Holly Willoughby gives first look at her Marks & Spencer favourites – and reveals how Kim Kardashian helped her love her ‘curves and big bottom’
From THAT pink coat to some trendy pops of leopard print, Fabulous Daily Editor Joely Chilcott gives her verdict on Holly Willoughby's M&S top picks
HIGH street queen Holly Willoughby, 37, revealed her must-haves collection for Marks and Spencer and admitted she only started wearing trousers two years ago.
In an exclusive preview of the range, the This Morning presenter said: “I thought having curves and a big bottom were probably something to hide a bit.
- Wool Blend Single Breasted Coat, Marks & Spencer, £69 -
- Pure Cotton Embroidered Short Sleeve T-Shirt, Marks & Spencer, £15 -
- Checked Wrap Mini Skirt, Marks & Spencer, £29.50,
- Faux Leather Cross Body Bag, Marks & Spencer, £35,
- Leather Block Heel Ankle Boots, Marks & Spencer, £79,
“And now, and we partly have Kim Kardashian to thank for it, a big bottom is quite nice. We’ve embraced our bottoms and I found high-waisted trousers.”
And that’s not all Holly has found.
She has hand-selected 20 pieces from M&S that feel authentic, stylish and wearable.
- Checked Single Breasted Coat, Marks & Spencer, £99 -
- Coral High Neck Volume Blouse, Marks & Spencer, £29.50 -
- Leather Block Heel Ankle Boots, Marks & Spencer, £79 -
- High Waist Super Skinny Jeans, Marks & Spencer, £19.50 -
- Faux Leather Cross Body Bag, Marks & Spencer, £35,
Every piece can be recognised as Holly’s style. It’s a no-brainer that the pink tailored coat worn by the mum-of-three in the first campaign shot is going to be a sell-out.
Holly herself urges women to be “empowered in pink” and not to be scared of the colour. Or, if you’re a little nervous of the bold hue, she advises to “wear pink knickers".
Holly added that we shouldn't hold on to what size we are, as it varies from shop to shop.
"We go, ‘OK, so I’m sort of a 12-14 or an 8-10’ or whatever size you are. I really think you just need to try clothes on," she said.
This £99 checked trench coat is another piece of Holly's signature style. It's excellent value and is sure to keep you warm for a good few years. The most expensive piece in the edit, but worth it for the quality
- Cable Knit Funnel Neck Jumper, Marks & Spencer, £38 -
- Checked Fishtail Midi Skirt, Marks & Spencer, £35 -
- Faux Leather Biker Jacket, Marks & Spencer, £49.50 -
- Leather Block Heel Ankle Boots, Marks & Spencer, £79 -
"Sometimes you’ll find that even though you’re a 12 in a jumper, it will be quite big and boxy. You might think, 'Actually, I love this, but I’m going to wear it in a 10 or an 8 and tuck it in.' Ignore sizes and try stuff on. Wear it how you want to wear it, not how the size dictates."
My standout piece was a gingham pencil skirt with fluted hem. The cut was superb and is sure to flatter curves in a way that is both sexy and classy.
Most importantly, the collection is wearable and I have no doubt it will be lapped up by the M&S customer who looks to Holly as a working mum for style inspiration that feels achievable.
- Pink Leopard Pleat Dress, £49.50 from M&S
Holly arrived at the event wearing the print of the season: leopard.
Accessorising with a belt to cinch in her waist, the pleats skimmed effortlessly over her bottom half, proving it's a certified easy-to-wear option for us mere mortals.
"I love this dress," Holly said. "I love leopard print anyway, but I think this nice sort of blush colour is a little bit softer.
"It’s the perfect shaped dress, it’s one of those dresses you can just plonk on and you don’t feel like it’s wearing you. You feel like you’re wearing it, and feel really comfortable in it."
The super skinny jeans chosen as part of her edit were a more surprising choice for me. The skintight denim is not versatile; I only hope she expands her classic denim options in future edits.
- Checked Long Sleeve Blazer, Marks & Spencer, £69 -
- Pure Cotton Embroidered Short Sleeve T-Shirt, Marks & Spencer, £15 -
- High Waist Super Skinny Jeans, Marks & Spencer, £19.50 -
- Leather Stripe Trainers, Marks & Spencer, £49.50 -
- Faux Leather Ring Detail Cross Body Bag, Marks & Spencer, £35 -
Holly also admitted that she’s only really found her style as she’s got older. The new I’m a Celeb presenter revealed she feels braver in her thirties - and I can only agree.
She said she's gone through a "rollercoaster" with clothes because she finds fashion "quite scary".
"I used to be quite intimidated by it, I used to feel like I could only wear a certain type of clothing, and sometimes you get stuck in a rut of wearing the same thing over and over again," Holly said.
"I’ve got into it a bit more as I’ve got older. I’ve got used to what works and what doesn’t, and I’ve also got a bit braver about trying different things."
- Faux Leather Ring Detail Cross Body Bag, Marks & Spencer, £35 -
- Oversized Long Sleeve Shirt, Marks & Spencer, £29.50 -
- Checked Ankle Grazer Trousers, Marks & Spencer, £35 -
- Square Toe Loafers, Marks & Spencer, £25 -
The partnership between M&S, a British institution, and Holly, the nation’s sweetheart is a match made in high street heaven.
"I’ve dreamt about working with Marks and Spencer’s probably since the first time I walked through those doors," Holly gushed.
"It’s one of my favourite places. If you ask my kids what my favourite shop is, they will say Marks and Spencer. Whether it’s buying food or clothes, I love it."
Yes, it’s not the most fashion forward, eccentric collection you’re likely to see, but I defy anyone who can resist one of these must-haves.
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
For even more Holly Willoughby beauty and fashion inspiration, the This Morning presented led the best dressed stars at the TV Choice Awards 2018.
Plus this is the £2.99 skincare product Holly Willoughby swears by... and you can pick it up in Superdrug.
And Topshop has just brought out Holly Willougby's dress in a THIRD colour... and it's already sold out.