M&S

Maybe you could put some photos of the dressmaker copies on here GagaJo, then we'd be aware of what un-matronly acceptable workwear looks like. Some of us need help and might follow suit.

I'm lucky. I don't need padded or push up bras.
I shop for mine in Bravissimo stores or Fantasie online. M&S have a great range of lingerie but very limited choice in a 36GG.
Nowadays, shops tend to have a more rapid turnover of styles and stock.
Things you bought years ago are not (or rarely) repeated.
JL use the same factories as M&S and...funnily, Primark, for most of their clothes.
I don't want to spend £35 on a V neck cardi that lasts years and years. I'd rather spend £15 and get the same amount of wear for 1/3 of the price.
Fresh designs and a new look are more appealing to me and I could bet that mine look as good on me, if not better.

I bought a terrific pair of M&S trousers in lovely plaid material. A flattering cut and a good length. They're winter weight though so I haven't had to wear them but thought I'd better snap them up while I saw them.

Gilly you have inspired me.
I like ochre, but sadly it doesn't suit my skin colouring.
I could however get away with ochre trainers or boots yeh!!

I also love your demin shirt.
A good wardrobe staple
Would look great with white tshirt underneath and/or knotted at the waist.
Cuffs rolled back.
But as I mainly wear jeans, I would end up double denim.

Still it is lovely....

Gillybob I saw that denim shirt yesterday, it looked lovely. This year M and S have some great shirts and some nice jumpers. Good plain skirts too.

That may well be what they SAID (I dunno) but given that I owned at least 25 of them, IF NOT more, plus I know of at least 2 other friends that loved them, that, frankly would have been a load of bollocks.

I suspect that there was no call for that type of bra! Isn't that always their reason ?

Loislovesstewie, exactly. I am however, still wearing my M&S bras from a few years ago. I bought LOADS of a style I like and consequently, at least 15 of them are still in good nick. They're padded, push-up, plunge bras in a huge range of colours. I had friends that bought the same line and loved them. And what did M&S do? Discontinue them.

The trainers look nice but too flat for me.
These are the last ones I bought. Just a zip once you have the laces tied to suit you. I prefer this height of heel.

I have just discovered Hush, they have concessions in John Lewis and on line.

Brilliant for casual wear, their harem trousers are so comfy for traveling.

Well I can’t wait to get my Ochre suede trainers and my soft denim shirt . Right up my street . . Oh and I am tempted with the winter weight leggings too. A bit more substantial than just ordinary leggings and very good quality. I like to wear them with tunics .

I have said it before, and I will say it again, I have never understood the attraction of M&S. For most of my life, with the exception of the occasional jewel, the clothes have always looked as if they were designed for someone 20 years my senior. Then I reached 70 and realised that the over 90 age group probably wasn't large enough for them to aim at. So was left at a loss as to who they were designing for.

However, recently I have been buying shoes from them, stylish and good quality. But otherwise it is as it always was, dull clothes with occasional jewels, so still worth a walk through now and again.

I got very excited seeing the M&S new trouser lines so I ordered 3 different styles in 3 different colours and 2 sizes. Guess what, they all have to go back! What on earth is going on? The quality of material was dreadful- badly creasing, the fit just didn’t hang right and the regular length was totally different on each pair.
Yes kircubbinn2000 I have never been disappointed with the quality from John Lewis, I shall go back there.

I like Seasalt stuff especially in the sale and it all wears so well.
I personally don't like the dress shown earlier especially the bow at the neck.

As Gabriella suggested you could wear the dress open which would mean no high neck . I like Seasalt too but their prices have crept up quite a bit recently .

I got 2 lovely cashmere sweaters from John Lewis.

Had a look at the dress but no way. I dont wear dresses and would need to lose about 4 stone to look good in it. Dont like the high neck or bow. Seasalt is more my style. Also thought trainers looked very flat. Have they any support?

Was looking for a plain navy v neck cardigan yesterday, M and S had a couple, man made fabric and horrid flat colour. Found just what I wanted in the last shop that I went into, Uniqlo lovely fine merino and a good dark navy, £34.90, M and S used to do this kind of stuff, they need to get out and look at the competition.

Sorry but I buy nothing in m&S. The colours are awful, the styles are matronly and fussy, the bras never fit despite the staff telling me that I am a particular size. I think it's why they are doing so badly. My bras come from John Lewis, everything else I buy online. I suspect it's because when I was young I was a rebel and that has followed me on to , well, the age I am now!

I love Tencel. Its so soft and drapes so nicely.

We don't have an M&S store any longer so I have ordered my bits on line. Their styles are definitely looking up.

GagaJo
Believe me, I certainly don't do 'matronly'.

MawB
I agree, they do seem to be trying harder.
My nearest M&S super superstore is in Camberley which I have got lost in ? but I can usually get what I want online, however, I did buy the shirt and dress in the Guildford store which is not that big.

I used to love M&S but the clothes have become so matronly. I may BE a matronly age, but I don't want to look it.

I have my beloved M&S dresses from a few years ago and a while ago I had them copied by a dressmaker. They're my absolute go-to clothes for work. Comfy and yet smart and not designed only with the over 50's in mind.

Oh no Gabriella I ordered the Ochre. They will still go with most things I have. I didn't think of wearing the dress with the front undone . I agree it will look much better. Now the colour would go perfect with my new Ochre trainers...…. Oh watch out Credit card. I can smell burning.

I am a very plain kinda girl (as you probably guessed) but do love a nice soft denim shirt. I plan to wear it open a bit like a jacket, or maybe done up half way with a coloured tee underneath .