The M&S Sale Is Here and It’s Full of Understated, Anti-Trend Staples

Marks and Spencer’s sale is here and this editor thinks it might just be its best to date. Let’s examine the evidence. If you’re looking for wardrobe staples, quality fabrics, and timeless, wearable pieces that won’t break the bank, M&S should be high on your list of priorities, and the only thing that can make the high-street titan’s offerings even better, is when your purchases come at discounted prices. Marks and Spencer’s mid-season sale has just started and there are a few rules you need to know. Regardless of the brand or the ever-enticing discounts, we always advise caution when it comes to shopping during markdown season, so we thought of our best tips for shopping the M&S sale below. 

Firstly, think about what it is that you really need. It doesn’t hurt to have a quick look through your wardrobe and spot any gaps that need filling e.g a great pair of tailored trousers, a sensible knit for an unseasonably cold summer (here’s looking at you, 2023) or a comfortable but stylish shoe that can replace your old heels (and it’s always best to think what about what will work with your current pieces). Then, when scrolling through the site, add pieces to your basket that you really love (if you’re “umming and ahhing” about a purchase, it might be because you know deep down that you’re not going to get much wear out of it). And lastly, before you check out, it’s worth thinking about where you’ll wear them. Buying a statement evening dress might be exciting, but without any plans in the pipeline, it’s more than likely to gather dust, but if you find a piece you can wear to the office, gym, dinner, drinks, and all weekend, it’s likely you’re shopping as mindfully and sustainably as you can.

With all of that in mind, I’ve taken a deep dive into the Marks and Spencer’s sale and put together an edit of our favourite pieces that we know will go the distance and won’t feel dated by the time autumn (or even 2024) rolls around. Expect excellent trousers, versatile basics, and dresses you can style in a multitude of ways. So, if you don’t have time to trawl through the 4,300 items that have just been reduced–don’t worry, I’ve done the hard work for you. Shop my edit of the best M&S sale pieces below.  

Proof that wearing cream with cream always pays off in the chic stakes. 

This skirt will pair just as well with knee boots as it will ballet flats. 

M&S’s trousers are some of the best-fitting on the high street. 

Gold earrings add a sleek finish to any outfit. 

I don’t need another white dress, but this one is very tempting. 

A fusion of core jacket styles. 

Slim-fit trousers are going to be big news this season. 

A blue shirt works just as well with tailoring as it does low-key pieces. 

White trousers give off “rich auntie” vibes. 

Silver is a key shoe trend for autumn. 

Scallop edging always makes me think of French style. 

Click through to see the gorgeous cutout detail on the hem. 

An excellent throw-on for work or weekend. 

I own these shorts in grey; next on my list is this khaki hue. 

The combination of leather and straw means this tote works for every season. 

Such a pretty colour; one that looks great set against all skintones and hair colours. 

Stripes like this will never feel dated. 

This skirt went straight into my own basket. 

So cute! I’ll wear this with. black miniskirt and chunky loafers

It’s the shirred waistline and cuffs that do it for me. 

These also come in classic black. 

A foolproof office dress

Just add your favourite jeans. 

How cool is the slouchy fit of these jeans? 

Short-sleeve cardigans loan themselves to transeasonal styling. 

Next Up: 12 Under-the-Radar High-Street Brands That Are Just as Good as Zara