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.

Does anyone remember the thread where a few of us tried on that M and S pink fucking monstrosity dress with weird sleeves? That was great.

The "ginger ones" typo really made me laugh

I think that's ok actually. Certainly better than all the polyester blousy, ruffled, puffy-sleeved, ditsy-printed horrors that seem to be everywhere atm.

@MaMaLa321 YANBU. M & S lost it about a decade and a half ago though. I don't know anyone who shops in there now. Not of any age group.

I have bought 10 pairs of underpants and 5 bras in there this century. And the last time I spent any money in there was 2017. The place is awful. I wouldn't be seen dead in most of the stuff they sell in there.

The quality used to be very good, as much of the stuff was made by a quality supplier in the UK. But for the past 15 years or so, they have outsourced overseas, and they now get the stuff from sweatshops. The quality is way below par, and most of their stuff is no better than Primark, but the price is often five times higher.

It's time they were put out to pasture, along with Debenhams and Bhs. They're so irrelevant now in 2021.

I like it! I was expecting much worse.

Also I'm amused by the review titled "soft demon dress" (given the rest of the review, I assume it is just a typo for "denim").

On the contrary I was in there today and saw loads of things I liked. I think they've upped their game. I'm ordering this

www.marksandspencer.com/floral-midi-shirt-dress/p/clp60508602?color=IVORYMIX

@Whatwouldscullydo

Ginger omg that should say younger...omg that's a bizarre typo

I did wonder why the red-haired population was the reason why M&S was completely missing their target market. Being a redhead myself I still manage to find a few things in M&S that I like to wear but I haven't bought a dress or a skirt from there for years. I had about 4 that I loved but that I got too big for so I donated them to a charity shop. I should have held onto them and lost the weight instead as they have nothing similar since. Decent quality material, nicely cut and fit well.

That dress isn't to my taste either, it wouldn't suit my figure, but I know I could find other dresses there that would if I wanted to.

PP mentioned 'Amish' fashion and it is. It's everywhere though. Why pick on M&S? Most of us have preferred shops - I like M&S for some things, Boden/Dorothy Perkins for others and Next not much now, but others rave about shops that I wouldn't find anything I wanted in.

I don't agree that M&S have lost the plot, but they need to find their 'Greggs' appeal again. Their underwear is still the best - and their sportwear is consistently good.

I've probably misunderstood the tone of the thread and you just wanted a moan, OP...

I’m 50 and should be their core market. I go in all the time to buy something in the clothes department then come out with something out of the food hall, having see not one single thing I want.

But all the shops are selling those Amish surrendered wife type dresses at the moment.
Apparently it’s in fashion, not that I ever see anyone wearing them .

And if anyone from M&S is reading this, I want basic dresses, stretchy fabric, arms and pockets. Like Popsy dresses but with nicer fabrics.

I find that dress quite inoffensive. Maybe damning with faint praise, but not something to get hey up about. I really like the one that @MissyB1 linked to.

Fashion in general is getting more and more frumpy, baggy and ugly.
The dress you included might be a little unremarkable but at least it's not a bin bag with arm holes. Also, really wish puffed sleeves would fuck off.

I really like that! Was expecting frumpy print, but I think that's nice. Have a similar one from Uniqlo 🤷🏻‍♀️

*HET up!

Or I’d like some of the Seasalt dresses or the plain Borden ones. I want loads like that. And that range that Debenhams did. That was nice. Or like Joe Browns’ milder styles but actually well made.

That’s a great dress but would be very hard for most to wear well .

I hardly buy anything from M and S anymore - used to buy the basics but even those have decreased in quality . They seem to chose patterns that don’t quite work

I call them ‘sister wife’ dresses, but to be fair to M&S, they’ve been everywhere for at least 3 years now.

I'm core market for M&S (50+ ?) and rarely find much I like. For me it's all the polyester and ruffles that put me off. Although I did buy this recently and it's been perfect for this hot weather (and yes, I know it's 'animal print' but it doesn't look like it!
www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-animal-print-tie-neck-shell-top/p/clp60488987?color=BROWNMIX

Boden

I think I’m too frumpy to even get away with that dress OP! 🤨
I’ve seen a lot worse tbh.

I love that dress I think it's lovely. Its slightly short but I could work round that. On the contrary I think M&S is great at the moment. I have bought loads there. I swear by their straight leg jeans, fantastic cotton shirts, great gym leggings and tops, nice handbags and a great range of shoes

@BearOfEasttown I agree with you that the plot was lost a long time ago. I wonder if food is the only thing really keeping them going, perhaps 'basics' such as black trousers as well.

I like it - I’m definitely not a “surrendered wife” it just looks like an easy to wear shirt dress with a belt to give shape. Classic, easy to wear casual dress.