---

Holly Willoughby is the ultimate style inspiration for the nation’s women, according to a study.

Researchers polled 2,000 UK adults and the This Morning presenter emerged as the number one influence when it comes to what females wear.

The 37 year old mum-of-three narrowly pipped Kate Middleton to first place thanks to her ‘impeccable taste’ and ‘timeless style’.

The Duchess of Cambridge did however finish ahead of royal ‘rival’ Meghan Markle who secured third spot – but the Queen was well down the pecking order and came 57th in the poll.

The research was commissioned by Tvguide.co.uk, who have launched ‘Drag & Shop’, a web banner which allows users to buy the celebrity look.

It found one quarter of women have bought clothing items as a direct result of seeing someone famous wear them.

Chetan Damani, spokesman for Tvguide.co.uk, said: “Adopting a particular style can not only inform how we feel about ourselves but also how others see us.

“With that in mind, those polled might have been drawn to Holly Willoughby’s universal appeal, infectious personality and classic sense of style – and would like to be seen in a similar light.

“Her sense of fashion is also really accessible – she wears the sorts of clothes you could readily go and buy online or from your local high street.””

Ex-Coronation Street actress, Michelle Keegan came fourth followed by Dame Helen Mirren and Victoria Beckham who came fifth and six respectively.

Hollywood stars, Mila Kunis, Jennifer Lawrence and Keira Knightley made the top 10, along with former First Lady, Michelle Obama.

Other notable names include singers Beyoncé, Rihanna and Kylie Minogue, while models Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Gigi Hadid featured too.

Keen to get the ‘celebrity look’, more than one fifth of those polled have purchased clothing items from celebrity fashion ranges with Kate Moss’ range for Topshop the most popular.

Michelle Keegan’s line for very.co.uk is the second most popular, followed by Myleene Klass’ range for Littlewoods.

The research also explored the key to looking good – understanding what clothes suit your body shape, according to two thirds of women.

Fifty-five per cent believe dressing appropriately for your age helps too, while 48 per cent said knowing what colours go well together is a factor.

Carried out through OnePoll.com, the survey found around four in 10 consider themselves to be a follower of fashion.

But 72 per cent said they find it difficult to find clothes they actually like.

Amid this, more than three quarters think there is a pressure on women to dress well.

On average, those polled spend a total of £592.92 a year on clothes – purchasing 24 items in the process.

Chetan Damani added:

“Often people might see clothing worn by celebrities and wish they could purchase that very item, but sourcing it can prove to be a bit of challenge – often ending unsuccessfully.

“Our new ‘Drag & Shop’ banner solves that problem because it allows people to directly purchase clothing items as worn by all the big names.

“With this in mind, we undertook this research to find out which star’s style particularly inspires women.”

CELEBRITY FASHION INSPIRATION – TOP 50:

1. Holly Willoughby

2. Kate Middleton

3. Meghan Markle

4. Michelle Keegan

5. Helen Mirren

6. Victoria Beckham

7. Mila Kunis

8. Jennifer Lawrence

9. Michelle Obama

10. Keira Knightley

11. Cheryl Cole

12. Emma Stone

13. Emma Watson

14. Reese Witherspoon

15. Jennifer Lopez

16. Beyoncé

17. Rihanna

18. Kylie Minogue

19. Kelly Brook

20. Kylie Jenner

21. Gigi Hadid

22. Sienna Miller

23. Amal Clooney

24. Kate Winslet

25. Selena Gomez

26. Taylor Swift

27. Kim Kardashian

28. Alexa Chung

29. Katie Price

30. Kate Moss

31. Lorraine Kelly

32. Helena Bonham Carter

33. Cara Delevingne

34. Rachel Weisz

35. Emily Blunt

36. Kate Beckinsale

37. Kendall Jenner

38. Florence Welch

39. Khloe Kardashian

40. Adele

41. Liz Hurley

42. Emma Thompson

43. Zoella

44. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

45. Katy Perry

46. Sharon Osbourne

47. Rachel Riley

48. Melania Trump

49. Mary Berry

50. Lily Allen

Article By Rob Knight

ENDS

---