With reference to Alastair Williams's comments regarding the scruffiness of British women (Letters, March 23).

As someone who lives in two European countries I understand and sympathise with Mr Williams's point. However I would state that it applies to both sexes; scruffiness seems to be the norm, yet the shops burst with clothing and there are sales everywhere.

Who was it who said that if you go to England and see a well-dressed person they are almost certain to be a foreigner?

-Gerard Downing, Shoreham