I tried on the new M&S 90s collection to see which pieces work best for a curvy body shape. Here’s what to buy

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As someone who favours minimalism, I have long been a fan of the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style, but the new series Love Story on Disney+ has sent the fashion world wild. The consensus is that everyone adores her fashion choices. As a former Calvin Klein employee, she always oozed effortless perfection, a look that was never contrived and screamed nonchalance.

Instagram has been awash with women telling us how to get the look (some missing it completely and just creating a painfully boring ensemble – there is an art to minimalism!)

Elsewhere, high street favourite Marks and Spencer has jumped on the current mood with a capsule collection, shot as if it’s a New York paparazzi shoot with a model who perfectly resembles Bessette. It’s a smart move; the brand’s approach to well-cut, well-made basics is everything this 90s minimal look encapsulates.

But can it still work if you don’t have the body of Carolyn Bessette or that other 90s favourite, Rachel Green? This style looks amazing draped on a streamlined body with clean lines, but I am a size 14 with an ample bosom and full bottom that clothes don’t tend to ‘hang’ off. I decided I needed to try it on for myself.

Look 1:

I felt almost stroppy as I began climbing into my first look, convinced it was going to make me look bulky and frumpy. And yet, it didn’t. I felt so chic and classic! I feel like you could screenshot this outfit and every time you feel completely uninspired or exhausted, just recreate it, and you will always look tastefully put together.

TOP TIP: Turn the white T-shirt backwards. Although the label is now sat at the nape of your neck, it will give you that perfectly poking out white rim above your knitwear.

Look 2: 

Even after my first success, I was reluctant to try this look. A cropped jean and white shirt with a knit tied around the waist felt a bit too try-hard and preppy for me. However, again I was surprised at how fabulous I felt – it was effortlessly chic and the knit around the waist stopped the shirt from swamping my curves! I am also converted to these leather flip-flop heels.

TOP TIP: Feel confident to style things how they suit you! The imagery had the shirt tucked in, but it looked so much better on my shape (thighs and hips) with the length of the shirt under the jumper; it accentuated my curves in the best way possible.

Look 3: 

I thought this would look so boring on me, plus I have often found that a cardigan is not a bigger bosom’s friend. It can instantly make you look frumpy, but this thin navy option instead made me look expensive.

Due to my curves, I kept the cardigan true to size and opted for a Palazzo trousers (code T57/4275) to balance me out. I sized up in the trousers for that loose-fitting, drapey look that so often signifies 90s style. It made such a difference, the outfit looked so chic and put together but effortless, it hung beautifully, and I felt fabulous.

TOP TIP: Keep it simple. This outfit is a homage to the famous fashion advice attributed to Coco Chanel, “before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off”. It is so tempting to layer up or add more, but I really didn’t feel boring in this and would wear to work happily!

Look 4: 

This was the outfit I was dreading the most: a cardigan in combination with my nemesis, a midi silk slip skirt! This length always ages me immensely and highlights my widest part. However, this time I took my own advice and sized up on the skirt so it sat lower and moved more around my hips. This, in conjunction with the asymmetric hem, felt so modern but also really flattering. When I stepped out in this look, even the gorgeous changing room attendant agreed it looked fabulous. I was so shocked, I felt so sexy and timeless. I would never normally wear this, and I am definitely going to be giving this a go in the big wide world. Every day is a school day, even for a Fashion Director.

TOP TIP: The 90’s trend as a whole is a mix of fits. Keep your vests, cardigans and body suits fitted and allow your coats, skirts, dresses and blazers to run bigger and drape. Never underestimate what sizing up in an item can do; leave the size concern where it belongs – the nineties!