At the end of April I had an operation, and was in bed for nearly three weeks afterwards. Two days before I was due to go into hospital I realised that I possessed absolutely no dressing gowns or pyjamas. Some frantic internet searching later, and I discovered that both John Lewis and Marks & Spencer’s were the way forward. These two pretty cotton wraps from John Lewis were exactly what I was looking for: lightweight and short. Short is important for two reasons: so they don’t drag along the floor in hospital, and because you can then wear them in bed without lots of excess material flapping about. They are great for travelling too: I’ve packed them on my recent trips as they are lightweight, and also cool in hot weather.

I’ve always been a nightdress kind of girl – can’t bear my legs being encased in fabric in bed. I get too hot and all caught up. These little shorts sets from Rosie for Autograph at Marks & Spencer are absolutely brilliant. They wash like a dream, don’t need ironing, cost just £29.50, and are smart enough to wear when you have visitors. I bought them in navy and in pale pink, and wore them every day of my convalescence. (Edited to add: Someone has commented rather vigorously about the appalling-ness of these shorts being made in polyester. All I can say is that I am presuming they are made from one of the modern polyester blends that wicks sweat away from the body, as I don’t find them either hot or sweaty and, anyway, I wash my nightwear daily, given how much everyone, regardless of the fabric they wear, perspires during the night.) This is what happens when you tell Lettice that she can’t be in a photograph. She tries anyway…

This pretty robe from M&S is very soft and lightweight, and you could get away without ironing it too.

Shot on location by my sister at Soho Farmhouse in North Oxfordshire, which opens in September to non-members.