Lancashire women urged to smarten up

10:44am Wednesday 21st May 2008

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By Caroline Dutton »

Singing in the streets, wearing mis-matched greying underwear and applying make-up on public transport. All evidence that Lancashire women are turning into slobs according to a report out this week. Is it true? And if so, do we care?

We hit the streets to find out whether the age of elegance is a thing of the past.

WITH regular exposure to images of badly-behaved, knicker-flashing celebrity role-models looking a little worse for wear, it's little wonder a new survey has found that Lancashire's personal style and etiquette standards are slipping.

In short, women in Lancashire have become slobs.

But all is not lost. Eighty seven per cent of women in Lancashire called for the return of "the age of elegance" according to the report by Bold2in1.

The less-than ladylike behaviour Lancashire lasses confessed to included:

• Wearing their man's old T-shirt in bed (44%)
• Sporting ill-fitting bras and greying pants (42%)
• Regularly leaving the house without brushing teeth or hair (26%)
• Doing the school run with a coat over their pyjamas (17%)
• Drinking beer from a pint glass (43%)
• Singing in the street while drunk (41%)
• Talking with their mouth full (15%)
• Eating fast food and applying make-up on public transport (25%).

Lack of time and money were cited as the biggest barriers to behaving elegantly, whilst more than a third admitted they 'just can't be bothered to try' or don't know how.

One in eight said they were crying out for more inspiring ladylike role-models to learn from.

Sadly, the women of the north fared badly when it came to dressing elegantly too.

Trinny and Susannah will be mortified to learn that despite their best efforts as TV style gurus, those in the north admitted to looking the least stylish and attractive, and not knowing how to do their make-up properly.

Gene Sutcliffe, proprietor of the Accrington fashion store which has carried her name for close on four decades, said making just a little bit of effort can make a big difference.

"Improving your image can really improve your confidence - and take years off you," said Gene, who was a successful model in the swinging sixties.

"Getting up 10 minutes early can make all the difference.

"You don't need to spend an hour doing your make-up, the basics will do - a touch of eye make-up, tinted moisturiser and lip gloss.

"Decide the night before what to wear and you're half way there.

"Walk with your head held high and you'll feel great."

Jean Broke-Smith, etiquette expert and head-teacher of the Lucy Clayton Finishing school and ITV's Ladette to Lady added: "For me, elegance isn't about slavishly sporting the latest designer labels, it can simply be a case of good posture and self-confidence.

"Head up, shoulders back, hips forward, and glide!"