Former Marks & Spencer boss Sir Stuart Rose has become chairman of online fashion recommendation service Dressipi.

Dressipi, which was set up by technology entrepreneurs Sarah McVittie and Donna Kelly, gives product recommendations based on users’ “fashion fingerprints”, which are based on a combination of sizes, body shape and personal taste.

Rose will be working with the co-founders to drive the adoption of the service among retailers. A raft of big name retailers are set to start using Dressipi, which is already integrated into the Boden, in the New Year.

This week, etailer BrandAlley started using the recommendation service.

Rose said: “Retailers have been crying out for years for a solution that can help them merchandise and sell clothes more effectively online.

“Getting a woman to buy an outfit on the internet is about much more than showing them it’s available in their size. Before they click ‘buy’ they want to feel confident it will suit them and complement garments they already own. Giving online shoppers the confidence to make a purchase is the problem I think Dressipi have nailed with their recommendation service. “

It is the latest board chairmanship for Rose who joined fellow technology specialist Mobile Money Network, a mobile payments and mobile marketing joint venture, last year.