to think that Marks and Spencers have lost the plot with women's dresses?

[MaMaLa321]

I went in today and, for a start, there's very little in stock.
But what was worse was how unattractive everything was.
this stood out, especially. Even with a gorgeous model it looks uber frumpy.

For those who missed the pink dress.

Wow. Pepto Bismol in dress form!

When they were designing the pink dress who on Earth thought, Yep, That ones a seller.
I am not a dress designer, I don’t really wear dresses but put on the spot I think I could have come up with a more commercial design. Which makes me wonder what the point of going to fashion design college if that’s what you come up with and anyone who passed that thing to be mass produced needs to hand their head in shame.
What a waste of time money and material that will probably end up in landfill

whoa that was a bit cruel
Just being honest. My point being this ... M&S do every dress etc in a huge range of sizes. They also sell zillions of the same thing in every town across the UK. This means it's common to see people of all ages, shapes and sizes wearing the same outfit as you're wearing. Like it or not, that's not always a good thing.

Ah, but Meddy, I am one of those Obese People. I do look in the mirror before I go out, and sometimes I genuinely think I look okay. I have bumped into slimmer people wearing the same dress/top/trousers and still think I hold my own.

I tell you what though, you’ve stopped me spending money on a dress I saw upthread. Like I said, I’ve had a bad day. That bad day was caused by someone commenting on the size of my uniform. Honesty is fine, but today it was said to be clever in front of other colleagues. Your comment touched a raw nerve.

It's what stops me buying anything from m&s that is 'distinctive'. I only buy plain things. It's also not the sort of thing anyone would say in a focus group, so perhaps their marketing dept aren't aware. Good that there are places where we can be honest though.

@FitYeDaeinYeMadRadge, buy the dress and wear it with pride. That comment was incredibly crass and several of us have pointed out the ageism and fat shaming.

There was a S&B thread a couple of years ago where the OP said she was sending her new coat to the charity shop because she’d seen it on a “70 year old granny”. She got her arse handed to her. The sooner MN cracks down on this stuff the better.

@Meddy583

Online they've started selling other brands, like Seasalt, which is interesting. I still couldn't find anything I like though. I prefer midi-length dresses, and they are either too frumpy, too ditsy floral, or too strappy. But my biggest problems with M& S are:

1. Almost everything hangs like a tent.
2. If you do find something you like, then within a week you'll find yourself standing next to someone at a bus stop wearing the same thing, and they'll probably be twice your age and obese.
3. If you find something perfect, they'll stop selling it within a few months and replace it with something inferior - which is why I"m still wearing a cami top I bought about 15 years ago. 🙂

God forbid someone overweight or over 40 should enjoy fashion as freely as you do .

Jesus Christ.

Go on then. Why is it a bad thing, as a slimmer person, to be seen in the same outfit as an obese person? I want a proper explanation.

I'm sorry @Meddy583 that's still a really twattish thing to say. Wholly unpleasant & unnecessary.

I've nought one recently that's not too different in style,, from White Stuff, lighter fabric I think and black with a floral pattern [

’It's what stops me buying anything from m&s that is 'distinctive'. I only buy plain things. It's also not the sort of thing anyone would say in a focus group, so perhaps their marketing dept aren't aware. Good that there are places where we can be honest though.’

That’s a very dated attitude.

@Meddy583

whoa that was a bit cruel Just being honest. My point being this ... M&S do every dress etc in a huge range of sizes. They also sell zillions of the same thing in every town across the UK. This means it's common to see people of all ages, shapes and sizes wearing the same outfit as you're wearing. Like it or not, that's not always a good thing.

That’s not your point, no. Women twice my age and obese can wear whatever the hell they like and if it’s the same as me, go them. I wear what I like.

As far as I’m aware, Hugh street shops have shops on a huge number of high streets (and shopping centres), all supplying the same clothes in each of their shops. Therefore , if you buy a dress from from Asda, Topshop or Marks, other people will have also brought the same dress. M and S and other such stores no not sell bespoke clothes. I give you ‘the zara dress’ c 2019 as the prime example.

You find dresses like that everywhere now, lots of long sleeves and mid length, it’s just the fashion.

I’ve got the Zara dress in two colours. Strangely they attract many compliments, it was only hated on MN.

You couldn't get away from seeing people in that Zara dress. I've not knowingly ever had the same issue with M&S items.

On the subject of M&S stock this summer, I actually think they've got some decent dresses on sale. More so than in recent years (possibly because they're now stocking other brands). BUT none seem to be in stock. I've lost count of the number of things I've looked at and all sizes have been out-of-stock. What's that all about?

I wish they'd reissue the Zara dress

@Blossomtoes

I’ve got the Zara dress in two colours. Strangely they attract many compliments, it was only hated on MN.

It was a classic. I saw large women, skinny women, old and young, all look good in that dress.

That Zara dress wasn't my cup of tea, but I can honestly say I've never seen anyone look bad in it. The summer where it was everywhere I remember thinking how fresh and cheering the polka dots looked on the white fabric, and how breezy and relaxed the women looked who were wearing it. It's a happy/ fun fashion memory for me.

Someone on MN put me onto Nobody's Child. Fabulous dresses and incredibly reasonable prices. Ethical company - no child labour, UK-based. I bought from them and was really pleased with the quality (for the price.) Worth a look if you don't know them.

[quote cappuccinoandcats]@SirVixofVixHall I am shocked about the changing rooms! What's going on there?
Always been female only[/quote]
They put out a statement that people could use the “changing rooms where they felt most comfortable “ or something along those lines. Having seen the men reviewing knickers online , I really don’t want to be trying on bras next to some fetishist wanking over lacy pants. I definitely don’t want to be in those rooms when the store is quiet and the changing rooms not manned, nor do I want my teenage dds in there.
I boycotted them for ages due to that, and I used to spend a lot in there. Then during lockdown I felt sorry for them and placed a few orders, but now they are open again I doubt if I will go in unless they change their policy. If they have no respect for their largely female customer base then they cannot have my cash.

The shapes are rubbish. No curves, everything too flat and boxy.

I like it. Not flouncy, frilly and covered in flowers. The boots are horrible, mind.