I spent much of September dashing in and out of my local M&S to buy bits and pieces for the seaside cottage, which will be available to rent for holidays from approximately the year 2032.

(At this rate. Cutlery, linen, pots and pans, butter dishes and tea towels, the list of essentials was endless and as soon as I’d get home from my shopping trip I’d realise that I’d forgotten to buy the waste paper basket, the fish slice, the egg cups and the bath mat. Bath mats, plural, x3, because you need one for the changeover day and then a spare. Hadn’t really thought any of this practical stuff through, let’s be honest.)

Anyway, on one of my frequent trips to M&S I couldn’t resist looking around the clothing department and was delighted – delighted I tell you! – by the sheer range of different styles and the general quality of the cut and finish. So I mammoth try-on was in order and here it is – my favourite item is the animal print cardigan, but if you’re into flippy little dresses then you’re in for a treat. And there’s a quite brilliant winter parka too…

Scroll down for try-on description and links to Marks & Spencer online.

M&S X GHOST Floral Tie Sleeve Mini Tea Dress*

M&S X GHOST Satin Floral Shirred Midi Waisted Dress*

NOBODY’S CHILD Peach Dress

AUTOGRAPH Floral Blouson Sleeve Maxi Waisted Dress*

Buy from M&S for £79

M&S COLLECTION Floral High Neck Midi Tea Dress*

M&S COLLECTION Ivy Skinny Jeans*

Buy from M&S for £19.50

NOBODY’S CHILD Pointelle Knitted Short Sleeve Top*

Buy from M&S for £35 (blue version now sold out online)

Watch my Trying On: The Best Strapless Bras video