Marks & Spencer clothing is as good as the Insta girlies claim – here's what I left the store with
Marks & Spencer clothing is as good as the fashion set are claiming – in fact, it might be better – and it just became my go-to for summer outfit ideas.
Founded in 1884, would you believe M&S was originally a market stall in Leeds? Fast-forward to today, and the high-street giant now has over 1,000 stores in the UK and a further 472 locations situated around the world.
It's a store I fondly remember browsing with my mum for my back-to-school uniform, and one which I depend on now for all my wardrobe basics (PSA: the cotton underwear and pyjama sets are second to none), but I'd never really given the ‘new-in’ section much of a chance. That was, until I saw post after post of my favourite influencers wearing it all over Instagram.
Right now the website has over 960 new-in products, from summer dresses and beach bags to lingerie, swimwear and shoes, so it felt only right that I took myself off on a little spree at their Oxford Street Pantheon store. After a sell-out success of a collaboration collection with Sienna Miller, I'm not entirely sure why I hadn't done it sooner.
Unlike a lot of other high-street stores along the busiest retail street in the city, this one felt like I had the place to myself. It might've helped that I got there as the doors opened (keen to fill my basket, obvs), but there was no mess or chaos even as more people started to file in.
I ended up trying on – and leaving the store with – 13 must-have pieces that ticked off several of my SS24-charged requirements. Think: bridal whites favoured by Coperni and Victoria Beckham, pops of Miu Miu-approved green, and dropped waists which were spotted at Jil Sander and Ferragamo.
Keen to see exactly what the brand has to offer this season? Welcome to my Marks & Spencer dressing room diary.
The Throw-On-And-Go Dress
I know I'm not the only one that gets dressed in a rush in the mornings, and when it's warm outside the last thing I want to do is have to worry about putting a weather-appropriate ensemble together and hope it looks good. That's where throw-on-and-go dresses often come to my rescue. This lightweight cotton one from M&S has the flattering detail of a shirred waist, too, which lends a bit of shape and texture to an otherwise pared-back design.
The Dopamine Beach Bag
It's so easy to be swayed by the beige raffia bags that have taken the world by storm, and I do still dream about owning that iconic Loewe basket, but your accessories are often the easiest way of injecting your outfit with a bit of colour. As soon as I spotted this tangerine hued number I knew I couldn't leave without it…it even comes with an inner pouch to keep everything safe and together.
The Smart Waistcoat
This waistcoat is definitely one of the spennier items I tried on, granted, but I felt so good in it. It's tailored, but not too much, and the attention to detail (i.e. the hidden buttons) really elevated it even more. I paired it with some white trousers which, in hindsight, is probably a bit risky for stain-prone me.
The Linen Trousers
I've waxed lyrical about how great these linen trousers from M&S are to everyone that'll listen. Seriously, they come in loads of different colours and lengths which is a dream come true for a tall girl like myself. At £25 you really can't complain, though I'd act fast if I were you as they sell out CONSTANTLY.
The Expensive-Looking Sunnies
I love sunglasses but I have what people call Champagne taste and a Prosecco budget when it comes to investing in them. I can't be trusted to spend loads of money on something I know I'll inevitably misplace or accidentally sit on and break, so these £15 ones had my name all over. The thick frames make them look 10x more expensive, and if you aren't a fan of black they come in tortoiseshell too.
The Flattering Top
My wardrobe severely lacks ‘nice’ tops. T-shirts I have plenty, hoodies and knitwear I'm good for, and linen shirts are the backbone of most of my outfits, but tops that I can dress up or down? 0. This mint green design caught my eye on the hanger thanks to its clever shirred detailing, which turned out to be just as flattering as I'd have hoped on. I'll be wearing it with everything from denim shorts to my favourite jeans.
The Fits-Everything Summer Bag
Everyone needs a carry-all bag, whether it's summer, autumn, winter or spring, and Marks & Spencer's striped straw design hits the nail on the head. It has a zip, for those of you who like that extra security, and a neat zipped pocket to the interior for your valuables.
The Linen Co-ord
I am a sucker for a two-piece set. You're telling me I can wear what could basically be PJs outdoors and no-one will bat an eyelid? Sign me up. This waistcoat and shorts co-ord is crafted with lots of linen and is tailored to perfection, so it looks and feels like it costs way more than the price tag admits. The shorts are just about long enough to get away with wearing to work, too (I'm 6ft for reference).
The Knitted Vest
Another green top…are you seeing the theme here? This one fit like a dream and, although it was actually much weightier than I thought it'd be, I didn't feel hot in it at all. I'm not normally one to go for colour when it comes to my wardrobe essentials, but now that I have I'm not sure why I didn't join the party sooner.
The Fun Trousers
I won't lie, I feel like I definitely needed the ‘long’ iteration of these trousers instead of the ‘regular’, but they were unfortunately out of stock when I visited the store. That said, I loved them as an ankle-cropped design regardless and felt like they'd be pretty perfect for summer frolics.
The Summer Knitwear
Knitwear? In summer? This is England, don't forget. You never know what the weather might throw at you. This lightweight cashmere polo shirt felt heavenly on, and was baggy enough that even in +20°C London I wasn't sweating. I paired it with those white linen trews from earlier and felt very Sofia Richie. Do I pass the old money vibe check?
The Chic Cross-Body
Having sold out time and time again in the all-black faux leather edition, this chic summery cross-body was a must-try for me. You can't tell me it doesn't look like it just walked straight off the runway. The canvas makes it casual enough for the day time while the gold hardware means it's ready for the evening when you are.
Save when you shop for Marks & Spencer clothing with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
