EPSOM FASHION STAKES DISAPPOINT

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31077, 4 June 1966, Page 2

EPSOM FASHION STAKES DISAPPOINT

(From

TUI THOMAS,

Womans Editor

of “The Press) Fashions at Epsom last week were as dull as the leaden skies. It was Oaks Day (“Ladies’ Day”) a traditional outing for new styles without the extremes and fun fashions reserved for Ascot in June.

But, as happens in Christchurch on chilly November race days in Cup week, women compromised with chic for comfort. The bestdressed patrons in the paddock were the men in their toppers and impeccable tails.

spots of colour in a maze of pinks, blues, white, black and navy. The Queen’s choice was a Spanish gold wool coat, which she wore with a deepertoned hat of tiny feathers mounted on layered tulle. The Queen Mother teamed her lime green coat with a matching hat covered in pink and blue florets.

After the downpour at the Derby on the Wednesday, women had no wish to ruin another model hat or to shiver in summer silks again on Oaks Day. So they settled for light-wool suits, elegantly tailored to be sure, or slim wool coats with breton sailors, turbans or sombreros. There were some flower hats and a few wide brims, but nothing to .keep the press photographers busy. The Queen and the Queen Mother made two bright

Skirts were worn mainly to cover the knees, or at most half an inch shorter. (But just try to buy anything as long as this in London stores!)

Where was the gay profusion of floral prints in gloves, shoes, handbags and stockings now showtag in display windows? (London has gone so gay with flowers on almost everything that one fashion writer has already warned women about the danger of looking a “blooming mess.”) As for shoes, no-one would have expected to see numerous stiletto heels still tapping around at Epsom on Oaks Day, 1966.

The disappointing event of the day was the fashion stakes. But the racing was good and that was what most of us had come to see—by slow train to Tottenham Corner.