The practical smock

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33066, 6 November 1972, Page 6

The practical smock

Long live the smock. I must say I thought the craze was going to be short-lived once the film of "The Railway Children” had finished going the rounds. It Just shows how wrong one can be, writes Norman Hartnell. Smocks are still very much in favour ... and small wonder. They must be about the most practical garments out. They are suitable in any season — the height of summer or mid-winter —and can be worn over anything (over swimsuits and hot pants, or on their own as micro-mini dresses). You can even wear them in the same way as little

girls wear pinnies over dresses. Nicest in fresh lawn or cotton, or see-through voile or dimity, they come in checks, gingham, spots, hearts and flowers, and stripes. And they are particularly attractive with lace edging or when embroidered with white daisies. A tip for the not-so-slim: Wear a smock jacket which is less full at the front yoke. This provides a more slimming effect than the very full smocks which, frankly, are only suitable for the positively thin.