M&S

[MehMam]

I'm 46 and usually shop at the likes of Mint Velvet, Hush, Saint and Sofia, ME+EM, All Saints, Whistles, Zara and H&M.

These past few months, I've started to shop more from M&S as I actually do like some of the styles. I grew up avoiding M&S because it's where my mum has always shopped and it was full of non-descript, drab and boring fugly clothes.

What going on other than I'm turning into my mum? I'm worried! Anyone else?

In the late nineties/early noughties M&S did some amazing collaborations with designers, I remember finding fantastic quality clothes on the top floor of the Marble Arch store.

I have hardly ventured back for much recently, put off by the wierd trademarked cashmillion blends. Shoes are reliably good though, even though the sizing can be a bit strange.

I worked near Oxford St around that time too - late 90s/early 00s - and still have a few gems that I picked up at Marble Arch, like a pair of really stunning pirate boots that sold out quickly, then reappeared in more local branches in a significantly lower quality finish.

Last time I was in Marble Arch it didn't feel very intuitive, in terms of being guided around the store by displays.

Some of their summer stuff is great - low price linen basics and amazingly well cut swimsuits- and I'm a huge fan of their sports range.
Not sure I could get all my work clothes from there, mostly man made fabrics and the Autograph range is expensive for M&S quality.

I don’t know whether M and S have hired new designers but in the last few years, they seemed to have got it right. Clothes that reflect current trends, plus their traditional basics, and reasonable prices as well.

Thank you for all of your replies.

I think what’s getting to me is that throughout my life M&S has always been reserved for food and basics. In the past six months, however, I’ve witnessed myself on the M&S app much more than I’d like to admit, placing orders for items I’d never have bought before the inevitable happened: middle age.

What’s soothing the situation a little is that most of the clothes are worn while lounging at home. Joggers, sweatshirts and T-shirts form my current capsule wardrobe as a mum who runs a business from home. I try to mix things up with some items from Wolf & Badger and the other brands I mentioned (some Scamp & Dude as well, but that’s another brand I can’t make my mind up about), but I have lazy days when I’m out on nursery runs and play dates.

I suppose the anxiety kicks in when I’m wearing something with a recognisable design, logo or print. ‘Is someone going to recognise this is from M&S?’ But I suppose I deal with it by assuming those who don't shop at M&S wouldn't know anyway...

Ha, look at me. M&S makes me feel like a teenager again, but for the wrong reasons!

If any of you can throw any brands at me to look at, I’d be grateful thanks.

Big thanks to @MarciaSaysANumber, I loved your post.

I suppose the anxiety kicks in when I’m wearing something with a recognisable design, logo or print. ‘Is someone going to recognise this is from M&S?’

It wouldn't occur to me to work out what brand of clothing someone is wearing, nor would I judge if I knew. I am an advertiser's nightmare because I am really not brand aware when it comes to clothes, shoes and footwear.

The only time it would interest me was if I liked something and wanted to buy it for myself.

"I suppose the anxiety kicks in when I’m wearing something with a recognisable design, logo or print. ‘Is someone going to recognise this is from M&S?’ "

This brings me back to working in the early 90s. Pretty much every female I worked with got their suits from M&S or Next as they were the about the only places with mid- low price work wear. Quite often I would turn up to a work twin, if not several. As clothes were relatively more expensive then, it's not even as if you could stop wearing said suit.

These days unless you're head to toe in something recognisable, no ones going to know where your clothes come from.

I'm not very brand aware either, those threads about trainers where people say "not Vejas everyone's wearing them" have me scratching my head, I'd probably only spot an M&S item if I had the same one, I'm often head to foot in M&S nowadays so I don't mind if anyone spots that.

Yes to the swimsuits too, I've had three excellent M&S ones this summer, they had a huge range of styles.

There is an ongoing dispute about the Marble Arch branch with M&S wanting to take it down and rebuild a smaller one and conservationists and Michael Gove saying no. Whilst this goes on and on, you can sense it's uncertain future in the shop. I remember going in during the pandemic and it had virtually nothing in it. Many stores like the one that opened in Leeds this week have been given a fresh new look whereas many of the branches in central London look very tired. The other M&S store in Oxford Street is better, including better stocked.

