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We’ve got some exciting news to report, iconic fashion expert Hilary Alexander will be working with M&S as our new per una Fashion Consultant.
Hilary’s extensive career in fashion has seen her become one of the most recognisable faces in the industry. From her influential role as Fashion Director at Daily Telegraph through to regular television appearances and becoming a fixture on the front row of the seasonal catwalk collections in London, New York, Milan and Paris. You can find out more about Hilary here.
To kick off our work with Hilary you’ll be able to see ‘Hilary’s Edit’, a specially edited selection of per una outfits and key items for the season which you can shop online and in M&S stores. Shop the per una range now.
We’re also really excited about Hilary hosting a weekly ‘Ask Hilary’ column which we’ll be publishing online. Each week, Hilary will draw on her wealth of fashion experience to advise and recommend the ideal solutions for our customers’ fashion dilemmas. You can read the column online now, or find out how to submit a question below.
Do you have a fashion dilemma you’d like Hilary to solve? Don’t be shy, ask away…
Submit your question by signing into the M&S website and leaving a comment in the box at the bottom of this post. For the most relevant advice, please do indicate your body shape and height, as well as any information about colours you like and occasions you need to dress for.
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Comments229
On: 17 June 2013 Permalink
I would like to ask Hilary why M&S use polyester to line their clothing ?
I always read the label to see what the material is , maybe it is viscose or cotton , I think fine , until I see what it is lined with , Polyester is not a very nice fabric to have next to your skin in summer . I have read other comments about this issue .Could we not have a more cooling fabric please.
On: 13 June 2013 Permalink
Hi Hilary
Love clothes am 62, 5’8″ size 14 and in everyday life have no problems selecting clothes and my look but I struggle on holiday! Most ladies my age seem to have some very chic little day dresses that they wear to breakfast, I cannot find many of these type of dresses that are long enough to justcover my knees (I need 100cm), I end up wearing cut offs and tops but would love to source nice dresses.
On: 10 June 2013 Permalink
Dear Hilary,
I have always shopped in M & S, and in the past have found Per Una most useful. However, now I am older and wider (size 16, 5′ 6″, 60 yrs) I can’t find much to fit or suit. Short straight skirts look awful and don’t fit bum and waist at the same time, the fitted dresses have never fitted anywhere – even at my slimmest! – and I would look ridiculous in your narrow leg trousers, even if I could get them over my thighs. Tops do not do up over my 36F bust, and I look best in gored skirts 35″ long with a fitted top and a wide shaped belt. I love swishy skirts and bootleg trousers as they suit me best. I have to wear Not your daughters jeans as these are the only ones that fit and as you know they are really too expensive. I would love a dress that actually is long enough and fits across the bust – I have not worn one for years! Please consider my problems in your new collection and bring me back as a customer. J Davey
On: 10 June 2013 Permalink
Dear Hilary
Help please!
Can you give me some ideas for a dress for my neice’s wedding. I am 64, 5ft 3ins, size 14/16 with a pear shape. I never wear dresses so your advice would be most appreciated. Thank you
On: 8 June 2013 Permalink
Hello
I have just brought a Per Una Fit & Flare dress code T6219401 for a wedding and need a jacket to go with it, in the tan colour rather than black. Could you recoment any please. Or a smart short cardigan may do. Thanks
On: 8 June 2013 Permalink
Hi Hilary,
Help! I am a modern 62 yr old, 4’9″ tall, size 8, 32D bust, olive skinned with silver hair. I need an outfit for my son’s wedding in Canada mid September. The dress code is gold/champagne/cream, which really aren’t my colours. I live in France where petite ranges are almost non-existent. Do you have any great ideas?
On: 8 June 2013 Permalink
Dear Hilary
I’m 58 years old, 5ft 9, size 18 with a 36G bust. All my excess weight is on the belly. I’m looking for clothes that are attractive but not figure-hugging, but don’t make me look like a barrage balloon. Clothes shopping has become nightmarish for me, and I’m not at all sure what suits me any more. I’ve been going for long “cover-all” blouses but would love a change of style. Can you help?
On: 7 June 2013 Permalink
I have severe lymphoedema after treatment for breast cancer. My left arm is huge so impossible to find anything cool to wear that will cover it up apart from an Indigo Georgette Kimono I left the store empty handed. I can’t wear low necks because of surgery and I also have another condition called lipodoema which means my legs are very big too. Any ideas appreciated as wraps are hopeless because they don’t provide enough cover. I liked the palazzo pants I saw but apart from white which I couldn’t wear they were all black.
I am 5 feet 4 inches and size 14 from the waist down anything 16 upwards for my top half and 62 years old.
