Update 2026: If you’ve landed here looking for M&S Try Tuesday, the service has now been retired. However, the styling advice I received still influences how I shop today, and Marks &Spencer remains one of my favourite places for timeless wardrobe staples.

When Marks & Spencer launched ‘Try Tuesday’, I loved the idea behind it. The concept was simple: step outside your usual shopping habits, work with a stylist, try something new and discover pieces you might not have picked yourself.

As for the name, Try Tuesday, apparently that’s the day of the week we are most open to trying something new!

For someone who enjoys fashion but sometimes falls into the habit of buying the same styles repeatedly, it was a brilliant way to look at my wardrobe differently.

The biggest thing I took away from the experience was that personal styling isn’t really about being told what to wear, but more about understanding:

• what colours make you feel good
• which shapes flatter your body
• what fits your lifestyle
• how to create outfits rather than just buying individual pieces

A good wardrobe isn’t necessarily about having more clothes – it’s having pieces that make getting dressed easier.

M&S Has Evolved

One of the biggest changes since I first wrote this article is how much M&S has expanded its fashion offering. Alongside its own collections, it now stocks a growing range of third-party brands, making it feel much more like a curated department store than simply a high street retailer.

I love being able to browse brands such as Nobody’s Child or Jaegar, alongside M&S’s own ranges. It means I can often find everything I’m looking for in one place – from everyday wardrobe staples to occasion pieces and accessories.

What I Love About M&S

Over the years, M&S has become one of my go-to places for pieces that combine style, comfort and practicality. For autumn I’ve already added a beautiful tailored jacket and a cosy knitted cardigan to my wardrobe (see below).

The categories I always come back to are:

M&S coats

A great coat can completely transform an outfit, and M&S continues to do this really well. Their coats often have classic shapes that don’t date quickly, making them a good investment.

M&S knitwear

Their knitwear is one of the easiest ways to update a wardrobe each season.

I love pieces that can be worn casually with jeans but also dressed up with tailored trousers or a skirt.

M&S shoes

Comfort becomes even more important as we get older, but that doesn’t mean compromising on style. M&S shoes often strike that balance between looking good and being wearable all day. I frequently wear their boot, sandals and trainers.

My current M&S favourites

Currently loving:

• Suedette Funnel Neck Short Jacket £40

• Crew Neck Cardigan With Wool £28

• Sienna Straight Leg Jeans £26

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How my style has changed

When I first wrote about Try Tuesday, I was still experimenting with my personal style. Now, I think much more about buying fewer pieces that I genuinely love and will wear regularly.

Midlife style, for me, is about confidence. It is about knowing what works for you but still having fun, trying new things and not becoming invisible. I still enjoy fashion, colour and trends – but I choose the ones that feel like me.

Would I still recommend M&S?

Absolutely. Although Try Tuesday is no longer available, the reason I enjoyed the service still applies: sometimes we all need encouragement to try something different.

M&S remains one of my favourite places for timeless wardrobe staples – pieces that make everyday dressing feel easier.

FAQ section

What happened to M&S Try Tuesday?

M&S has discontinued the Try Tuesday personal styling service. While it’s no longer available, many of the styling principles remain useful today.

What is Sparks?

Is M&S still good for fashion?

Absolutely. M&S continues to be one of my favourite high street retailers for quality wardrobe staples. I particularly love their coats, knitwear, denim and shoes, while the Autograph and Per Una collections often have beautifully designed pieces that feel a little more premium. Goodmove is also excellent if you’re looking for stylish activewear.

Which Other Departments do you Recommend?

Beyond the famous Food Hall (which is always hard to resist!), I also love browsing the Beauty and Home departments. Their seasonal beauty boxes and Christmas Beauty Advent Calendar are fantastic value, while the Home range offers stylish bedding, lighting, tableware and home accessories that often look far more expensive than they are.

Would I Still Recommend Shopping at M&S?

Yes. Although Try Tuesday has ended, M&S remains one of my favourite places to shop for timeless fashion. My advice is to focus on versatile wardrobe staples you’ll wear again and again, rather than buying lots of trend-led pieces. A great coat, quality knitwear and comfortable shoes will always earn their place in your wardrobe.

If you’re interested in building a timeless midlife wardrobe, I’ve also shared some of my current style favourites and confidence-boosting fashion tips over on Haven & Glow.

© Copyright 2017 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife