Flattering or frumpy? It’s the M&S summer hit fiercely dividing opinion. Six women, from sizes 6 to 16, give their verdicts

  • FEMAIL styled six British women of different body sizes in the same dress
  • Ruth Leveson, 66, who wears a size UK14 described the design as slimming
  • Daniela Faccinelli, 30, who wears a size UK6 found the dress a comfortable fit 
  • Dr Mairi Wats, 47, who wears a size UK12 was disappointed by the material

By SAMANTHA BRICK FOR DAILY MAIL and STYLED BY AMY KESTER

Published: | Updated:

SLIMMING STRIPES

Six British women with different body sizes gave their verdict on M&S's popular stripe summer dress. Ruth Leveson, 66, (pictured) who wears a size UK14 says the style isn't flattering on her

Six British women with different body sizes gave their verdict on M&S's popular stripe summer dress. Ruth Leveson, 66, (pictured) who wears a size UK14 says the style isn't flattering on her

Part-time teacher Ruth Leveson, 66, lives in Hertfordshire with her partner. She has three sons. 

Ruth says: Like many women my age, M&s has seen me through the decades, notably the floaty Per Una styles. This is more fitted and not as flattering as I’m short and curvy. But the stripes slim my body and I also like the elasticated waistband part. 

Shoes, £175, lkbennett.com; Earrings, £24.95, massimodutti.com; Necklace, £135, lolarose.co.uk

VERSATILE COMFORT  

Daniela Faccinelli, 30, (pictured) who wears a size UK6 says the style is perfect for the summer

Daniela Faccinelli, 30, (pictured) who wears a size UK6 says the style is perfect for the summer

Londoner Daniela Faccinelli is 30 and single.

Daniela says: IT is very minimalistic and I love it. It’s loosely cut but still looks flattering around the bust thanks to the V-neck wrap style. The length makes it versatile — it looks chic with heels but I would also wear it with trainers for an edgier look. Overall I found it a good fit and comfortable, too. It is perfect for the summer. 

Bag, £70, dunelondon. com; Mules, £275, russellandbromley.co.uk; Necklaces, model’s own

FEMININE BUT PRICEY

Jessica Chorley-Burdett, 30, (pictured) who wears a size UK10 claims the dress is overpriced

Jessica Chorley-Burdett, 30, (pictured) who wears a size UK10 claims the dress is overpriced

Recruitment consultant Jessica Chorley-Burdett, 30, lives in Bournemouth with her daughter, aged two. 

Jessica says: The size 10 dress fitted me perfectly, with the hem falling just below the knee. However, I’ve bought a similar frock from the Tesco range which was less than £20. While the Marks & Spencer dress was flattering and feminine, it wasn’t nice enough for me to justify buying it for £39.50. 

Bag, £295, russellandbromley.co.uk; Shoes, £275, lkbennett.com; Earrings, £10, jonrichard.com

 SWAMPS FRAME

Dr Mairi Watson , 47, (pictured) who wears a size UK12 claims the material of the dress creases easily and is too long

Dr Mairi Watson , 47, (pictured) who wears a size UK12 claims the material of the dress creases easily and is too long

Dr Mairi Watson , 47, is Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law at the University of Northampton. Single, she has a daughter, 18, and a son, 13.

Mairi says:  Normally M&S clothes fit me well — I’m 5ft 6in and a standard size 12 — but this was too long and the fabric is a school shirt kind which easily creases. We perked it up with accessories, but that adds to the outfit cost.  

Clutch, £85, lkbennett.com; Sandals, £90, boden.co.uk

SHOWS MY MUM TUM

Jules Osmany, 55, (pictured) who wears a UK16 says the style accentuates her mum tum

Jules Osmany, 55, (pictured) who wears a UK16 says the style accentuates her mum tum

Married mother of two Jules Osmany, 55, is a makeup artist who lives in Northampton. 

Jules says: This is not for me. The elastic under the bust accentuated my mum tum, the mid-calf length was unflattering and the blue and white stripe reminded me of a hospital garment! A belt in another colour would have broken up the stripes. But the material was light and nice even though it’s not linen. 

Shoes, £15.99, newlook.com; Earrings, £17.50, marksandspencer.com

GAPED AT THE BUST

Sarah Miles , 34, (pictured) who wears a UK size 8 says the style gaped around her bust

Sarah Miles , 34, (pictured) who wears a UK size 8 says the style gaped around her bust

Sarah Miles , 34, is a full-time mum. She is married to accountant Alex, 31. They have a two-year-old daughter Maisie and live in North London. 

Sarah says: My heart sank when I first saw this dress — I thought it would do nothing for my figure. But the cut actually enhanced my shape and the vertical stripes are slimming. It gaped at the bust, though, as I’m smallchested. However much I tightened the bow at the waist, I couldn’t get a snug enough fit. 

Heels, £32, topshop.com

Most watched News videos

Comments 464

Share what you think

  View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

  View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.