Let’s dissect M&S

[DukeofEarlGrey]

Prompted by another thread in which M&S has been described as the cockroach of the British high street (something about being hideous but invincible) I wonder why it is that I find M&S so... comforting?? I haven’t bought any clothes there except pants for years and yet I still enjoy a semi-mooch around and feel reassured that it’s there if I need it... What is this bizarre place in my heart for M&S?!

I wish they would stick to basics plus ("the original") autograph and Best of British. I get lost in all the weird floral and flouncy stuff. But if I persevere I always find some good basics, however I usually can't be bothered. I know people argue that Uniqlo etc do good basics but I honestly think M&S quality and brand would keep them going.

I remember when Autograph first started, with the idea that it was designed by sort of secret designers - the cut of the clothes was incredible. I think it came out that a couple of Saville Row tailors worked for it.

@NameChangeNameShange

I wish they would stick to basics plus ("the original") autograph and Best of British. I get lost in all the weird floral and flouncy stuff. But if I persevere I always find some good basics, however I usually can't be bothered. I know people argue that Uniqlo etc do good basics but I honestly think M&S quality and brand would keep them going.

I remember when Autograph first started, with the idea that it was designed by sort of secret designers - the cut of the clothes was incredible. I think it came out that a couple of Saville Row tailors worked for it.

Interesting! I do remember a time when the Autograph stuff was very covetable and I wore it in my late 20s / early 30s. I’m not sure whether my local store still has it but it definitely doesn’t stand out in the way it used to.

Yes, I have a couple of pairs of Autograph trousers for work that I must have had for 6+ years and worn a lot, still going strong.

I love M&S! I think if you have a good eye, you can find all the elements of a stylish outfit there, as long as you avoid the many dowdy items they also sell!

I also think that they are cut for curves and definitely suit me better since having children.

I disagree about the ethical credentials. Everything I order from there comes swathed in layers of plastic 🙄. Zara and Amazon comes in brown paper. I have provided feedback but got a word salad nonsensical reply.

Their kids clothes are great, school uniform in particular is cut much bigger than supermarket brands and washes well so lasts much longer.
I bought plain black and navy t shirts and vest tops in there for summer which are a lovely fit, comfy and have washed well. I will be buying winter basics there too. Dh popped in last week to buy slippers and said he likes the tops and hoodies in the mens dept. I will only buy their tights, comfy and don't ladder as soon as I look at them!

I went for a mooch around yesterday looking for a dress. Couldn't find anything then went to the cafe and bought 4 dresses to try on M&S online. None were online only. Don't really know why they weren't in store it is a fairly big store. I'm sick of online shopping, I like going in person much more.
But yeah, I like it too. Very comforting and I think they've upped their game style wise recently.

I liked the Autograph range years back. And their work trousers are always good. I wish they'd focus on getting their basics right.

I want to buy from them. But when I rarely go in, like a pp says they have a size 6 and a 22, nothing else.

Oh I get most of our bedding and towels from there too!
The Indigo range was lovely. I still find the odd Indigo item on eBay.

The quality is far better than other shops at the same price point (Zara).

I think they struggle because they try to be all things to all people. So they have Whistle style dressed next to elasticated waist polyester trousers and it just confuses the casual browser.

I love their staff. So friendly and helpful. Especially the bra fritters. I love the M&S cafe - such a great stop for lunch when shopping and so baby and child accommodating. M&S food is so very good too.

I don't understand the love for Zara either @AmanitaRubescens. The Meadowhall one is too much like a jumble sale and I CBA to rummage. I have never seen anything in there that I would want to buy either.

They don't cater for tall women.

How tall is tall?
I find their trouser length choices pretty good. I don't think they cater for tall men though.

(Hand raise) Another I don’t get Zara person here

@RampantIvy

I don't understand the love for Zara either *@AmanitaRubescens*. The Meadowhall one is too much like a jumble sale and I CBA to rummage. I have never seen anything in there that I would want to buy either.

I agree! I hate the Meadowhall Zara. Some of their items are beautiful but the lighting, mess and crowds put me off going inside. I’m the same with Superdrug. It’s got such awful lighting in there that I can’t go in.

I like their beauty and consmetic range, most is ethical and cruelty free and clearly labelled as such. The sports wear range they do is good too - I have an excellent running top from that range. I also like their jeans, in different leg lengths, and sports bras. I think M&S has a lot going for it, which is why it has kept going. Slagging off the odd polyester dress is just a lazy Mumsnet trope.

I think they’re excellent and perfect for simple basics. Their jeans are the best of anywhere. I also buy handbags, great styles for excellent prices. I’ve a few lovely cotton blouses last year which i have worn constantly. This winter they have some brilliantly knitwear too. Gym clothes are also great and as good as any of the more expensive brands.

I’m not mad on the dresses generally but for well cut plain basics I don’t think they can be beat

They're an institution - I'd be gutted if we every lost M&S! I still buy things from there - pyjamas, underwear, food, clothes for the kids, presents from MIL, flowers, jeans, make up and so on, and DH practically lives in their clothes. I don't buy a huge amount of clothes for myself - they need to do more well cut classic stuff - but what I have bought lasts a long time.

YY the Zara - it's like an expensive Primark. I've never understood the love for that place.

Their beauty and cosmetic department is great, and I really like their jeans - I tend to find a style I like and buy it in different colours. Still buy bras and knickers, but have gone off their socks, as they're all too twee.I have a small food store in my town, so do click and collect to there a lot.

I love M&S and buy quite a lot there but any flouncy/stylish dresses I tend to get in massimo dutti etc

Like everyone else I find the experience of shopping there very comforting and their frankincense and myrrh candles are most definitely the best autumn / winter scent out there

I love their beauty, basic t shirts, merino wool, thermals, school uniform and food. Their shoes are also consistently good.

I quite like M&S and would be very sad if it went under! I don't really understand the hate for it, some of its clothes are nice and some not so much but that's every shop isn't it

I particularly like the children's clothes, I'd say about half of my older DD's clothes are from there. Shoes and sportswear are good too. And I love the food!

I'm an older woman and haven't bought anything in M&S for ages. The last thing I bought was a bra; it was hideous. It itched and scratched me and went in the bin after a very short while. I looked around the one where I live not long before it closed and understood why it was closing. Horrid fabrics, frumpy colours, I wouldn't have wanted anything even if they were giving it away. My DH is the same; he couldn't find anything he liked either.