DON’T IGNORE OLDIES

M&S tries to achieve the impossible; to be all things to all people. This is never going to happen!

The majority of c u stomers are north of 40, so focus on them. Embrace this age group and stop worrying that they will all die off.

As an older generation, we have never been so healthy, wealthy and fashion- focused (men and women). M&S is in pole position to benefit from our spending power.

Chiffon playsuits and ripped jeans can be left to Topshop or H&M.

Give us instead the best high- waisted, widelegged denim of this summer. Take inspiration from Me+Em, an upand-coming British label that sticks to the chic end of denim.

Good style is ageless — and, anyway, the 20year-olds of today will be the 30-year-olds of tomorrow. If they aren’t yet as delighted as I am by a fantastic M&S brassbuttoned black blazer (above, £59) that could be worn by any French Vogue fashion editor, they soon will be.