Edwardian Mourning Attire Etiquette

“It is only in a comparative few cases that the widow's cap is worn now, whereas fifty years ago even, the girl widow wore it as a matter of course.” – Image source, Pinterest

Good Form in Mourning

Personal feeling and expediency are a far larger determining force in the wearing of mourning in these enlightened days than formerly. It is only in a comparative few cases that the widow's cap is worn now, whereas fifty years ago even, the girl widow wore it as a matter of course. 

The fine white linen collar and cuffs, that are so becoming are so fragile also that they require to be changed repeatedly, and thus comes to pass that they are not invariably added to the widow's costume in these utilitarian days. But to be in accordance with strict etiquette they should be worn for one year and a day after the bereavement upon the dress deeply banded with crape and with or without the cap. 

After that time they may be dropped if liked, but it should be remembered that many widows continue to wear them with their second year's mourning. – Imperial Valley Press, 1909

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