for you, to rescue you from the predicament of picking out a blue.

The lines:

The line of the dress is straight. The waist rises a little, and the skirt grows shorter.

Yes, the skirt grows shorter. But by how much?

Stand before the mirror, lift the hem of the dress, and take your time as you protest: it is too short! "Too short" differs according to your height:

If your height is 175 cm, your dress must rise only 37 cm from the floor.

The shape:

Here is a dress: the back straight and taut. The front: a surprise! Loose, gathered in at the waist.

Here is a tailleur: the shoulders wide, the jacket long, straight — but no, there is a secret in it: two darts at the waist, or a belt set exactly at the hips. And the skirt: short, narrow — so naturally the legs become long. And you, Madam, appear taller, slimmer, and more graceful.

As for your shoe: its heel is lower than last year's, and its toe is either pointed or square.

Madam,

The wise woman is the thrifty woman. So do not knit your brow in sorrow as you pay the school fees. And the price of the books. And the household expenses. Sighing: how am I to be elegant, when I shall not be able to buy more than

The back straight and taut, and the front gathered in at the waist