MUM’S M&S MAKEOVER!

Despairing that her moth her bought the store’s frumpiest clothes, Charlotte Kemp stepped in

ALL WRAPPED UP

Linda’s choice:

Parka coat, £89, green blouse, £28, long skirt, £45, boots, £85

Linda says: This is so me. The anorak could go over absolutely everything I own. I love the stylish fur trim and the fact it’s so cosy and comfortable. I chose this because I like the way it covers my middle.

Charlotte says: Can you see why I’ve been trying to persuade mum she’s stuck in a style rut? This outfit is dowdy from top to toe.

Charlotte’s choice

Cream coat, £249, metallic skirt, £149, cream top, £29.50, court shoes, £79

Charlotte says: OK, I admit the skirt’s a bit much, but the coat is hugely stylish and worth the money. Mum looks years younger.

Linda says: When I saw this coat, I thought it was a dressing gown. The next shock was the price — £249 is far more than I’d usually spend on an entire outfit, let alone one item. But I admit that it did look — and feel — great.

CASUAL CHIC

Linda’s choice:

Linen top, £22, chinos, £22.50, sandals £35

Linda says: I’ll live in this blouse. It’s lovely and loose and the colour will go with anything. And the trousers are so comfy.

Charlotte says: When Mum goes shopping, she’s magnetically attracted to beige, so I’m not surprised she’s chosen this. I tell her the colour makes her look washed out, but she ignores me.

Charlotte’s choice:

Burgundy top, £35, brown trousers, £45, court shoes, £79, necklace, £19.50

Charlotte says: Mum’s convinced herself she needs to wear loosefitting trousers, but these tailored cigarette pants look terrific. The top is sophisticated and the colour adds warmth.

Linda says: Me in a pair of slinky trousers? I never thought I’d see the day at my age, but I can see that they are rather flattering. Crucially, they’re still comfortable, which for me, is a must.

My mum, Linda, is a lifelong marks & Spencer clothes shopper. From slacks to sparkly tops, everything she wears is scooped from the rails of this High Street favourite. But I do sometimes wonder if she does it all with her eyes shut.

Or maybe, at 68, she’s got used to playing it safe in beige, florals and the occasional sequin.

In her defence, shopping in m&S can be a bit of a gamble for anyone — their clothes so often blur the line between frumpy and fashionable. But if mum would just look beyond the ubiquitous waterfall cardigans and shapeless blouses, there are hidden gems to be found.

I decided to show her where I think she’s going wrong and suggested we browse through the new collection and each choose our favourite items. But could I tempt mum out of her comfort zone?