Not many 20-somethings will take advice from their mothers on fashion – but Francesca Searle is confident that when it comes to style, mum knows best.

Her mother, Julia, has her finger on the fashion pulse, having worked in some of the region’s finest outfitters. After a spell at Fenwick’s in York she moved to Escada, first at Harrogate, and now at the York Designer Outlet.

“Mum is really good at picking things I will like,” says 21-year-old Francesca. “I do listen to her advice.”

Julia, 51, of Newton Kyme, between Tadcaster and Boston Spa, said: “When we go shopping together, I feel like her stylist. I have a good eye and I can pick things out for her. And I give her an honest opinion.”

But what will our mum and daughter think of the capsule wardrobe for spring that Living has put together?

Outlet stylist Linsey Wright was charged with picking three on-trend looks to take Francesca and Julia into the new season: one for work; one for the weekend and one for a night-out. The Outlet’s generous discounts on top fashion brands means that putting together a new spring wardrobe need not break the bank.

Francesca has just moved to London to start a career in recruitment. Linsey picked a navy playsuit as her work outfit, adding a more professional edge with a print scarf from Hobbs and a statement bag from Escada.

“I feel very confident in this,” said Francesca, adding she could imagine wearing it to the office.

Julia’s look was more classic: a gorgeous camel-coloured blouse from LK Bennett tucked into navy cropped trousers from Phase Eight with smart heels from Kurt Geiger and a patent clutch, again from LK Bennett.

Turning to a more casual look, Linsey picked two outfits perfect for a day out shopping or weekend lunch.

Francesca wore a red maxi dress from Ted Baker with a fringed bag from Daniel Footwear while Julia displayed an elegant “Riviera look” in white jeans, red knit top and white and blue striped jacket, all from Escada.

A figure-hugging shocking pink dress from LK Bennett took Julia into evening, while a visit to the super-hip The Kooples, one of the centre’s newest stores, landed Francesca her after-dark outfit of choice: an off-white lace mini dress.

This look, says Linsey, is right on the money for spring. “Lace, white and sheer are everywhere this season,” she said, adding that if you wanted to dress it down you could team a lace top with some jeans.

Another big look for spring/summer is the 1920s. Linsey says: “The Great Gatsby is coming out in the cinema, and we have had Wallis Simpson in WE and The Artist too.” Look out, says Linsey, for dropped waists and lots of beading as fashion goes back to the jazz age.

Pastels are packing a punch too. “Not everyone can wear pastels,” warns Linsey. “But you can enjoy the trend by adding a scarf rather than dressing in pastels from head to toe.”

Julia – Escada black fringe bag (RRP £599) outlet price £329; Escada stripe jacket (RRP £275) outlet price £175; Escada white jeans (RRP £205) outlet price £50; Escada red knit top (RRP £175) outlet price £115 Francesca – Ted baker Red dress (RRP £99) outlet price £60; Daniel Footwear black scarf (RRP £34.99) outlet price £14.99; Daniel Footwear black fringe bag (RRP £39.99) outlet price £29.99