On: 7 June 2013 Permalink
Hi Hilary,
I am a size 16, 33 waist, 43 hip, a normal shape derrière, I have taken back this summer around 30 pair of trousers, all shapes and even a couple of different sizes, I have yet to find any in M & S that sit right on the waist, all I seem to find is other mature woman who want to dress in the latest fashion and are looking along the rails with similar problems, Perhaps you can also persuade M & S to make some really pretty lingerie without padding. I am afraid for me my shopping days for good quality clothing at MS looks like it is over, I recall for years people arriving from abroad headed to MS before any other shops because they new they were getting quality clothing for a good price, alas they are following the likes of Primart etc, forcing the customers to look elsewhere. Hope you can try and find me some trousers there, I certainly couldn,t.
On: 4 June 2013 Permalink
Hi Hilary, I m 5ft 1 in tall petite size 12/14 with a rectangle shape to my body. My problem is not having a waist……..can you advise on a style of dress, jacket and coat to suit my frame and shape please….Thank you : )
On: 3 June 2013 Permalink
Hilary
I am a 61yr old. red hair, freckles & fair skin. My size varies between 14/16. I am also conscious of my upper arms. any suggestions on holiday clothes. Tee shirts, dresses, tops etc. etc. any suggestions.
On: 3 June 2013 Permalink
Forgot to mention that I am only 5ft 1″ in height.
On: 1 June 2013 Permalink
Hello Hilary, I too need advice as I’ve been confined to a wheelchair for 25 yrs & still have no idea what to wear that suits me. I knew when l was an able bodied 10/12 but now l’m 12/14 & unable to even stand then what looks good on models does not look right when you’re sat in a wheelchair. I live in sunny climate most of the year but every time we’re home we do the rounds of M & S + l also have items sent out & am so often disappointed.
I’ve just looked at the models on the Bra article & there’s not an oz of fat to spare on any of the women. Why can’t you show ‘Real Women’ who come in all shapes, heights & sizes & 95% of us have lbs & oz to spare so we can really see what Bras & clothes look like on 5′ 8″ size 10 & 5’1″ size 18 etc.
I also vote is for a PERSONAL SHOPPER with training in people of every colour, size & body issues in every single store. Thank you.
On: 30 May 2013 Permalink
Dear Hilary,
I would like to ask your advice about an upcoming event and what to wear to suit my body shape please. I am 53 years old, 5ft 7in tall and am an apple shape with broad shoulders (quite manly) and wide hips, with no defined waist at all and thin legs. I would like to wear a dress for a change to my daughter’s graduation in July which would go over the knee in either blue, teal, pink, red or purple/violet colourways as black drains my already pale skin. I don’t want to resort to a trouser suit if I can help it. Any suggestions please?
On: 30 May 2013 Permalink
forgot to say I am a size 161
On: 30 May 2013 Permalink
Hi Hilary,
Welcome to M&S, I’ve missed you in the Telegraph! I’m 67, 5’4″, chunky with very heavy thighs, knees and calves (ankles not bad). I do have a defined waist (though I’m short waisted). I have narrow shoulders and 40C bust. I CANNOT find trousers that don’t make me look like a beached whale. I wear an 18 or a 20 depending on fit. I am particularly looking for dark brown trousers a the moment. But generally need advice on what would suit my shape. Having recently retired, I’m trying to avoid my work life colours of black and grey. I do so agree with others regarding personal shoppers in store.
On: 29 May 2013 Permalink
Dear Hilary
My 6 year old daughter bought me a collar necklace for Mother’s day (it’s gold coloured with peach coloured stones – from Primark). I’ve no idea what sort and colour of top to wear it with. Any advice would be gratefully received especially as she’s starting to ask why I don’t wear it. Thanks.
On: 29 May 2013 Permalink
when are Per Una and M and S going to get some nice short sleeved formal /classic blouses with collars in stock for people of the older generation who don`t wear t shirt or collarless low neck tops not just Linen or cotton but nice soft polyester ones.
Regards
Marie Fairbrother
On: 25 May 2013 Permalink
Dear Hilary
Please could you tell me what items are included in the Capsule wardrobe for this Summer.I’ve just bought a lovely dress in black and white and it was labelled ‘Capsule garden party.I am 5ft 5″ and in my seventies but I try to ignore the years.Thank you.
