I tried on everything in the new M&S collection so you don’t have to. Here are my 7 must-buys – from this insanely flattering dress to thigh-skimming culottes and a ‘goes with everything’ jacket: SHANE WATSON

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The fashion shows in Paris are drawing to a close, but UK fashion editors had one more unmissable date in their diaries; Marks & Spencer’s spring/summer clothing lines Today.

This is a much awaited event these days. The High Street store, which supplied our first bras and supplied our mothers with nightgowns, has become a regular haunt for fashion-conscious women (of all ages).

Newly released statistics show this astonishing transformation under the forensic stewardship of womenswear director Maddy Evans. According to YouGov’s Top Brand Rankings, M&S is the UK’s top brand for the fourth year in a row and is number one for perceptions of style, quality and value (this despite last year’s devastating cyberattack).

For vocal fans who are on the fence about whether M&S has abandoned its fifty-plus core customers, I’d say it’s largely gone right. Gillian Anderson, 57, is even spearheading a new campaign that launches on Thursday.

On first impressions, though, M&S’s first selection seems a bit dull, even boring. It’s not too young – thank goodness – but it’s not exciting either.

But you should never judge fashion on the rails. Featuring a deliberately muted palette of grays and browns, khakis and creams, these new season clothes are designed to be your building blocks, with an emphasis on fit, fabric quality and versatility rather than catwalk-referenced statements.

Feel the fabrics; They are heavy and well crafted. When you try these, clothes come alive, as do well-cut clothes. The collection as a whole looks more grown-up and polished, and looks more expensive (harder to pull off in the summer) – (another statistic) 57 per cent of M&S’s core collection is now officially £30 and under.

After trying the collection, here’s my pick of the seven best…

Last year, the small tan suede jacket was the purchase of the year. This spring M&S has gone big on faux leather and suede, and the queen bee of its pricier Autograph Collection is a short, leather, car-coat-style jacket (£280, marksandspencer.com) this looks good, feels good, fits perfectly, but the color is a little off for me. The cream color reminds me of expensive car seats.

However, I tried it on and almost forgot to return it, it was so comfortable it instantly looked more stylish when I looked in the mirror.

There’s a lot of leather in this pale buttery tone, so it’s trendy and this design is the cheapest at £100. Otherwise, there’s a funnel-collar suede jacket in tan (£40) and a simple cropped-collar jacket in blue (£55) – both good-looking and great value.

I ran a mile when I first saw this £60 buttonless jacket. Protruding fake supports have infiltrated from the Miu Miu catwalk to the High Street, but this is a trend best left to the kids, not to mention impractical (those cuffs will need washing).

However, M&S has styled the blazer with dark jeans over a shirt and sweatshirt, proving that it’s a good jacket to wear layered (if it had lapels and buttons, this layered look would be so statement-making) and I love it worn that way. If you’re looking for a fresh, new, sporty summer look that will work wonders in the office, this is it.

Another simple jacket style that will work with smart jeans is the funnel-collar, beige cotton bomber jacket, £55.

Long city shorts/skirts have been at the top of fashion lists for a while now, but most of us are skeptical when it comes to trousers. Priced at £38 and worn with the aforementioned collarless jacket, this particular pair looks like it’s just walked off the Celine catwalk. Very smart and wearable.

M&S also made a good pair of cream linen-blend trousers for £36 – these cover the knees, which is very important – for wearing when the weather warms up.

In the regular trouser department, I’m loving the whole look that Gillian Anderson is wearing in the new campaign (double-breasted, two-button jacket, £65, and trousers, £40) – it’s a flattering and versatile suit that you can wear all year round.

The suit Gillian Anderson wears in the new M&S campaign is both flattering and versatile

It’s checkered, form-fitting, and has built-in balcony padding, a belt, and a mid-rise square back; However, if you are tall like me, buy one size larger. Don’t save it for swimming: You can wear this one-piece to lunch with an elastic-waisted skirt or shorts, or under a semi-buttoned shirt dress. Bullseye. Even better, it’s only £36.

The sky blue shirt is a must-have this spring/summer, and the blue-and-white striped ‘boyfriend’ is not far behind. M&S’s main range version (£18) is too roomy for me (ok if you’re wearing it tucked into high-waisted trousers, less so if you want under-jacket options), but for the price I’d buy it and wear it over a swimsuit.

You’ll need to feel good in your Pilates-honed arms to rock this £50 floral midi dress from M&S’s main collection, but considering the off-the-shoulder neckline, body-hugging fit (albeit a little ruched) and silky floral print fabric (all ringing alarm bells for women over 50), it’s a surprisingly flattering dress – but decidedly Youthful.

For me, the neckline is less of an issue than the sheer fabric, which requires a bottom piece that finishes mid-thigh and exposes the miniskirt’s covered leg. One for my stepdaughter.

The vertically ribbed, scoop-neck, slim-fit slim fit dress from the Autograph Collection (£90) doesn’t look like much on the hanger, but then it comes to life. The beautiful, lightweight, silky cream-coloured fabric will look elegant during the summer months, complemented by black woven sandals or dressed up with a mid-heel.

I’m not a big fan of sleeveless dresses, so I’ll pass on it; However, for £50 there is a silky, satin, sleeveless, bias-cut lime dress that looks very attractive (under a jacket).

And it’s worth noting that a new M&S initiative includes a second monthly drop, so it continues to add a new flavor to its core staples. What’s not to like?