M&S have upped their game – here’s what the fashion editors are buying
If you’d asked me what was good about M&S a couple of years ago, I’d have said the knitwear. From basic, cotton and synthetic mixes to the covetable (and machine washable) cashmere in the Autograph range, they were hard to beat on price, quality and colour choice. Uniqlo came close, but it didn’t have the same breadth of choice.
Last year, I’d have added that M&S was a savvy starting place not just for knitwear but, shock horror, shoes. Doubters doubted – and with some cause – but after years of, at best, spotty service, M&S was getting it together, delivering a consistently decent range of modern-looking ballet flats in just the right shade of milky tan, sandals and loafers, including a pair of sandals that vigilant fans declared an excellent stand in for Jil Sander’s.
This year? It’s showing at the tills, with clothing sales rising 3.8 per cent in the last quarter.
M&S have upped their game again for 2022 and are doing a fine job of catering to the spectrum of British tastes. I’m a nerd when it comes to quality and drawn to pared back tailoring. Some of my colleagues on the Telegraph fashion desk prefer feminine floral dresses. Now, we’re all finding things we like there.
The high street stalwart has finally returned to what it does best: honest, “elevated basics” that are the cornerstones of chic-simple dressing. It has honed in on what makes a stylish British wardrobe and brought its mighty technology to bear – such as its trademarked water-repellent Stormwear tag.
If it’s as effective as Good Move, the active range they introduced two years ago and which has since become a market leader in the UK, then that’s some rain coat – especially for the price. And their underwear, after a few wilderness years (for me at least) when it all seemed to be scratchy lace and too much animal print, is back on form with everything from high performance shapewear in a wide range of skintones to eye popping shades of yellow, fuchsia and cobalt.
Growth of just under four per cent might seem small fry, compared with sales of M&S food which rose 10 per cent in the same period. But as anyone outside the enchanted circle of uber-designer fashion labels will confirm, it’s a battlefield out there as established and newer brands fight to find their niche in an increasingly cash strapped market.
I’m not saying it’s all deliriously wonderful. You may still have to scroll. You could have to get some items altered to get the perfect, million dollar fit – but that’s true anywhere, even Chanel.
On Lisa’s M&S list is...
The wide trouser
Cotton rich wide leg trousers, £39.50, Marks & Spencer
For those who find jeans too hot in summer, a denim wash linen-mix is the way forward. Style with a white shirt and trainers for day; heels and a silky blouse at night.
The print shirt
Geometric print shirt, £22.50, Marks & Spencer
For anyone channelling Jackie Kennedy/Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Seventies style, or generally looking for a laid back, chic uniform, the shirt is a foundation piece . This one has a pleasing Prada-esque artsiness about it.
The stripey knit
Merino wool jumper, £29.50, Marks & Spencer
A stripy crew neck jumper is a British summer perennial and this offers a fresh new twist. I have jumpers from M&S , including a cream cashmere round neck that with some occasional TLC (careful going over with a de-bobbler), are still almost perfect. Worth noting; M&S doesn’t use wool from mulesed sheep.
The summer jacket
Cotton blend utility jacket, £39.50, Marks & Spencer
A true town and country gem (with four pockets) this could be your alternative blazer. Turn up the cuffs and wear it with trousers or maxi dresses.
The shirt dress
Cotton broderie shirt dress, £55, Marks & Spencer
Not just the perfect holiday option, but smart enough for work, this paredback shirtdress is both classic and flattering. Those who fear drawstrings, relax – this works because it’s designed to gather below the waist, so won’t make bums look saggy. The button-concealing placket adds to a much-more-expensive-than-it-looks classiness.