On: 22 May 2013 Permalink
Hi Hilary, I am 45 and a shapely size 24 on top – 22 bottoms. Per Una and Marks as a whole do not cater for me and it’s only on the odd occasion that I am able to order on line. It really makes me frustrated that you don’t cater for us women. There are loads of us out here
jacquie
On: 20 May 2013 Permalink
Hi Hilary
I am 47 and 5ft 3in. I have just lost 2.5 stone to reach my target weight and am an hour glass figure. Hence I updated my wardrobe and now love per una skinny jeans. It took a while to feel confident in them. But alas I have just broken my ankle- in plaster and non weight bearing for 6 weeks. What can I wear to feel comfy and practical (i have to go up/down stairs on my bum) yet still look ok. I just want to stay in PJ’s but visitors call in and if I do go out I feel a wreck! Please help as I need to purchase a few key pieces for this plaster period! Thanks Julie
On: 30 May 2013 Permalink
The pull on jersey trousers might help. You can get them on over the plaster and being pull-on you can get them on yourself too. They are not brilliant for a fashionista like you but they will probably be OK for the time being. I have had a broken ankle so you have all my sympathies
On: 19 May 2013 Permalink
Hilary my query is quite simple – when are M&S going to manufacture their trousers in Size 8 long? Why do they assume that if you are a size 8 then you won’t have a long leg? When Per Una was first introduced I bought all my trousers there in size 10 long. Then the size 10 gradually became larger and no longer fitted me. The size 8 is the correct size on the hips but of course is too short on the legs because there is no long length. Please please please can M & S please consider manufacturing clothes for slim ladies with long legs. Many thanks.
On: 15 May 2013 Permalink
Hillary,
Delighted with the new Per Una range, I am interested to purchase
‘The Sparklins floor-length Per Una Dress (£119/-) as shown in todays Daily Mail.
Sadly I cannot locate this on line. Can you assist please.
Glad M&S is back in vogue as it was many years ago.
Thank you.
Linda.
On: 13 May 2013 Permalink
Please, please, please Hilary rescue M&S – as so old-fashioned and out of reality with the modern world and working woman!
I used to always shop in M&S but it is so dreary and seems to cater more for 70-80 year olds.
Bring back wardrobe basics good quality neutral/navy/black/whte
t shirts, blouses well cut trousers, skirts, tops/dresses with sleeves in to cater for us 50+ women with ample money to spend, we now have to shop in Hobbs, Coast, Warehouse.
Please bring M&S back into the 20th century!
Good quality, good value, good service ….
On: 19 May 2013 Permalink
It could have been me writing this post, I agree wholeheartedly with
Jenny Bateman, the only addition I would like to make is to add brown to the usual black/navy basics. My present dark brown jeans are looking in dire need of replacing.
On: 25 May 2013 Permalink
Does anyone know what the capsule wardrobe for Summer is that Hilary recommended?
On: 11 May 2013 Permalink
Hi, I am desparate.I need clothes, casual, dressy,anything that will fit in fact. NO ONE seems able to help me. I am 5ft 1in, size 18, very short waisted, weigh 11 stone, aged 68. Now for the big big problem. My boobs (the bane of my life!) are 36HH. I am so depressed as I used to be so smart but there is nothing out there for me nowadays.Any possibilities are soon discarded as everything is transparent.(Not a good idea with my boobs!) .PLEASE can you help.
Jennifer Leach
On: 10 May 2013 Permalink
Hello Hilary,
I am writing on behalf of my 79 year old Grandmother, who is looking for outfit suggestions for my wedding (being held in Church) in October. She’s 5’2″, size 12 and quite slim. She would ideally like to wear trousers, but is having real problems finding a suitable “smart” outfit.
I very much hope you will be able to help.
Kind regards,
Claire
On: 9 May 2013 Permalink
Hi, I’m 66 years old, weigh 5’6″ and weigh 13 stone. I am going to a 50th birthday party (my husband’s boss) and want to find something that doesn’t make me look dumpy and frumpy. Something elegant would be nice!
PS I agree with Mrs Skolnek that it would be nice to have personal shoppers/advisers in Marks & Spencer who would be able to help customers choose a style that looks good on them. Thank you.
On: 8 May 2013 Permalink
Hi Hilary
Reading your posts I appear to be the average age of 60+ from whom you have received questions. My question is, why do M & S not have personal shoppers. I love clothes but have no idea what looks good on me. I am odd shaped, sometimes overweight but still want to look good and need guidance as to what would suit me. I would love to visit a shop where someone would look at me and say you would look fabulous in….. and find clothes to suit.
On: 7 May 2013 Permalink
Dear Hilary,
I am a young 76yrs, about 5’10 and sizes between 18 & 20. I had to have a leg amputated 4 yrs ago and wear a prosthetic leg. I am looking for an outfit for a smart luncheon party on 29th June. I do walk, but need a wheelchair for shopping etc. I need to have something smart that will cover my legs when sitting…therefore straight skirts are out of the question now! Colours I like are mauves,lilacs, blues and bright green..please could you help me? Thank you in anticipation!
Janet Crossley
On: 8 May 2013 Permalink
Hi Hilary,
I need advice on outfits for my son’s graduation at the end of June this year. There is an evening dinner at his college and graduation ceremony the following day (in a cathedral). I am 5’4 and a size 12, aged 61 with a bob hairstyle. Any advice would be useful as I have no idea what to wear. Thanks!