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

Maxine Eggenberger's avatar
By
last updated
in Features

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.

The only thing that can make the high-street titan's offering even better? When your purchases come at discounted prices. M&S's mid-season sale has just started, and there are a few rules you need to know for a successful shopping experience. Regardless of the brand or the ever-enticing discounts, we always advise caution when it comes to buying during markdown season, so here's our guidance for shopping the best of the M&S sale (you can find my picks below). 

marks-and-spencer-sale-305907-1691052856601-main

(Image credit: COURTESY OF MARKS SPENCER)

Firstly, think about what it is that you really need. It doesn't hurt to have a quick look through your wardrobe to spot any gaps that need filling—like a great pair of tailored trousers, a sensible knit for an unseasonably cold summer (here's looking at you, 2023), or a pair of comfortable but stylish shoes that can replace your old heels. And remember, 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 deliberating over a purchase, it might be because you know deep down that you're not going to get much wear out of it. Lastly, before you check out, it's worth thinking about where you'll wear each of your picks. Buying a statement evening dress might feel exciting, but without any appropriate plans in the pipeline, it's more than likely just going to gather dust in your wardrobe. But if you find a piece you can wear to the office, gym, to dinner and drinks or just 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 sale and pulled together an edit of my favourite pieces that I 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.

SHOP OUR MARKS AND SPENCER SALE PICKS:

M&S Collection + Cotton Rich Textured Crew Neck Jumper in Ivory
M&S Collection
Cotton Rich Textured Crew Neck Jumper in Ivory

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

M&S Collection + Pure Cotton Shirred Midaxi Skater Skirt
M&S Collection
Pure Cotton Shirred Midaxi Skater Skirt

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

M&S Collection + Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers
M&S Collection
Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers

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

M&S Collection + Gold Tone Knot Style Stud Earrings
M&S Collection
Gold Tone Knot Style Stud Earrings

Gold earrings add a sleek finish to any outfit. 

M&S Collection + Embroidered Belted Midi Waisted Dress
M&S Collection
Embroidered Belted Midi Waisted Dress

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

M&S Collection + Cotton Rich Relaxed Blazer
M&S Collection
Cotton Rich Relaxed Blazer

A fusion of core jacket styles. 

M&S Collection + Jersey Slim Fit Ankle Grazer Trousers
M&S Collection
Jersey Slim Fit Ankle Grazer Trousers

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

M&S Collection + Pure Linen Oversized Shirt in Chambray
M&S Collection
Pure Linen Oversized Shirt in Chambray

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

M&S Collection + Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers
M&S Collection
Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers

White trousers give off "rich auntie" vibes. 

M&S Collection + Leather Strappy Statement Sandals in Silver
M&S Collection
Leather Strappy Statement Sandals in Silver

Silver is a key shoe trend for autumn. 

M&S Collection + Ribbed V-Neck Scallop Edge Knitted Top
M&S Collection
Ribbed V-Neck Scallop Edge Knitted Top

Scallop edging always makes me think of French style. 

M&S Collection + Pure Cotton Broderie Midaxi Tiered Dress
M&S Collection
Pure Cotton Broderie Midaxi Tiered Dress

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

M&S Collection + Linen Blend Relaxed Straight Trousers
M&S Collection
Linen Blend Relaxed Straight Trousers

An excellent pair to throw on for work or weekend. 

M&S Collection + Cotton Rich Jersey Jogger Shorts in Olive
M&S Collection
Cotton Rich Jersey Jogger Shorts in Olive

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

M&S Collection + Straw Tote Bag
M&S Collection
Straw Tote Bag

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

Per Una + Pure Cotton Tie Neck Midi Tiered Dress
Per Una
Pure Cotton Tie Neck Midi Tiered Dress

This pretty shade looks great set against all skin tones and hair colours. 

M&S Collection + Pure Cotton Striped Collared Knitted Top
M&S Collection
Pure Cotton Striped Collared Knitted Top

Stripes like this will never feel dated. 

M&S Collection + Satin Crepe Midaxi Circle Skirt
M&S Collection
Satin Crepe Midaxi Circle Skirt

This skirt went straight into my own basket. 

M&S Collection + Cotton Blend Sparkly Pointelle Knitted Top
M&S Collection
Cotton Blend Sparkly Pointelle Knitted Top

This so cute! I'll wear this with a black miniskirt and chunky loafers. 

M&S Collection + Pure Cotton V-Neck Mini Waisted Dress
M&S Collection
Pure Cotton V-Neck Mini Waisted Dress

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

M&S Collection + Buckle Strappy Stiletto Heel Sandals
M&S Collection
Buckle Strappy Stiletto Heel Sandals

These also come in classic black. 

M&S Collection + Round Neck Pleated Midi Shirt Dress
M&S Collection
Round Neck Pleated Midi Shirt Dress

A foolproof office dress. 

M&S Collection + Soft Touch Striped Ribbed V-Neck Jumper
M&S Collection
Soft Touch Striped Ribbed V-Neck Jumper

Just add your favourite jeans. 

Per Una + Linen Blend Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers
Per Una
Linen Blend Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers

How cool is the slouchy fit of these jeans? 

M&S Collection + Cotton Rich Textured V-Neck Cardigan
M&S Collection
Cotton Rich Textured V-Neck Cardigan

Short-sleeved cardigans loan themselves to trans-seasonal styling. 

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

Maxine Eggenberger
Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.

Latest
You might also like
View More ▸