I also prefer to shop in store as I think things that would suit me stand out and I can quickly hold the item up against me. The online ordering and returns system is very good so I think that is helping their recovery. At first when you went in to collect an order you might be hanging round waiting but now you confirm your arrival and someone comes straight along.

I agree with a pp that their ranges of colours is items are weird. You'll get a top or this summer's chinos and all the colours will be a similar coolness so for a top white, black, pink, turquoise, navy (usually quite a cool one). It would be nice to see some more true warm shades - I think there is an underlying hangover from the past that most of the customers will have grey or white hair.

I certainly have a DD who might but at a higher price point. If you take a lot of interest in clothes, I think you notice more.

@MehMam Other brands might be Arket, &OtherStories, Massimo Dutti, Me&Em, White Company, The Fold (for work), Poetry, Wrap, Mango for a mix of high street and on line (or both). Ganni, Stine Goya and Samsoe & Samsoe are excellent Danish brands.

DD likes Matches and similar sites for new brands and one offs. Liberty always has a fantastic selection at various price points.

Funny you should say that as I agree, after years in the wilderness, they're actually selling stuff I want to buy again. I never completely deserted them, their jeans fit me perfectly (if I buy a 12 instead of the 14 I really am). If there could just be consistency across all items with the sizing like it used to be 40 years ago, so I didn't have to try everything on or mess about with buying 2 and returns, I'd be very happy.
I was browsing online last night and there were lots of nice things on the website to tempt me, most of which I don't need of course!

I don’t really care if they have cheaper fabrics that we all know are not cashmere. It’s a low price point that suits some buyers. I prefer natural fabrics and M&S have plenty to choose from.

M&S cashmere is relatively cheap but pretty rubbish. I only buy Brora. It is expensive but worth it.

Do you think they would be fine going into Autumn

Have bought a pair

Thanks

I'm in my early 30's (I try quite hard to stay stylish - who knows if it's working!) and I often find bits I love in M&S. The wide leg trousers they do in different colours each season are great, some of their midi dresses and knitwear are my favourite things in my wardrobe! They have some nice jeans too and did a great dupe of a Celine handbag last year. My sister who is an effortlessly cool designer in her 20's also shops there! I don't think it's meant for more mature ladies anymore.

Yes I should think so if it's not too hot. They are very nice! I just wouldn't wear them.in the daytime on holiday for example.

Thanks

The pull on ones circa £25

those threads about trainers where people say "not Vejas everyone's wearing them" have me scratching my head

You and me both @EvenlyDetermined . I suspect that if you removed the logos from all trainers there would be far less snobbery, and far less sneering at people who wear Skechers

Ooh, where is the new M and S @TheOGCCL?

M&S cashmere is relatively cheap but pretty rubbish.

I haven't found that to be the case. I love my M and S cashmere jumper. It is a couple of years old and hasn't bobbled or shrunk.

@RampantIvy There's always been two big M&S branches on Oxford Street, the other one is known as the Pantheon store and is between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road.

Sorry, I meant the new one in Leeds @TheOGCCL.
I used to live near the Owlcotes store.

They’ve definitely improved massively in the last year or so. I find size availability in store very frustrating, though. So much of the time they only have 18s and bigger. I’m absolutely certain I’ve NEVER seen a pair of M&S jeans in a 12 regular- I don’t think they actually make them.

I’m absolutely certain I’ve NEVER seen a pair of M&S jeans in a 12 regular- I don’t think they actually make them.

They always have loads in Meadowhall. It seems to be more well stocked than other branches.

And no, I don't work for the Meadowhall marketing team

@RampantIvy I had some good cashmere from M&S maybe ten years ago but more recently not so good.

Cashmere is two price points in M&S. Autograph will be better but I’ve no issues with either. It’s extremely good value. Not rubbish at all. People are just snobby about cashmere.