Bohemian, Homespun, Mexican…they’re just three of the trends that UK plus-size specialists Simply Be are pushing this season to their size 14 – 32 customers. Eschewing the usual elasticated waists, sack-like shapes and oversize t-shirts of most plus sized mail order catalogues, the brand has a more trend-lead approach that’ll have larger ladies in the UK giving their skinnier counterparts a run for their money in the fashion stakes.

Big Girl’s top pick comes from the bohemian boutique. The pretty blue leopard print tunic / dress has more than a hint of Lanvin about it, though at only £30 it’s a bit more credit crunch friendly, not to mention available in a few more sizes! It’s a dead ringer for the dress worn by Maggie Gyllenhaal to the Golden Globes, albeit shorter and more eay to wear off the red carpet.

Team it with the £20 wet look leggings if you dare; the long length of the tunic will cover up any lumps or bumps around the waist and bum, or go for black opaque tights for something more sedate. Accessorize do amazing, long-lasting 90 denier ones for £5 that have an almost shapewear-like slimming effect.