Dorothy Perkins - final score: 23/40

Address: 375-383 Oxford Street

Map: Click here to find this store

Score last year: N/A

Verdict: Dorothy Perkins is trying to cross the mainstream to contemporary divide, but it still has a way to go.

Looks - 6

Dorothy Perkins' brand identity is akin to the Primark model of low-cost basics combined with fast fashion product, but by being more modest with its price and style - not too cheap and not too trend-slavish – Dorothy Perkins manages to offer an easy-to-shop blend for its 30-plus market.

There are plenty of simple jersey tops and jeans styles alongside some of summer's key trends, including floral ra-ra skirts and lashing of broiderie anglaise necklines.

The tiered ra-ra skirt seen in all the young fashion stores is also here, but has a couple more tiers to justify the longer hemlines demanded by its older customer.  

Mix - 6

It's all about the separates at Dorothy Perkins, both in terms of basic and more trend-led product.

Tops lead the way, both jersey and blouses, closely followed by flared jeans and some pretty floral A-line skirts.

There are few dresses, and these are mainly located at the back of the store in an eveningwear section, which also features glammed up vests sprinkled with sequins. Downstairs is dedicated to accessories, as well as Dorothy Perkins' high summer offering of metallic strappy sandals and flip flops, and swimwear.  

Store - 4

The layout of this store is a little strange, with the main clothing range upstairs. Bags and belts are situated at the front of the shop, making it rather uninviting.

On the plus side, once you get upstairs the prices are clearly shown on each rail and there are plenty of accessories merchandised with appropriate product to offer good add-on options. This is a bigger space than downstairs so justifies why the clothes are kept up there.  

Value - 7

Striped vests with flowered straps are great value for £10, a ruffle and broiderie anglaise bibbed shirt is typical of this season's collection and weighs in at just £12.

Bargain hunters can pick up three jersey tops for £12, and in the evening section a slate grey babydoll dress has loads of pintuck, ruffle and oversized corsage details, which makes its £35 price tag good value.

Some pieces are more expensive than you would expect, such as a thin cotton top for £20.

Vox pop: Vicki Smith, 28, administrator

• Are you a regular shopper here? 
Fairly regular

• What does this shop mean to you?
I like what the store has to offer, especially since it has become less frumpy and more trendy.

• How impressed are you with this season's offerings?  
I was impressed with the little dresses.

• What is it they're doing well?
Lately, it has been keeping up with fashion while before it used to be more frumpy.

• What have they missed out that you would have liked to have seen? 
Nothing really.