As a fashion editor, there’s a level of expectation that you’re the default stylist, sartorial advisor and general sounding board for your nearest and dearest. My mum, whom I obviously adore to bits, is someone who takes full advantage of my insights and expertise. Much like how I pick her brain on more serious questions or menial life advice, she is always seeking my opinion on the things that matter most to me: what to buy and what to wear. So, when she tasked me with the challenge of curating a summer capsule wardrobe for her on a strict budget, I knew I had to deliver.
You see, I had my reputation for providing comprehensive recommendations for chic essentials to live up to. As someone who has made a career out of perusing the market and piecing together a tight edit of the best bits to shop, I had to ensure that whatever I had selected for my mum was indeed the crème de la crème of what’s available.
So, armed with this immense pressure to ensure my mum’s summer wardrobe was the best it could be—and perhaps earn the validation of one of the harshest critics I know—I turned to the one place that I knew wouldn’t let me down. I’m, of course, talking about M&S.
Who What Wear UK editor-in-residence wears the M&S Cotton Blend V-Neck Slim Fit Jumper (£28)
A staple on the high street for over a century, the store is a true stalwart for providing well-crafted and well-priced fundamentals that feel as trend-forward as they are timeless. A fashion faithful in every sense of the word, M&S will outfit you with crisp white T-shirts, sturdy denim jeans, polished sandals and flats and even a pretty dress or two.
But like their famed selection of picky bits, I think M&S really shines in the summertime. It’s during this season when their organic linen trousers, dreamy blouses and elegant swimwear come to the fore, ensuring there’s not an occasion or setting that you’re not well-dressed for. Suffice to say, really the only place you need to turn to for providing you with elevated fundamentals that can see you through the season.
Given the fact that I’m sharing this list with you here, you can rest assured that not only did my mum love every single item that I put on it, but she even slightly exceeded her budget to stock up on a few surprise styles that I snuck in here. Not one to gatekeep, keep scrolling through for the over-50s M&S summer capsule wardrobe that you’re guaranteed to love.
Shop the Chicest Over-50s Marks & Spencer Summer Capsule Wardrobe:
M&S
Linen Blend High Waisted Belted Bermuda Shorts
The elongated silhouette adds a dimension to shorter hemlines.
The entire ensemble is so sleek.
M&S
Leather Ankle Strap Flatform Toe Post Sandals
These sandals will take you from the coast to the city with ease.
M&S
Linen Rich Elasticated Waist Tapered Trousers
With a fluid shape and easy waistband, you'll find yourself living in these all summer.
M&S
Embellished Balloon Trousers
Now, I know I shouldn't choose favourites, but these embellished balloon trousers are quite simply a must-have.
M&S
Straw Drawstring Bucket Bag
Basket bags can sometimes feel quite flimsy, but this style has a sturdy exterior and functional drawstring fastening.
M&S
Linen Blend Relaxed Shirred Top
Now, I might wear this outfit exactly how it's styled, but swap out the denim shorts for a pair of cigarette trousers and you'll have an outfit that's both effortless and elegant.
M&S
Ankle Tie Up Bead Detail Flat Ballet Pumps
Everyone from Amal Clooney to Kate Moss owns a lace-trim camisole.
M&S
Pure Linen Wide Leg Trousers
These are deceptively chic and will earn you endless compliments.
M&S
Tie Front Wrap Detail Waistcoat With Linen
Tailored and polished at an accessible price point.
M&S
Oval Lugged Sunglasses
A pair of sunglasses will instantly make any go-to silhouette feel brand new.
M&S
Leather Woven Flat Slingback Sandals
These sandals are on the verge of selling out,