8 Basics Marks & Spencer Does Better Than Anywhere Else

Marks & Spencer might be the place you usually head to for socks and sandwiches, but as any fashion expert will know, there are plenty of elevated pieces to be discovered there. Priding itself on its classic designs that transcend the generations, M&S has developed a knack for creating basics that will look good on everyone, whether you're 18 or 80. With classic cuts and flattering fits, it really has become our go-to for certain staples that need to stand the test of time. 

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(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

Liv wears a sleeveless tailored vest from Marks and Spencer. 

On our shortlist as we look to this season and the next are timeless pieces such as Breton stripes, leather separates, cashmere knits and ballet pumps, all of which are guaranteed to look good with everything you own. Best of all? They're generally pretty affordable, too, which is all the more impressive considering the fact that most of the M&S buys in our wardrobe have lasted for years.

So if you're looking to update those timeless buys that act as the glue in your capsule, scroll down to see the nine basics I think Marks & Spencer does better than anywhere else. 

1. TAILORED BLAZERS

2. CLASSIC JEANS

3. FOREVER JACKETS

4. BALLET PUMPS

5. CASHMERE JUMPERS

6. BRETON STRIPES

7. WIDE-LEG TROUSERS

8. LINGERIE & NIGHTWEAR

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

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Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, 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 SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.