We're Marks and Spencer Experts—These Summer Pieces Are Destined to Sell Out

TheBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK team’s love for Marks and Spencer is no secret. From beautiful lingerie to wardrobe staples that last forever — we genuinely don’t know what we’d do without the dependable high street hero in our lives. Our wardrobes would certainly be worse off. 

There are, however, some secrets to getting the best out of M&S. These include things like knowing which of their in-house brands to filter down to (Autograph is usually our fave for expensive-looking items), and which classics in particular to make a beeline for (the denim and cashmere are especially good). But there’s also a skill in pinpointing those cult pieces before everyone else does—because when something great drops at M&S, you can be sure it’s going to sell out faster than you can say ‘percy pig’. 

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(Image credit: @marksandspencer_sam)

As editors we try to stay on top of these by browsing Instagram and, of course, the new-in section regularly— but the true experts in knowing the best pieces to buy from M&S are their insiders. These women live and breathe M&S, and not only have great taste— but they get the down-low straight from the brand on the next big things before anyone else. So, of course, I had to track them down to see what insider insights I could get on the brand new summer collection. 

If you don’t follow M&S experts Sam Briones and Nicola Dougan on Instagram already, you’re going to want to do so now. Below, they’ve kindly revealed to me (and you) the new-in summer pieces we're going to want to buy while we still can. From perfect, easy dresses to classic sandals— keep scrolling for their top tips… 

Sam Briones

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(Image credit: @marksandspencer_sam)

Sam is 5’2 and a size UK 8, meaning if you're petite, you'll be incredibly thankful for her outfit pics and sizing tips to see how things actually fit at M&S. Her top summer tips for shopping at M&S? Opt for comfort, colour and pattern, mixed in with the classics: "Summer to me is all about comfort and bright colours— and M&S has so many great dresses that tick both boxes this season. I always try to balance patterns or brights with their classic pared-back accessories, though, like a simple chunky black sandal or basket bag. I'm also really loving M&S's shirt dresses at the moment— as unbuttoned they double up as a light layer to throw on over separates or swimwear." 

SHOP SAM'S SUMMER PICKS:

A photo posted by on

Nicola Dougan

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(Image credit: @marksandspencer_nicola)

"So, things to know about me… I am a HUGE dress fan"— us too Nicola, us too. If you're always spotting great dresses at M&S but finding they're sold out because everyone else got there first, you need Nicola's insider Insta feed in your life. She continues, "I'm always drawn to M&S's easy dresses that flatter everyone— I just love how they can be thrown on and look instantly put together. Plus, they can be dressed up or down depending on your mood." But what else should we keep an eye out for? "Another thing about me is I love all things animal print— zebra is in demand this season and makes a nice change from leopard— which means M&S's printed pieces will be like hotcakes all summer." Thanks Nicola, we owe you one. 

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(Image credit: @marksandspencer_nicola)

SHOP NICOLA'S SUMMER PICKS

Up Next: We Just Found So Many Expensive-Looking Staples in the High-Street Sales

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing brand.

Emily has worked forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, teamBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.