Oh dead oh dear M and S

[randomer]

what has happened to you? Terrible colours and shapes. Hard to imagine anybody looking good.

Lois - that's exactly the problem isn't it? I don't mind paying a bit extra for something nice, but the quality at M&S just doesn't seem to warrant such high price tags.

I don't understand why they don't listen to their customers. I bought a fleece (yes I know, but it is for wearing to the gym) recently and was given a feedback website address, which I used to give them a blasting about their bra fitting service.

They are too arrogant to give us what we want. I agree that Sainsbury's clothes are excellent.

M&S is probably the only high street shop where the customers are yearning to spend a bit more for quality, not truffling for the lowest possible prices. And still... polyester coats.

The Best of British line has the 'quality fabric/higher price point' boxes ticked, but (a) I've only ever seen it in one actual shop and (b) it's all a bit too directional to fit the amazing basics criteria. Mad patterned 7/7 trousers, or formal joggers, or those bloody brogues that bestump everyone except supermodels and Kristen Scott Thomas.

(Oops. That was 7/8 trousers. 7/7 trousers suggests some kind of awful atrocity, sorry.)

fat face? ( mid life crisis)

Only one reason to cross the threshold at M&S - Percy Pig 🐷.

I received some M&S vouchers as a gift recently. I was tempted to buy this coat but after this thread I'm worried that it might be hideous in real life! Has anyone seen it in the shops? If it is awful, I'll just buy some makeup instead.

I like that coat.

I went in recently and think they have been listening a bit..... for example all the jeans were in one place..... as was the knitwear.
I was looking for a nice classic jumper which covered my tummy ( Im a size 12 5ft 6 woman in my 30's)..... obviously nothing suitable in store BUT at least all the knitwear seemed to be in the same area!!!
( good shoes and beauty bit though!)

I like the coat too.... I have a feeling though if not styled right it could veer into frumpsville

Why can't they just copy companies Hush and Me and Em but cheaper?

Thanks! I might buy the coat. I was hoping to style it like this one which I saw on Pinterest. But I can see that it could easily veer into frumpsville!

I buy tights and occasionally skirts in M&S. Tops are too short and the bras are shockingly crap, especially if you're a GG/H cup. I find some of the things absurdly expensive and have had nicer alternatives from Sainsbury's.

Why can't they just copy companies Hush and Me and Em but cheaper?

Never ordered from Me & Em, but I like Hush's general feel yet find the quality often lacking for the price - I'd rather M&S followed their style but did it in really good fabrics. Ethical cotton, and British wool, and the best non bulge enhancing jersey. The order quantities would surely be enough to keep the price points reasonable-ish?

It's often said that M&S should be leading the way with reliable workwear but I think their unusually cosy position with the retail public PLUS their v good home dept PLUS the food thing should lead to them developing the comfiest, most stylish, hardwearing loungewear range EVER.

Exactly....why don't the designers for M&S research what sells well in the popular ranges (Hush/Poetry/Cos/Mint Velvet) and copy them in decent fabrics. Still do a range for my great granny (those matching jumpers with cardis and "slacks") but really, if they want to appeal to your average woman in the street, they need to burn all that polyester/synthetic shite in frilly/flouncy styles and the awful bobbly big patterned jumpers and pare it right down in a "less is more" way. It's really achievable so why oh why do they keep making crap and watching profit drop. I'd sack whoever's in charge because he/she is not worth their salary imo.

I've NO IDEA who they are trying to appeal to.

That coat looks nice WooWoo. Especially in that second pic where it's not been styled by an M&S fusty dusty merchandising team.

Yes to PPs who say M&S tops are too short! I've had t-shirts end up wider than they are long after just a few washes

I'm still lusting after the burnt orange polyester coat . It's doesn't help that I've seen other retailers selling pure wool coats for similar prices .

Prompted by this thread I had a look at their website. Why so many floral and jazzy prints? They date so quickly and look frumpy on me. I just want plain basics that I can mix and match.

Their skirts are made for women with no waists, they have far too many tops with 3/4 length sleeves (pointless IMO. If I'm cold I want long sleeves, and if I'm warm I want short sleeves), and they have discontinued my favourite knickers.

I disagree about the bras. As a 32B I have loads of choice, so I'm happy with that.

I agree that their footwear is great and got a lovely pair of ankle boots from there just before Christmas.

BUT, why don't they listen to their customers?

I like the Heatgen scoop neck tops, and opaque tights. And knickers. That's about it.

I got that pink raincoat. It was not well structured and I looked like a blancmange. I sent it back.

I love the Rosie underwear range

But even wearing that underneath can't make this cardigan look good

OMG Olennas that needs to be called the "worm cardigan".

That cardigan is.... no, I can't find the words for its utter utter hideousness. Even Barbara Cartland wouldn't have worn it.

We should be their target market (as in 30s onwards, sorry about the generalisation). The buyers should be trawling Mumsnet, Instagram, blogs etc to see what we want.

I actually saw a lovely dress in there today. I was very tempted.

My mum, into her 80s, was stylish and smart and dreaded looking like "a little old lady". She'd have turned her nose up at most of M and S's knitwear and would have hated this ghastly cardigan. I agree about Sainsbury's Tu range. Far superior to M and S.