<text>  Now its not often that I can claim to be ahead of a fashion trend. But a few weeks ago I was invited to a photoshoot to give my verdict on a new range of suede clothing apparently, the must-have fabric this season, as we experience a Seventies revival. As someone who remembers the Seventies all too clearly, and who boldly wore some of its more questionable offerings the first time round, I was interested to see how I felt about it now. I didnt know I was about to try out a garment that has since fuelled a major fashion debate and divided Britains women, who, it seems, all have an opinion on that skirt, as it is now known. Scroll down for video . Jane Asher pictured was recently invited to a photoshoot to give her verdict on a new range of suede clothing, what she didnt realise was that the skirt she is pictured wearing would cause such a sensation . For the few who havent heard, Im talking about the Marks Spencer A-line suede skirt, which has been labelled: The Skirt That Will Save MS. Yet when I spotted it a few weeks ago, it was just one of several suede garments hanging on a rail, so I had the chance to judge it in an unbiased and objective way. And . . . I didnt much like it. I found the suede stiff and heavy, and the colour and shape channelled the Seventies cowgirl look a little too closely for comfort. Some fashions are best left unrevisited and this length and shape of suede skirt seemed one of them. Soon after that, all hell broke loose as various fashionistas were spotted wearing the skirt. It was photographed on the lithe and youthful hips of people who know a lot more about fashion than me first Alexa Chung, then socialite Olivia Palermo at New York Fashion Week, both of whom obviously liked it enough to happily endorse it. Vogue heralded it pure Ali MacGraw chic in reference to the star of the Seventies film Love Story, and suddenly it was the next big thing. Alexa Chung pictured was spotted in the MS skirt in February this year . Well, I can be as easily influenced as anyone, and a horrible guilt crept over me that I hadnt spotted this as the wonder garment everyone else had. I wondered: should I rush out and grab one from MS? Well, not much point, as it wont be on sale to us ordinary punters until April 10. So, should I trust my first feeling that it wasnt for me? After a bit of thought, I came full circle back to my original decision: Im still not a fan. Yesterday, Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine was one of the first to shout Emperors New Clothes! when she criticised MS for its aggressive marketing of the skirt, which, she felt correctly in my view seemed to use a lot of energy that could have been better focused on producing affordable fashion that doesnt follow any trend. Just because a couple of Voguettes have given it their stamp of approval, we loyal MS customers are meant to flock like good little style sheep to get our hands on one, too, she said. Cant MS see how patronising this is? For this suede skirt didnt work in the Seventies and it doesnt really work now. When I was young, most suede skirts and jackets were stiff, unyielding garments produced in a gingery tan colour that didnt flatter anyone especially those of us with gingery, tan-coloured hair and it often felt like wearing thick cardboard. Sadly, this reincarnation gave me flashbacks. The unsuppleness and heavy feel of the suede may mean it will last for ages, but youll know about it while youre wearing it: the waistband is far from forgiving and I cant imagine it will give much across the hips when you sit down, making it stick out unattractively in front. Im not crazy about the mid-calf length, either. Unless you have the endless legs of a model, its hard to carry off. It would look better with boots, of course, but with spring already here Im hoping those can be left in the wardrobe. And I cant see how the white stitching on hips and tummy can be flattering. Sorry, MS, Im giving it just three out of five: wearable for a few outings, after which it would be confined to the back of my wardrobe, never to be worn again. A costly foray into a brief trend something that, at my age, I have mostly learned to avoid. UPDATED CLASSIC . Jane pictured loved this flattering suede dress from HM, finding the whole outfit comfortable and well fitting, without the stiffness of some other suede garments . Wraparound suede dress, 199.99, hm.com . Suede block-heeled sandals, 129, reiss.com . Bangle, 39, reiss.com . Button diamond ring, 210, monicavinader.com . My favourite: Its an excellent price and a beautiful and flattering berry colour, which suits most skin tones. The suede is wonderfully supple and comfortable and fits well. It certainly doesnt have the stiffness that some other suede garments have, and the just-above-the-knee length is elegant and suits the shape of the dress. Who would have thought Id want to be back in a wrap dress again? I thought we were over those for some time. The fabric updates this classic look. I love it especially the great price. 55 . SHOULD YOU FAKE IT? The suede culottes Jane is sporting here did not get a good review with the stiff fabric and odd shape granting them a paltry 25 . Tweed top, 129, baukjen.com . Suedette culottes, 24.99, hm.com . Heels, 225, russellandbromley.co.uk . No! No! No! Culottes tend to look stiff and oddly shaped unless theyre made in a fluid fabric. These certainly dont suit me, and Im proving that here beyond any reasonable doubt. They cut off my legs at the least flattering part, the calves, and look more Dickensian urchin than fashion-forward fabulous. The faux fabric does feel like the real thing, but I suspect that it might crease. If I wanted some suede trousers Id save up for a better design. 25 . COMFY AND CHIC . Jane pictured says this suede top may be worth the 249 youd have to shell out to buy it. She found the item extremely chic and wearable, saying it would work with tight jeans or a smart skirt . Suede top, 249, baukjen.com . J. Brand jeans, 180, trilogystores.co.uk . Heels, 5, everything5pounds.com . Jewelled necklace, 85, stelladot.co.uk . Deceptively simple, this little suede top just might be a really good investment as its extremely chic and wearable, whether teamed with tight Brand jeans or a smart skirt. I love the boxy on-trend cut and the sleeve length makes it suitable for any occasion, as well as being long enough to keep the spring chill off and hide any imperfections. This suede is so thin and soft it feels like silk, and I like the tunic slit at the top. 45 . MAKE A SPLASH . Another top scorer was this lilac suede dress. Jane pictured says it fits beautifully, skimming fluidly over the body, with the colour adding to the classy look . Suede dress, 429, baukjen.com . Blue necklace, 50, stelladot.co.uk . Suede strappy sandals, 250, lkbennett.com . This fits so beautifully and skims fluidly over the body. Yes, it costs a lot, but it really does look expensive and the lilac is stunning and classy. The suede has an almost silky feel. I adored wearing this, but the danger of ruining it with smudges would make me wary of splashing out the serious cash. Remember that suede needs a lot more care than leather, tending to show rain spots and stains easily, and the soft top layer can wear off after a lot of use. It may be worth protecting expensive suede garments with a special spray, and they will also need expert cleaning. 45 . 