I’m a shopping expert – four items to always buy at M&S and two to avoid
MARKS and Spencer is known for drawing shoppers in with its good quality clothing, homeware and, of course, its delicious food.
If you're looking to refresh your wardrobe, or your home, there really is something for everyone at M&S.
But it can be a little pricey, so knowing exactly what to hunt for is essential.
M&S has 959 stores across the UK, opening several new sites, including in Leeds and Croydon in the last few months.
But you might have been to your local branch recently and, faced with rows and rows of clothes, shoes and accessories, not known where to start.
Luckily, shopping expert and award-winning personal stylist Lisa Talbot does.
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She shared four items you should always pick up at your nearest M&S and the two to avoid.
Trousers
M&S fans have been raving this summer over the retailer's selection of trousers.
Most stores have a wide range of items available and shoppers are forever talking about the great quality at a relatively low cost.
Lisa said: "There is the most amazing collection of styles, fabrics and colours that will suit a range of women for their style personalities and their body shape.
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"From skinny to wide-leg, from pleather to linen, from soft lilac to acid green the choice is excellent."
Trousers start at £12.50, so Lisa says its easy to look stylish without breaking the bank.
Recently, shoppers were rushing to buy M&S’s Linen Rich Tapered Trousers, which been receiving rave five-star reviews online.
At just £22.50 a pair, shoppers were calling them "great value".
Dresses
It might not be your first port of call, but you can pick up some stylish dresses from M&S.
In most cases, you should be able to choose from a variety of sizes and styles too.
Lisa said: "With so many loving a dress in the warmer months, I know this summer there is a great selection that follows the trends."
M&S fans went wild for a printed midi-dress just a few weeks ago that had been reduced from £39.50 to just £12.
Lingerie
"We have to talk about the lingerie at M&S," Lisa said.
"With a great, free bra-fitting service and a range of bras and knickers, this would be my go-to on the high street."
M&S offers a free bra-fitting service at the vast majority of its clothing stores.
You can find your nearest M&S that offers the service by using the store locator tool on the retailer's website.
At your appointment the fitter then carefully measures you and gives you your exact size.
The best thing is, you can use the service for free and you don't have to buy a bra if you decide you don't want to.
Their bras start at £18, which Lisa says is "great value for money and help you to always have a bra that fits and feels comfortable".
Lisa added: "I have also always loved the packs of knickers where you get five for £12, so that's just £2.40 a pair."
Shoes
Keep an eye out for shoes too, in particular, trainers, sandals and boots.
Lisa said: "The M&S shoe department is one you need to browse.
"They have lots of options that work brilliantly to complement your clothing."
For example, you can pick up a pair of women's canvas lace-up striped trainers for £25 in a variety of colours, including white and pink.
A similar pair of trainers from John Lewis would cost you £47.20, while a pair from Superdry are priced at £34.99.
Items to avoid
While shoppers are often spoiled for choice when they pop into a branch of M&S, not everything is worth your money.
Lisa said occasion dresses are best avoided because they might not be the best value for money.
M&S is currently selling a polka dot round neck midi smock dress for £55.
But we found a similar dress on ASOS for just £15.40 and another in New Look for £38.99, so it's worth shopping around.
For a similar reason, Lisa said its best to avoid buying sportswear at M&S.
She said: "I feel that there are other brands on the high street and online that have a better and more varied selection."
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Meanwhile, we have revealed a little-known way to get free Percy Pigs from M&S every month.
Plus, we reveal three things to always buy at M&S foodhall and what to avoid.
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