At 32, I'm above the usual age limit for Love Island contestants. Given that was harshly dubbed 'Old Laura' when she joined the show at a sprightly 29, I've accepted that my chance to sashay into the villa as a mysterious yet eventually endearing bombshell will never come. However, with All Stars back for a new season this week, and with the contestants reaching 39 years old, I felt newly inspired to share something deeply personal – myself wearing ' hot pants.

I will also say, besides my age, I also don't fit the typical Love Islander mould. While has made strides towards more diversity and relatability in recent series, there's a certain 'it' factor you either have or you don't. This 'it' is a look suited for prime-time TV at 9pm, a perfect contour, and the confidence to rock tiny booty shorts while 1.3 million viewers scrutinise every pore and imperfection in high definition.

As for me? I'm more of a 9pm bedtime kind of girl, and my last attempt at wearing short shorts was during a 2012 Ibiza holiday. One glance at those holiday snaps was enough to permanently retire those hot pants.

But, when an invitation from 's official second-hand fashion partner , landed in my inbox with the subject 'personal styling ahead of All Stars', I was intrigued. The invite asked if I wanted to visit a posh London hotel to try on some of the most iconic outfits from the Love Island archives.

As I glanced at my oversized men's H&M varsity jumper and thermal leggings, I thought a style makeover wouldn't hurt. Maybe some new wardrobe staples worn by successful love-seekers in the villa could bring good luck to my own love life.

Arriving at the private top-floor suite at Nobu dressed in what I'd call 'fashion editor' chic – an oversized shirt, high-waist, long-line trousers and New Balance trainers – I began to question my decision. Specifically, when I saw the clothing rail where the outfits hung, I regretted not applying fake tan the night before.

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Amy Bannerman, eBay's Love Island pro stylist, greeted me in the styling suite, looking effortlessly chic in an oversized blazer and relaxed jeans. She tactfully kept any doubts about my ability to fit into some of the outfits to herself. As she began pulling out items and recalling which Islander had previously worn them, she assured me that I could pull off any of them. In a whirlwind of neon colours and two-piece sets, she presented pieces that even I, a casual Love Island viewer, recognised.

There was the aqua-blue PVC mini dress that from series nine famously wore in Casa Amor, the white denim mini dress that from series eight donned for a recoupling, and the show-stopping fringed denim dress that Catherine Agbaje from season ten wore around the fire pit. The most remarkable thing about these pieces is that they're not from 'fast fashion' brands.

Instead, the labels read Balmain, Jacquemus, Versace and Rat and Boa. Since eBay became the style sponsor in 2022, the way the villa wardrobes are stocked has completely transformed.

Everything you see on the Islanders is now pre-loved, mostly pre-worn from past series and high quality. After learning this, I felt a surge of confidence - who wouldn't want to try on a vintage Versace two-piece? However, my confidence was short-lived when Amy selected four looks for me to try, including a pair of tiny shorts.

In my dressing room hung four memorable outfits: Tasha Ghouri's Gorgeous Couture black gown, a pink tulip H&M Premium finale dress, Olivia Hawkins' Versace yellow skirt co-ord, and Tasha's vintage Junior Gaultier red shorts co-ord. I first tried on the Gorgeous Couture black gown, which was an excellent start. The fabric was incredibly soft, and the low back with diamante detailing made me feel like a 90s supermodel. .

Next, I squeezed into Tasha's Love Island finale gown. All was going well until the zip got stuck, and Amy had to help me out. Once in the dress, I twirled around. The voluminous tulip cut made me feel a bit wide, but I adored the fuchsia colour. Tasha has such effortless style that you need a lot of confidence to pull off a look like this, which is why she looked so fantastic in it.

My excitement at fitting into two items worn by a real model didn't last long because the Versace two-piece, though amazing when Liv Hawkins (currently back in the villa now) and Ellie Spence wore it, made me feel like a traffic cone. I don't think it flattered my figure, and the colour against my pale skin made me look washed out.

Amy assured me that yellow was indeed my colour, but at this point, I started to miss my comfortable high-waist trousers.

Finally, I squeezed into the red Junior Galtier two-piece. With a deep breath, I managed to fasten the poppers on the vest, although I had visions of a Barbara Windsor-style wardrobe malfunction in front of Amy. Once the top was secured, I hopped around to get into the shorts. Tasha's legs looked so long when she wore them, but mine seemed short.

Looking in the mirror, I noticed my under-butt peeking out from the high cut of the shorts and my middle section spilling over the waistband. As a size 10, I'm not large, but this outfit highlighted everything I usually try to hide.

Amy and her team were great, cheering as I showed off my behind, but I couldn't wait to change back into my own clothes. With the clothes back on their hangers ready for the All Stars villa, I confirmed what I already suspected: I'm not cut out to be an Islander.

It's impressive how the stars pull off these tricky outfits, and I admire them for it. But as I watch the returning cast start their quest for love this week, I'll be back watching in my lounge pants.

proved she tops the list of bombshells to end all bombshells – for the second time – when she strutted into the villa as a late arrival in the villa. Wearing a dress fitting of a bombshell that highlighted her incredible figure, the Turkish-born beauty had us all wishing we had the piece hanging in our wardrobes.

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Liv wore an intricate wrap dress that looked equal parts confusing and fabulous. Unfortunately the design she wore is out of stock, so if you want to emulate her look for an upcoming holiday or event, you'll need to shop a similar style available in the UK.

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If you've been frantically searching for where to shop Elma's evening dress from episode one, you'll be sad to know the white mini has sold out. However, it's worth setting a notification in your size because this outfit was the most affordable of the night, coming in at £31.

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