Six spring buys for any age

All under £350, and how to wear them

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Women, once they pass 60 or even 50, suddenly become nervous about fashion. But, like a thoroughbred shying backwards over a discarded crisp packet, I am here to tell you there is nothing to be scared of. Things have changed since our mother’s and grandmother’s time. The high street, ie budget fashion, is for everyone, not just teenagers. Everything has a bit of give, and is affordable. The key is finding your uniform: preppy, pretty, masculine, ultra feminine, scary power dresser or smock-wearing gardener? Whenever I am trying too hard, I always think of Linda McCartney. Not too much make-up, definitely no false lashes, hair definitely never blow dried (I cannot stand hairspray), nude fingernails (Carrie Bradshaw also never wore polish on her fingernails), a great love of knitwear (I used to dream of owning an Edina Ronay Fair Isle; she told me Marlon Brando once came to her house to buy a cardi). Linda is so beautiful in the Get Back documentary: I just love her kitten heels, her centre parted hair; she wasn’t ‘look at me’ at all. Completely at ease in her own skin.

It is nonchalance you need: you must wear the clothes, not let them define you or constrict you. Think about what you will be doing in them: standing for hours at a party holding a flute and a canapé while trying to hear what someone is saying? Attending a wedding, and having to walk to the reception: is there a hill? Grass? Are you boarding a plane? There was a great cartoon in the Telegraph last week, depicting an elderly couple setting off to board at a gate, with the caption, ‘Don’t worry, by the time we get there, the third runway will have been built.’

Two-in-one trench, Arket, £259

This a great trench: keep the layers if it’s cold, remove them as we move into summer. Stylish over jeans and trainers, or smart enough for the office. I use the belt to tie the ‘skirt’ of the coat behind me, like a bustle

Little cross body bag, H&M, £22.99

No one needs to lug a heavy tote these days; also, this little baby leaves your hands free to cling to railings or men on steep steps

Wool T-shirt, Cos, £95

A plain T-shirt to meet a friend for lunch or tea can make them believe you hate them. The neckerchief effect adds a touch of class. They will think you made an effort

Slouchy wool/cashmere sweater, Reiss, £78

You won’t find quality at this price anywhere else (Zara knitwear should come with a bobble warning). Perfect for cool evenings, and it also hides your neck!

Wool cream pencil skirt, Reiss, £48

Skirts are really difficult to get right. I hate the whole nipped in waist, full skirt silhouette. My favourite look is the ‘uniform’ worn by Audrey Tatou in Delicacy (I love this film so much!): a pencil skirt with a neat polo shirt tucked in, or an almost sheer blouse or neat twin set. As the bottom is plain and slimline, you can also team with a baggy sweater or a bright colour. There is no constricting waist on this skirt and I’d recommend buying it one size too big, so it sits low and covers your knees.

Shoes. Pay attention. You want extra height, but to be able to walk in comfort. Also, my toenails are, like pit ponies, having the winter off (ie, without polish), so it has to be closed toe at the mo. I’m in the minority, as I hate ballet flats (unless worn by ballerinas): they curl up like a dead spider when you take them off, and any time spent walking in them leaves your feet really painful, as there is no support. A pointy, colourful patent kitten heel is the way to skip into spring. Here, coming in at No 6 for spring, is my selection

Gold kitten, Wallis, £41.25

These are wide fit!

Very Audrey, Wallis, £44.10

Great with jeans, and that pencil skirt above

Soft pink kittens, Wallis, £49

What is going on at Wallis!