My mother is 92 years old. She is desperate for some new clothes but she has difficulty getting out. She wants lightweight summer separates, especially skirts with elasticated waistbands. She is a small size 8.

It isn’t easy finding elegant clothes that will do your mother justice. As she finds it difficult to get out, this search has centred on fashion catalogues.

Gray and Osbourn is an excellent example of a catalogue — and website — that provides well-finished clothes that should be just what your mother is looking for. Its Sahara crepe skirt, left, has an elasticated waistband and would look lovely with a floral blouse or cardigan. At £110, it isn’t cheap but is one of the only elasticated skirts that doesn’t look dated. (grayandosbourn.co.uk)

Charity shops often stock pretty, comfortable separates that might suit your mother’s needs. However, if she isn’t keen on the idea of second-hand, Boden has some lovely skirts and tops that are reasonably priced and colourful, including its vintage rose skirt and printed cotton skirt (£89 and £39, boden.co.uk). There is also some lovely knitwear to choose from, especially the rosette cardigan for £55, which could be worn with any of the skirts already mentioned.

You say that your mother is a small size 8; the petite range at Wallis is particularly good, and you can shop online, although not by catalogue. Many of the styles are too revealing, but the shell ruffle blouse (£25, wallis-fashion.com) and embellished skirt (£35) are both demure and pretty .

Hopefully your mother will enter summer looking and feeling refreshed and happy.

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