Whose hue

Vibrant fashions have been the brightest thing about this lousy British summer, and the high street has provided little shelter for anyone not willing to introduce colour into their wardrobe.

So when the Ebor meeting starts next week, expect to see a rainbow of colours both in the parade ground and in the champagne bars.

Horse racing is always an excuse to dress up to the nines and no more so than on Ladies Day - on Thursday - when women enter their own particular race: to be the best-dressed female at Knavesmire.

In recognition of this, each year York Racecourse runs a competition to pick the 'best-dressed filly' and this year's top prize will be a new outfit from the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet at York and a make-over at top city hairdressers Toni & Guy.

Over the next two weeks there will be plenty of opportunity to savour some of the special atmosphere of a race day. The Ebor meeting runs from Tuesday to Thursday, and is followed on September 3 by York's first ever Sunday race meeting, sponsored by the Evening Press.

For many women, the hardest decision about a day at the races isn't what horse to back, but what to wear.

York image consultant Sally Ely has been studying the form at racing events and has drawn some interesting conclusions.

"Women at the races fall into three categories. There is the feminine type who wears florals, chiffons and floaty silks in pastels. Then there is the classic, who aims for an understated look in camel, beige, cream and navy. Then there is the dramatic, who goes for the strongest colours and combinations, wearing over-sized accessories which say: 'look at me'."

Sally, who is an expert in colour analysis, says psychology has a role to play in what we wear.

"If you opt for less dramatic colours, it shows you have a safe personality. If you go for a vivid combination, you are a more confident person. Blues and purples tend to be regal."

Yellow tends to be a favourite among jockeys, says Sally, yet few women wear it.

"It's a cheerful colour and shows spirit. But it is the least popular colour for women in Britain. You don't see much yellow in fashion - it's mostly used as a mixer; in a top under a jacket. It would be quite brave to wear a colour that is not worn much."

Some women insist they can't wear any colour and would consider it brave to choose something beyond the safe neutrals of black, navy and grey.

Sally is reassuring, insisting everyone can wear every colour - yes, even pink.

"The important thing is to get the shade right. You have to pick a shade to match your own colour strengths, whether you are cool or warm.

"For example people with blonde, auburn or ginger-brown hair are warm and should choose peachy, coral or orange pinks.

"Those with grey, ash blonde or dark brown or black hair are cool and should go for fuchsia, pastel, icy and mauve pinks.

"The rule is the stronger your own colouring - eyes, hair, skin - the bolder you can go and it won't wash you out. Someone with delicate colouring will need to go for lighter shades like pastels, otherwise their outfit will walk in before them."

Still not convinced? Then Sally advises adding some colour with a carefully-chosen accessory.

"Keep your outfit neutral but use colour in a top, vest or camisole or with a fabulous scarf or chiffon shawl."

u Tickets for the Ebor meeting are available from York Racecourse, prices are from £4-£40. Tickets for the Evening Press-sponsored event on Sunday, September 3, are available on the day or by writing to the Ticket Office, York Race Committee, The Racecourse, York, YO23 1EX enclosing a cheque. County Stand tickets are £20, Tattersalls are £10. Look out for buy-one-get-one-free vouchers in the Evening Press until August 26.

To find out more about consultations with Sally Ely, call 01904 703897.