Loving M&S again

[thesnailandthewhale]

Popped into M&S this morning and had a browse and finally they seem to have really turned a corner, there were so many items I could have bought today (if funds permitted). I settled for these:

Smart jeans:
https://www.marksandspencer.com/harper-cigarette-ankle-grazer-jeans/p/clp60590909?color=INDIGOMIX&prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip2g4r1c1

Linen Trousers:
https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60636146?color=ONYX&prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r3c3

Soft Sweater:
https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60636146?color=ONYX&prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r3c3

Calm hand cream:
https://www.marksandspencer.com/calm-hand-lotion-250ml/p/hbp60291720?prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip10g4r1c1|prodflag_submsg-Vegan%20friendly

Tell me of your finds, I need to stop buying from Shein etc and get back to better quality items. I've got my eye on these next:

https://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-lace-up-chunky-trainers/p/clp60653665?prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip47g4r1c1

I think it all is ok but very decidedly non-fashion, catering to their core demographic I guess

the concept of “smart jeans” alone is very …. Not on trend 😬

I want to like their stuff. We have a big flashy newish one in town and a quick glance around the shop always looks promising but when i get into the nitty gritty:

Their tops are all too short or square shaped

The v necks are always too high (busty - needs deeper v or looks like a man's or a school jumper)

There's never a full range of sizes on the rack. If you ask they check stock for you and then say order online or they'll order it in - but i'm here NOW. I saw it, i liked it enough to try the thing on and buy it or not. I don't like it enough to invest time in going home and ordering it or ordering it in and coming back 🙄

Kids uniform - same with the size range in store problem. I get that there's a rush on just before schools go back after holidays, but we do buy uniform at other times M&S !! It would be nice to go in and buy the right size tights in <gasp> the middle of term! I go to Next for DDs school stuff now.

One last thing since the team are reading - Banbury store - PLEASE GET YOUR CAFE TABLES CLEANED QUICKER. The number of times i have to clear and wipe down the table myself before i can sit at it .....

At least half of my wardrobe is M&S these days, I prefer simple basics and find that they're reliably good value and often natural fibres. For a while it felt like everything had fussy detailing, but now it's much easier to find minimal and simple styles. My favourites:

• cashmere and merino crew neck sweaters
• the straight leg workwear trousers
• Harper jeans
• this belt
• the chinos

Our local store is slated for closure and it's really sad; I prefer to shop in store so if/when it does close, I'll have to go to Oxford Street.

Not to out myself, but they do need to clean up the Banbury cafe a bit. The tables are always sticky. But nobody clears their stuff away either.

I find lots online, order in and love it. But rarely make an impulse purchase instore unless it's the food hall.

I agree OP. They are finally doing what we've all said for years they should focus on. Great staples. I've had gorgeous wide legged cords, really good quality, a soft and chunky nordic sweater. And there were loads of other things I loved but didn't buy. Really good simple pieces. I need a few new classics this season and am going to look there.

I have bought a lot in M&S the past 2 summers. Strangely I buy very little over the winter. Do they do summer better?
I can't believe no one has mentioned Good Move yet, I just bought some cycle short style running shorts, with leg phone pocket and decent size zipped back pocket, for £17.50. Good thick fabric, pretty similar to my sweaty Betty pair which were 3 times the price and no better quality. The leggings are good too, not bought any of their workout tops though as these seem more "gym" than suitable for outdoor running. If you're listening M&S, some decent long sleeve plain running tops, with thumb holes for next winter, please?? Then short sleeve for summer, but not skin tight ones!
This year I've bought a dress, t shirt, two summer tops, sweat shirt, and some sienna jeans.

Yes I agree about good move, underrated

@JoJothegerbil thank you for the link x

Nah, I'm still sulking, I won't shop there since they closed the shop in my town. 😐

I was the first to moan about M&S, but in the last year or so have found some real gems, although it really does depend on the store (some have awful clothing selections) and I am lucky to have two very large stores relatively local. I'd also say that you need to search their website too. I have added a green 3/4 mac, a sequin trouser suit, a blue linen mix suit (not the latest one, but the one from mid summer last year), polka dot dress that sold out on line really quickly, some merrino bought in their sale and this weekend a pair of flared jeans, which I had no idea would suit me, but they do! Size 18/20, 5'6" and fussy about the fabric and construction / design of my clothing and definitely not an advert, just someone happy to find a store with clothing that fits and looks good and the change of staff is really showing! It really depends on the store, spending time online and giving items a try and buying quickly, as good items sell out quickly online.

I'm happy being "Not on trend". I've finally learned to buy what I like rather than what I'm told I should be wearing 🤷🏼‍♀️😂

A lot of it is actually very ‘on trend’ @MyFirstLittlePony usually the stuff many people say they wouldn’t wear 😂

I've loved the thermal jeggings this winter. Even though the short is still too long

Agree with a pp on the pants though. I have pairs 10 years old in ok condition but the new ones the waist bands fall off almost immediately

I feel seen

Really? Are smart dark denim jeans on trend? Where?

the clothes sometimes give a a nod to fashion, I guess

A lot of my jeans are from M&S, the Harpers and the Siennas.

I have a cashmere v-neck jumper and a cashmere hoodie from them, both a couple of years old now, both wearing like iron and I have more than had my money's worth.

I agree there's a lot of lower quality stuff as with most high street shops these days, but if you check the fabric content there are a lot of good basics out there, including some decent washable silk.

Who cares? I don't want to buy jeans that will last a year or so before someone thinks they aren't 'fashion'.

I agree with a PP. They do summer better than winter IMO. Their linen stuff is great. Helps size up and buy them slouchy, and they could easily dupe for more expensive brands.

Still really poor stock control though. Some lovely items in Marble Arch store but hardly any size 10-12 in those items. And then online also out of stock. Very annoying.

I bought this and love it, also a fan of their merino wool, cashmere and pyjamas
https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-collared-belted-midi-shirt-dress/p/clp60682323#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r1c2

We have got a store but have bought some jeans and chinos online as the store doesn't often stock the long length. I usually get Next chinos but prefer the M&S ones this year

Dunno but I'm not a fashion victim

Oh don't be so daft