Pride, Prejudice and Poetry

Dressing for dinner

Dressing for dinner is a series matter,

Laces and ribbons and sequins to scatter.

Only the best suits a lady to dine,

And on top of this she must act eloquent and fine.

The servants shall set everything in its place,

But for a lady the focus begins with elegance and grace.

The dress must be selected with suitable charm,

A reputation must avoid any harm.

Flattery is key but flirtation not wise,

The only seduction should be in the eyes.

She selects the red for the winter season,

Fabric, design and style chosen for a reason.

The ruby cotton flows like a tide,

Boned and fitted, tightened at the side.

It is edged in black lace over the collar bone,

The perfect attire to wear at another's home.

It swishes at the ankle just over the boots,

Ready to compliment gentlemen in tailed suits.

The shoes are edged with a series of sparkled straps.

They look as beautiful as glitter in angel's laps.

The heels are fitted to optimise her walk,

As she enters the ballroom after the dinner talk.

They click on the floor making a noticeable sound,

Her entry must match her charming presence all round.

Next are the gloves which should eventuate the hand,

Revealing her Ladyship's wealth and status and grand.

She chooses the ebony for a dramatic winter flare,

Everyone must know what kind of lady is there.

She decided on silk to in keep with the look,

A perfect match that is almost text book.

Her long hair is crimped with a heated tongue,

In delicate ringlets without a single hair wrong.

No strand may fall out of its designated place,

And must always compliment a ravishing face.

An updo is best to match her classic red dress,

And its understated elegance causes trained maids no stress.

Earrings fit well in the style of pearl dropplets.

And matching necklaces are sealed with silver hooklets.

A ring is enough to complete her lovely dinner style,

Too much is tacky and she refuses anything so vile.

The dinner is an event every single day.

This is just the aristocratic way.