Is Marks and Spencer's clothes frumpy?

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I'm late 30s. Usually shop for clothes in places like H&M. Zara & Dorothey Perkins.

Never bought clothes for myself in M&S, in my head I always thought it was for 50-60 year old women, but saw an as yesterday for their autumn range and saw loads of nice things that I would like to buy.

So what you reckon, am I now in the M&S target demographic ?! Have they modernised their clothes range or are amI just old now ?!

Ooh, any specific recommendations? I have a voucher and couldnt see much i wanted over the summer. Like simple, not-too-feminine stuff.

@NameChange84 - Ah, in that case apologies. Didn't realise it was a specific collection for that purpose. In that case, agree M&S do seem to cater well for a wide customer base.

[quote DOINGOURBIT]@NameChange84 - Ah, in that case apologies. Didn't realise it was a specific collection for that purpose. In that case, agree M&S do seem to cater well for a wide customer base.[/quote]
No need to apologise! They do cater well for a wide range. I like the fact they will do lots of different length options for skirts and dresses or will use the same fabric for separates and dresses with different sleeve or style options.

I usually go into the shop rather than look online, and it's the London stores, so it is quite likely that what I see is not the same as your local store.

I always see nice things in New Look, but again, it probably depends on the shop.

Thanks all for replies.

I've bought 2 tops - will wait and see.

I'm not precious about brands so if they fit nice that's fine with me, was just curious whether they have had a change in target market recently.

Prices also seem cheaper than I remember

For balance.... I’m 50 and shop in Zara, H&M, ASOS, Net a Porter etc. Today I am wearing oversized ASOS dungarees, a white t-shirt, massive trainers and huge hoop earrings. Long hair (shock!) in a mid-pony.

Fifty does not equal frumpy.

It certainly doesn't. I like Zara and H&M. I wear oversized dungas and DM type boots, or mini skirts, have long hair.

I probably dress far too 'young' for my age (toddler not MDAL) - people have tried to nudge me towards Boden, Seasalt, White Stuff and Joules and to get me to get my hair cut into a bob but they've given up.

M&S does usually have a couple od lovey things each season, its just they do have a lot of frump. They do love man made fibres at the moment too.

Their tights are good though

I can't usually find anything there, liked when they brought out the Limited collection a few years ago but nothing since, apart from underwear. I'm late 40's and prefer H&M, Next and independent shops.

I'm not professional (support staff in a school) so perhaps if i was might buy workwear there.

I think some of their clothes can be fabulous, but you do have to sort the wheat from the chaff! Their cashmere jumpers can be great, and I've bought some gorgeous coats from them over the years, the tailor that shortened the last one for me couldn't believe it was M&S and not designer. They often have some great bits in their Autograph collection that are very well made, and their Rosie underwear range is fab, although a bit repetitious at the moment I'm finding. Finally I've bought Panama hats for the summer from their menswear section for years- so much nicer than anything in the womenswear section! I heard somewhere years ago that some of their mens Italian suits were made by Armani and that some of their skincare was made by Clarins- as I say, this was years ago, so I'm not sure if that still holds up but it gives you an idea of the quality that is available if you're happy to go digging! I find it easier to shop with them online as the stores can be a bit overwhelming as they seem to be trying to cater to everyone. Its also useful to be able to read all the online reviews as quality and fit can definitely be a bit variable.

I don't really like much of their clothes. However I just bought a per of per una skinny jeans and omg they are the most comfortable jeans I've ever owned. Very soft and stretchy. I love them because you can't tell they are from m and s 👍

As PPs have said there are diamonds among the chaff in M&S. I have worn Flexifit wireless bras every single day since March and never been so comfortable. Just bought a pair of long wide leg jeans which make all my blouses look cool in a 1970s way and I can't seem to stop wearing them. The cashmere is great, also have a couple of wonderful coats from Autograph.

A couple of PPs have mentioned Limited Collection which was where the more on-trend stuff used to sit, they folded that a couple of seasons ago and now those ranges sit in the PerUna brand which has been revamped and purged of frilly cardigans. To me it would have made more sense to close Per Una which was (is) widely derided and keep the Limited Collection range, but what do I know?

Ooh and can I put in a word for their trainers? I have about 4 pairs now and they all get admired when I wear them. Excellent value, really comfy and some genuinely great styles.

Last year M&S did a perfect merino crew-neck jumper, which I bought in several colours - great for work with a leather skirt, or cropped wide-leg trousers. They also do a skinny rib polo neck which I buy in black every year - again, fab for work but tends to get worn so much they need replaced. Agree re sizing, I am a pretty standard 10 and get an eight unless I want an oversized fit.

For me (mid-40s) M&S do good basic items, and I also like their Brazilian knickers. I wouldn’t generally look there for something for a fancy night out. I also think they tend to do a couple of things each season which are all over the magazines and Instagram, and then become “that M&S XXX”. A checked coat from a few winters ago springs to mind.

When I wear M and S I look frumpy. However I work with someone who is so stylish in a slightly edgy way. She always looks very elegant and cool at the same time and wears a lot of M and S. If I wore the identical clothes to her I would either look like a bag lady or like I was trying to look quirky if that makes sense. I do buy basics and childrens clothes there mainly because according to most ethical comparison websites they are OK for worker rights (I mean not great but better than most highstreet) but at an affordable price point (I would love to buy anthropology, people tree etc but just not in my budget)

43 and been buying odd clothing items from M&S years. Never bought anything from Per Una as that range does not appeal to me.
Underwear and Pj's always has to be M&S though
Their bedding is also really nice

I never find a funky top I like in there, but their plain basics are great and I LOVE their jeans. I've got a shaping pair from them that makes my butt look like it did ten years ago. They are generous in sizing so I tend to go a size down from the rest of the high street.

I love their soft, not itchy wool, jumpers . I've a collection from over the years so different lengths and colours, not one has bobbled.

The Good Move sportswear range is good and a lot of it is cut more neatly than most M&S clothes, which as has been stated tend to come up large. I have a Performance running top from there which is excellent, very neat, warm but cool, and true to size.

Some things are nice. Winter items like a jumper you can get away with.

Per Una used to be nice I haven’t looked in years though.

Some of it is very frumpy
But they rare good for basics / staples and items which you do want to be a smarter in.

I love their dressier shoes because they tend to be sooo comfy

M&S clothes I love are mostly the basics:
Underwear, day to day and lingerie
Socks and tights
Some pjs and lounge wear
Some gym wear
Swimwear and holiday stuff
Accessories: Hats gloves handbags scarves etc
Loved the limited range , gutted it’s gone
Jeans and leggings aren’t bad.

The rest, makes me feel like I look like a supply teacher! Middle aged and generic and frumpy. I’m 5.1 and 40

I also like the bedding but the home range feels out of my budget.

I like the toiletries also

DD1 is 22 and has found some really great stuff in M & S. Chunky brogues and boots, jeans that fit perfectly, coats, skinny rib polo necks, knitwear.

I’m a fan of M&S ,,

I'm in my late 20s and I have been buying shoes, jeans, knickers, pjs and basic t shirts from M&S for years. Some of their knitwear is nice too.

I think their dresses and blouses can be on the frumpy side though.

I always find nice things in there.

It caters for a wide range so there are going to be dreary/awful things too but if you trust your own eye you can happily spend m&s vouchers in the clothes section.