After years in the fashion doldrums, now every editor I know can’t get enough of M&S. These are the pieces that look so much more expensive than they really are – and I predict will sell out fast

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Yesterday, a fellow commuter on the Circle Line stopped me to ask if my faux leather woven-effect jacket and skirt were from Bottega Veneta. My heart leapt, although the brand’s creative director Louise Trotter might not be so thrilled. I blinked wide eyed and gladly shrieked that my outfit was not designer at all; ’It’s only M&S!’

Both brands are household names. But a co-ord from the former would set you back thousands. Mine? Less than £100. That high street garb could be mistaken for high-end attire is testament to just how stealth wealth Sparks is looking in the clothing department these days.

We all know how fabulous the food aisles are – those Easter egg cookies are my kryptonite. But if you’re still reluctant to scan the style rails, let me convince you otherwise.

Admittedly, the stores themselves need a revamp. But you only need to take a quick stroll through the newly renovated Pantheon location at 173 Oxford Street for a peek into the future of its shopping locations. A fresh lick of paint, some clever concept layouts and excellent lighting have taken this spot from old-hat to heavenly.

The clothes, however, are already on the money. Think ballet flats that look as though they’re walked off the runway. Trending Breton stripes on tops, accessories and trousers. Jackets that are so timeless and beautifully made they could be mistaken for the uber-luxury New York-based brand, The Row. Practical It-bags that won’t break the bank, but still feel contemporary enough to wear at events.

These are the designer-inspired items from M&S that will turn heads in the street and keep your pennies in the bank.

The It-bag 

Mesh, chocolate-hued stripes and an adjustable strap that gives you a hybrid of two styles (a shoulder and a crossbody) for the price of one; this neat piece of arm candy has all the workings of a summer hit. And as I look at it, it’s been added to people’s baskets 32 times in the past five days. Run, don’t walk.

A top that’s also a jacket

From deckchair to pinstripes, stripes in all their forms are high on the sartorial set list. A Breton print is the simplest to pull off, and this fitted monochrome ecru and black button-down is a safe bet for looking natty rather than nautical. I would wear this with nothing underneath as a top, and with some big gold statement studs. But you could also undo it and wear it as an extra layer when it gets chilly.

Boucle jeans

If you’re over the Barrel and still confused about the Stovepipe, you’re not the only one. But now, textured, curly, knotted denim is the latest hot topic in the trouser department – these ones have been bought more than 100 times in the past week. Boucle jeans add dimension and a point of interest to your lower half, and are particularly flattering in this high-waisted, wide-legged, tailored silhouette. The off-white shade is what makes this pair look so lavish. Throw on a frothy blouse, some red pumps and you’re good to go.

Fancy flats

The fact that this woven Mary Jane has sold out in two of its shades already means you need to move fast if you want to snap up a pair. Walkable yet chic is the shoe standard the fashion pack hunts for. And these pumps meet all of these criteria… and more. The supportive strap with gold-tone metal details, the crochet texture and the leg-lengthening almond toe cut elevate this pump from basic to brilliant.

The funnel neck fixation 

It’s the anti-ageing outerwear solution and arguably the simplest way to make your spring jacket look current. This pure cotton, cropped utility style is fresh and neutral enough to go with whatever is hanging on your rail already. Consider it the 2026 update on your beige trench coat! 

The LBD (linen blue dress)

Cobalt blue is the colour to covet this spring/summer and this light linen, swishy, midaxi-length dress is a worthy way to wear it. The shape is spot on: halterneck, with a playful cut out on the fitted bodice and an ultra-wearable A-line skirt. And even better, it comes in petite, regular and tall fits.

Heeled flops

If you’re wondering what heels to wear now, there’s one shape the It-girls sport all summer long. It’s not a spike or a platform, but it’s not micro either: it’s a kitten-heeled flip-flop. You may think I’ve lost the plot but, once the mercury rises, kitten-heeled toe thong sandals line the feet of models, influencers and fashion editors alike, whether they’re at cocktail hour, in the office, running to fashion week or heading to a wedding. This pair comes in white or black and they’re less than £50. I’ll be getting both.

The return of the denim skirt

Since Jonathan Anderson sent denim minis down the SS26 Dior runway, the jean skirt has roared back into fashion’s consciousness. The sheath isn’t great if you have hips or a bum, so ditch the one you wore 20 years ago and opt into the denim-look linen-feel maxi instead. Same effect – but much more comfortable and flattering. 

Pack a polka dot bikini

If you’re opposed to stripes, polka dots have also been given a stamp of approval by the style set. Sometimes they can feel too girlish, but this micro spot design with a sophisticated U-wire top and flattering high-waisted bottoms is fabulous rather than fussy. And a full set – which won’t fall down when it’s soggy. For less than £40, it is a total steal.

The elevated vest

Vest tops are all well and good if you have a small chest. But if you need more structure, a waistcoat will work wonders for you. Consider this butter yellow knitted iteration with mismatched shell buttons the latest addition to your ‘jeans and a nice top’ arsenal. 

A splurge-worthy buy

This is on the pricier end of the spectrum for Sparks, but if it does one thing wonderfully, its real suede offering is exceptional in terms of quality and price. The butter-soft touch and the perfect puffball silhouette are what makes this item look luxurious. This classic tan hue is also trans-seasonal; it will look great with linen now and even better with your denim later. The beauty of a piece like this is that it will only look better with age. It’s a premium investment piece – but one you won’t regret. 

 

READ MORE: I tried on everything in the new M&S collection so you don’t have to. Here are my 7 must-buys – from this insanely flattering dress to thigh-skimming culottes and a ‘goes with everything’ jacket: SHANE WATSON 

SHOP: The most expensive looking fashion items in the supermarkets this week