Kate, the big winner at Epsom as she experiments with floaty new look

The Epsom Derby saw the biggest gathering of royals since Kate and William’s wedding in April — and, once again, it was the Duchess of Cambridge who stole the show. Often criticised for sticking to the same style, Kate, who looked as slender as ever, experimented with a new, floatier look and Forties-style hairdo. Here, with some expert help, JENNY STOCKS examines Kate’s winning look. THE HAT Daily Mail senior stylist Liz Hemmings says: ‘Kate has gone for fussy fascinators in the past, but her choice at Epsom is far more elegant. ‘It looks like a Philip Treacy design, as it’s quite sculptural with that curl along the top, but in a modern, neutral coffee colour. It’s chosen to set off her cream outfit and emphasise her glossy chestnut hair. ‘Unlike Princess Beatrice’s royal wedding choice, this is stylish without being “look at me”.’ THE JACKET Nessie tweed jacket by Joseph, £460 Liz Hemmings says: ‘This is quite a formal and demure choice for the races. It doesn’t show even an inch of cleavage, so she’s certainly playing it safe. ‘With its boxy Chanel-type shape, the jacket might have been a bit mumsy if it had been teamed with a pencil skirt instead of the  chiffon dress.’ THE CLUTCH BAG Natalie Clutch, £140 from L.K. Bennett Liz Hemmings says: ‘This woven straw clutch from Kate’s favourite shoe shop L.K. Bennett is a fun, modern twist on a summer favourite and just big enough to take a lipgloss and a powder compact. It co-ordinates well with the other tones of nude in her hat and shoes and — as with her dress — the bag quickly sold out online over the weekend.’ THE DRESS Peacock dress, Reiss, £195 Liz Hemmings says: ‘This dress is pretty and fashionable. Just like the beige Reiss one that Kate wore to meet the Obamas, it sold out online as soon as soon as fashion bloggers identified where it came from. ‘The top half of the dress is lace and rather risque which you can’t see here, but it’s probably too daring for a Duchess. And at 4in above the knee, it flashes rather a lot of Kate’s fabulous legs.’ Kate’s cream dress and jacket was reminiscent of the suit Princess Diana wore to Royal Ascot in 1986. THE TIGHTS Liz Hemmings says: ‘Nude tights are de rigueur this year, and by the sheen of her legs it appears Kate opted for a pair to keep her covered up. ‘As a royal, it would not do to be seen bare-legged in a shorter skirt. ‘As well as protecting her modesty, nude tights are a great way to even out any blemishes on the legs. ‘Today’s nudes are not the American Tan monstrosities of the Eighties. Thanks to new technology, brands such as Wolford make gossamer thin tights in shades to match all skin tones.’