The Marks and Spencer Sale Is Full of Anti-Trend Staples

last updated 3 August 2023

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).

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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

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

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

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

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

M&S Collection

Cotton Rich Relaxed Blazer

A fusion of core jacket styles.

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

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

M&S Collection

Linen Blend Wide Leg Trousers

White trousers give off "rich auntie" vibes.

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

Scallop edging always makes me think of French style.

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

An excellent pair to throw on for work or weekend.

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

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

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

Stripes like this will never feel dated.

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

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

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

These also come in classic black.

M&S Collection

Round Neck Pleated Midi Shirt Dress

A foolproof office dress.

M&S Collection

Soft Touch Striped Ribbed V-Neck Jumper

Just add your favourite jeans.

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

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

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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.