In Evening Dress, William Dean Howells tells the story of a young woman, Isabel March, who is determined to make her own way in the world. She moves to New York City and takes a job as a seamstress in a dressmaking shop. Despite her humble beginnings, Isabel quickly rises to the top of her profession, becoming a sought-after designer of evening gowns. As Isabel's career takes off, she meets a wealthy and handsome man, John Darrow, who is captivated by her beauty and charm. The two fall in love and eventually marry, but Isabel's newfound wealth and status come with a price. She is forced to confront the realities of high society and the expectations of her new husband and his family. As Isabel struggles to find her place in her new world, she must also confront her own insecurities and fears. In the end, she must decide if she is willing to sacrifice her own dreams and ambitions in order to fit into her new life.
By William Dean Howells · First published 1893 · Genre: Realism, Romance, Drama · 3 chapters