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Original poster

Those M and S sidestripe trousers

104 replies

JaneFondue · 08/04/2023 10:04

Are they now ok to wear everywhere? Just saw Deborah Meaden wearing them on Dragon's Den with a blazer, and then one of the women seeking investment was also wearing them.

I have one pair of these and love them, but not sure if I would wear them in such formal settings. Thinking about buying another because they are the last word in comfort for women of a certain age.

OP posts:
Snoopsnoggysnog · 09/04/2023 12:05

I have these M&S trousers in black - the second ones linked here with the ankle zip. I don’t think the ones in the first link are work appropriate.
I love mine and I do wear them to work, but on a casual type day not if I’m seeing clients. I wear them with a fitted knit and cool white trainers which I keep very clean.
I’m early 40s and work with lots of people 10 years younger, central london office, have had many compliments.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 09/04/2023 16:00

The ones I have are not jersey and definitely don’t look like joggers or ‘chavvy’ (whatever the fuck that means). Wear them or don’t. Nobody in real life really cares.

So1invictus · 09/04/2023 16:13

@Bichette thank you! It looks like there's a difference in fabric this year: mine are 67% polyester, 32% viscose and 5% elastane.

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 09/04/2023 23:17

I've got a red, black and grey pair. They're great. Wear them to work all the time and have had lots of compliments. Wear them with blouse and knitted tank top, or smart polo shirt and jacket.

Ooolaaaala · 09/04/2023 23:33

MrsMoastyToasty · 08/04/2023 13:00

I'm getting a mental image of a 1970s PE teacher.

Teamed with white Airtex T shirt (initials embroidered on top LHS

alloutofcareunits · 09/04/2023 23:54

I have 2 pairs and wear them for work with trainers. I'm a SW role manager, if I'm in the office all day totally appropriate, formal meetings I'd probably not wear them

Nichebitch · 10/04/2023 16:54

Not sure about the middle class middle age advertising conspiracy, but I work in an investment company and loads of women wear them, all ages, in more and less formal ways. Both the M&S and the Me&Em ones.

LivingDeadGirlUK · 10/04/2023 19:13

M&S are advertising everywhere, I get their Ad's on Insta, Facebook and Youtube.

Globe22 · 12/04/2023 07:21

I think they are hideous

LazyLeopard · 12/04/2023 08:37

Can I ask about shoes?

I have some similar from about 10 years ago, and wore with trainers or Birkenstocks- but what do you wear formal wise? Meeting friends for dinner and like the idea of them with a denim shirt - but not a big white trainer sort of girl!

Thisbastardcomputer · 12/04/2023 08:57

I bought some in black they are horrible, far too long and the material is sweaty

OldHouseLover · 12/04/2023 09:13

I have a couple of pairs. 1 from ME+EM & 2 from Mint Velvet bought the summer before last. I wore them a lot & had lots of compliments

Although I work in a v creative sector & could wear them to work I never have.

I wore them casually at weekends. Usually with a t-shirt or shirt & white new balance trainers.

Then M&S started stocking their version & someone I work with went to town on them. She wears them in an incredibly matchy-matchy way so grey wide leg with bright blue side stripe matched with a bright blue lurex polo neck, bright blue anorak & patent shoes. She has a very particular way of dressing which is highly coordinated & generally super Conservative. I know its ridiculous but she had them in every conceivable colour way now & wears them like a uniform & it's totally put me off them.

FancyFanny · 12/04/2023 10:28

These were a trend quite a few years ago- I have some I bought from Halhuber at house of fraser (which is a long gone scandinavian brand)- they are black with a double white stripe and an ankle zip. I wear them with a cropped jumper and chunky sandals or trainers. I would wear them for work as they are a crepe fabric so not like joggers but more often wear them casually- smarter than jeans or joggers. Look good with a denim jacket or blazer as well.

NCTDN · 12/04/2023 22:49

I've been looking for these!

PickAChew · 12/04/2023 22:53

I saw them in store and thought they looked a bit Jimmy Savile, tbh. Cheap and plasticky.

Original poster
JaneFondue · 13/04/2023 08:05

Oh no, now I can't get Jimmy Saville out of my head!

OP posts:
EllaPaella · 13/04/2023 09:24

I have a pair and have only worn them twice. I'm going to put them on Vinted. I like wide leg trousers but find the only shoes to wear with these ones are trainers and I'm not keen on trainers with full length trousers.

NCTDN · 13/04/2023 09:36

@EllaPaella what size are they?

mastertomsmum · 13/04/2023 09:38

They are nice but I’d like to buy some tapered ones, better for cycling.

Last year I got wide leg jeans with self coloured side stripe from M and S. Very comfy and looked great on uk seaside hols evenings with Breton stripe top

hoochycrone · 13/04/2023 09:47

Oh my gosh, I have a navy M&S pair and they are the most comfortable trousers I own, have had compliments in them, but don't care. They make me feel good.
I wear them with T-shirt cardi/jumper and superga trainers.

hoochycrone · 13/04/2023 09:47

Useless for dog walking however, a pain to tuck into wellies Grin

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 13/04/2023 09:51

@EllaPaella Agree that shoes are a problem with them. Mine only work with trainers or a pair of low block heeled boots.

EllaPaella · 13/04/2023 11:37

@NCTDN size 12, if you're interested I can send you a PM with my Vinted profile?

NCTDN · 13/04/2023 11:38

I wish size 12 would fit me Sad