Whoever had the idea at M&S to start collaborating with fashion brands should be wearing a huge ‘well done’ badge right now. I think it’s the best thing to happen for M&S to drag itself out of out the doldrums and generate some excitement. It’s not a new idea – Uniqlo and H&M have tried and tested this so it’s a proven technique but M&S has been so careful in choosing partners that will resonate with existing customers and bring on new ones that I actually do feel quite excited about it. Ghost was founded in 1984 and is known for vintage influenced dresses. For me, they’re a bit too crepey or floaty – perhaps I mean ‘occasion’ – but the M&S twist is more wearable day to day. Dresses aren’t my default wear but I like to put them with chunky knits and boots or trainers and frankly, that’s a look that anyone can do, regardless of size, age or any other factors.
I’m predicting this black, star-struck version as the best seller – I think it will go in a flash so don’t even scroll down to finish the post if you think it’s for you. I’m grateful to see a v-neck – round collar dresses on me are a no-no because I constantly feel as though I look like I’m peering out from something. It’s £69 HERE in sizes 6 to 16.
If you prefer a bit more colour, this red dress patterned with shooting starts should fit the bill – it’s got a bit more volume (sleeves in the gravy is my first thought) but if you have a pair of white trainers in your wardrobe you have already a heaven-made match for a current look. It’s £79 HERE in sizes 6 and 16.
Similar to this
Joy! A proper collar. Boo! It’s navy.
But, if you love navy over black, this is a delightfully easy wear that will see you through spring and beyond. It’s £79 HERE, in sizes 6 to 16.
There is something for everyone in this collection – different collar styles with V, round and collared, a good colour selection (it’s not my colourway but I love the vintage inspired buttons on this one which is £79 HERE) and different lengths. It’s weird in that the collection is neither young nor old in attitude which is obviously a good thing. If you hate dresses, it’s not for you but this trend isn’t going away and sooner or later, like me, you may crumble and find yourself wafting about.
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23 comments
I adore the first dress! It’s such a shame that it’s only 6-16 though, I expect more size inclusivity from M&S.
I was surprised it didn’t go to more sizes.
Jane
There’s nothing here for me at all I don’t like any of them. If it were one of their shorter, chiffony dresses If you’re barely 5′ tall you’re on a hiding to nothing and look as if you’re trying to grow into hand-me-downs.
That’s a shame – I’m 5ft 3 so I understand exactly what you’re saying .. there are some shops where the waistband would have to be round my neck for the trousers or skirt to be the right length.
“Boo it’s navy.” You read my mind Jane 😉 My school uniform was navy blue and ever since I have really struggled to wear any navy blue on my top half. I’ve bought the red dress and am hoping my covid self will fit into the size 16 *cough*. I was hoping for the usual M&S size range and am disappointed with them stopping at 16. But a great idea for a collab and hope they do some more. I have been missing Betty Jackson at Debenhams for ages.
I often think that M&S fortunes would turn replacing navy with black! I hope the dress fits – personally I think that red dress in particular is made for a certain amount of voluptuousness to make it sing … it’s actually quite a sexy dress! Sorry to hear you have Covid – rotten.
Absolutely. I know Jean Muir made navy very successful but it’s my forever school jumper etc (shudders). And it makes me look so drawn, maybe because it matches my undereye dark circles nicely 😛
Apologies, I should have put lockdown self on there, not covid. I am quite well (fingers crossed), thank you and I hope you and all at BBB towers and readers are too xxx
Ah, good to know you’ve avoided it! I don’t know anyone at all, other than my 84 year old mum, that picks navy over black.
Same here, it took me forever to persuade my mum to get a pair of smart black trousers! But she now has two pairs. Phew!
As a 5ft 1 gal, I hate the midi and long dresses. Would have been nice to see a range of lengths and more inclusive sizing. As a 16-18 you expect to be able to buy clothes in M&S!
I agree.. I was surprised to see that they stop at 16.
Hi Jane, do you think the dresses are true to size as m and s generally come up large? Jo
I haven’t tried one on so I can’t say – my general experience of M&S though is that they are generous.
It’s a no from me. I am sick to death of being excluded because I’m bigger. It’s time people started to boycott brands that aren’t size inclusive like they are starting to with make up brands that don’t cater to every skin tone. None of this is aimed at you but weight stigma seems like it’s still the only ‘acceptable’ prejudice left that many are still happy to subscribe to. I’m over it. Apologies for the rant but today it’s the straw!!!!
I’m so sorry it’s brought up those feelings – I’m not plus size so can’t put myself in your shoes but do understand that feeling excluded is horrible. I feel like the US does size inclusivity a lot better than we do right now although I notice when I’m on ASOS that there seems to be a lot more inclusivity than ever before. M&S usually has a good size range – I’m not defending their decision, although I was surprised to see it stop at 16, but underwear in particular seems wholly inclusive. But, as I say, day to day, I am not up against this and can only imagine how frustrating it is.
Thank you for your kind reply I really appreciate you taking the time
You’re so welcome x
Well, I ordered the V neck midaxi on Thursday morning and it was meant to be ready for collection this weekend. And today, I’ve received an email from M&S saying sorry but they couldn’t fulfil my order due to stock. It’s quite frankly pathetic. That’s the last time I order clothes from them.
Oh no.. how frustrating. I think a lot of the big companies are having logistics problems – it’s really not just M&S but very disappointing nonetheless. x
You’re right, logistics are really tricky for a lot of companies but I would have expected their IT systems to be more ‘real-time’. You know, while an item is in your basket it’s not actually counted as sold until you checkout and pay? How many times have we been online and when you get to checkout the item in your basket is no longer available?
I’m just surprised that M&S don’t have a better solution and would guess it’s due to underfunding in their IT systems over a number of years.
Thanks for the excellent content you’ve been giving us Jane – love it x
You’re so welcome – I agree – more flexibility in the system is needed .. it’s infuriating.
Love these dresses!
Can I ask, if I use the affiliate link do you only earn from it if I buy the specific item linked OR from anything I buy via the link? The dress I like is sold out but I’m eyeing up another and would like to make sure you get the credit for the purchase. I know it’s not much but you put out so much free content that I enjoy. Thanks 🙂
That’s so kind of you – I *think* I would get the affiliate commission on anything you bought going via my link but even if not, please don’t worry – go ahead and enjoy … they really do have some gorgeous things!