This week I asked my Style With Gail Facebook group which brand they would like me to take a deep dive into to see what its currently selling. They chose British high street stalwart, M&S. So here, without further ado, are the nine pieces I’m loving in Marks & Spencer.
Side Stripe Wide Leg Trousers, £39.50
I’m currently kicking myself as I spotted these trousers the other week and didn’t pick them up when I had the chance. What a great burst of colour to add to an autumn/winter wardrobe. These will look great with trainers and boots and are a fantastic statement piece to lift a day-time wardrobe. They’re comfy too, with an elasticated waist. I also like that these trousers don’t come with a drawstring belt, which I think can look bunchy and distract from an otherwise clean line. Wide leg trousers are everywhere and for good reason, they’re super flattering for all. I think you could wear a loose white shirt with this pair, as well as team it with a slim-fitting turtle neck (the latter is great for strawberry body types). Match with a similar colour top that’s tucked in if you’re hourglass and grab a biker jacket if you’re a pear, as the texture and zips will draw the eye up and give you a more balanced silhouette.
Denim Midi Shirt Dress, £45.00
If you’ve followed this blog and my Instagram for a while, you’ll know that I believe a denim dress is a modern day must-have for women. It’s a super versatile piece that you can wear casually, to work, or for an evening out. It’s all about the accessories – trainers, knee high boots, jewellery. Adapt these to suit what you’re doing when you’re wearing the dress. This dress is cute. The puff sleeves are great for pear shape as it widens the shoulders to balance with the lower half and the belt and fuller skirt is good for anyone who wants to add more definition to their waist.
Black and White Belted Midi Shirt Dress, £39.50
I saw this dress and think it’s a great piece for the modern woman. Really efficient for those working in an office, but also has a contemporary feel to it, so if you want to sass it up some knee high boots and a pair of hoop ear-rings and grab a drink after work, you can. I really like the neckline too. The V shape offered by a shirt dress helps to elongate the neck and can make your overall appearance taller. One for the petites too.
Leather Look Straight Leg Trouser, £39.50
These are such a good find (and price). If you want to wear trousers, but wish to step up your game from denim, then leather or leather look trousers are a great way to do it. I like the way these have a jean style design so easily wearable with a shirt, T. shirt, more feminine blouse or casual sweatshirt. Team with a blazer and stiletto heel ankle boot for date night.
Satin Collared Long Sleeve Shirt, £29.50
Satin shirts are a fantastic way to glam up your outfit. Its a super feminine texture as well, which helps to soften what can be a masculine shirt shape. These are good for strawberry body types as it can soften the shoulder line, but is also good for apple body types, who will wear it well loose with a pair of velvet palazzo trousers. Eye-catching colours will help draw the eye up for pear shapes too. Wear tucked into jeans or leather look trousers and keep waist defined with a belt.
Recycled Blend Cable Knit, £27.50
I shy away from vests. They are too square for my upper half. But I can totally see the appeal. Knitted vests are especially good for you if you’re wider on the lower half and want to re-balance your top half. You can always add more texture to your tops if you’re a pear. The other great thing about vests is the warmth and getting more wear out of blouses and dresses as the weather gets colder. I chose this particular version, because its longer. I think it could be great for apple body types, as it will skim the body nicely and look great with some boot cut trousers or jeans, or worn with a belt for those who are hourglass.
Magic Shaping High Waisted Slim Flare Jeans, £45.00
I chose and styled these for a client recently and I really rate them. They are especially good for those who are finding it hard to let go of their skinny jeans. Thigh-skimming down to the knee and then flaring out at the bottom, they’re a lot like a boot leg jean. The less tapered ankle is more contemporary, and flattering. The flare offers a more balanced silhouette, whether its softening a shoulder line or width around the hip and bottom.
Merino Wool Collared Mini Cardigan, £69
Not for everybody I know, but if you have a rectangle body shape then this could be for you. When straight up and down it’s nice to add more texture and design and the front patch pockets are great at doing that. I like the neatness of this design too. It could be a piece you wear for years.
Cotton Striped Long Sleeve Top, £9.50
Stripes across the body, “you got to be kidding”, I hear you cry, but a classic Breton top offers a stylish addition to your wardrobe. And it can be worn by those who are worried about horizontal lines making them look thick on the top half. Take it from someone who is a strawberry body shape, a well-designed blazer worn with it, in a darker colour, helps to diminish the width, while allowing you to wear a piece that can make an outfit super chic. Opt for a blazer that has a defined waist and soft shoulder pads to give you shape and confidence. This top is also a great price, at less then a tenner!
