I made my 20-year-old daughter shop at ‘fuddy duddy’ M&S – now she’s a convert & claims it’s as hot as Zara

WHEN I was 20, in the Nineties, I used to love going shopping with my mum on Saturdays.

I would drag her around Miss Selfridges, Topshop and Warehouse where she would sit patiently while I tried on ra-ra skirts and spray-on bodycon dresses.

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Our last port of call would always be good old M&S, where my mum could have a cuppa and buy something for herself, and we would both go home happy shoppers.

Back then M&S was quite frumpy, and not somewhere I would shop at that age.

Rails of printed polyester dresses, naff knee-length skirts and sensible shoes wasn’t the look I was after at that time.

It wasn’t until my early thirties, after I became a mum, that I changed my mind about M&S and I have been a huge fan ever since.

Fast forward 20 years and I — now the mum — am the one sitting outside the changing rooms while my daughter, Frankie, 20, puts on a fashion show for me.

Frankie is currently at uni, studying Fashion Promotion and Communication. She loves stores such as Stradivarius, Zara and Bershka.

And, like me at her age, she would never think to shop at M&S.

But should she?

This year, the brand is ranked number three in the market for 16-30s — last year it was number five.

And TikTok, the preferred social media platform for Gen Z, is full of young fashion influencer accounts devoted to the store.

“Honestly, at this point I’m M&S’s biggest fan,” wrote fashion influencer Courtney.

Meanwhile Harriet J shared her top picks and raved about how the brand was “coming through”, and 20-something Bethany beamed with pleasure as she tried on M&S jeans and sleeveless jumpers.

When M&S asked if I wanted to preview its spring/summer collection, I knew I had to get Frankie involved.

Of course, like most 20-year-olds — even though she has a fashion director as a mum — she doesn’t want to shop where I shop.

“Mmmm, I’m not sure there will be anything for me in M&S, Mum,” she said when I asked her to try on the collection.

Having had a sneak peek at the edit, I explained that printed floral midi dresses, traditionally rolled out at M&S in spring, have been banished.

This collection is all about cool, tailored silhouettes.

The design team has been on a mission to shake up the brand’s image.

M&S Womenswear Director Maddy Evans said that the new collection aims to hit the sweet spot — appealing to women in their 70s, in their 50s and also attracting a younger audience.

I’m Gen X and Frankie’s Gen Z, you wouldn’t think one store would cater to both of us.

But eventually she agreed to give the collection a whirl.

This is how we got on.

ACT CASUAL

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TRACEY SAYS: M&S has always been great for jeans but the denim “fashion” offering is going from strength to strength.

I love these tailored pleat-front, wide-leg denim pants for summer because they feel smarter than a pair of Mom jeans and look great with this cropped jacket and ballet flats.

Beige jacket, £89; white top, £29.50; jeans, £45; bag, £35; shoes, £35

FRANKIE SAYS: I would never have said that these cargo pants were from M&S.

This is the sort of style I look for in Stradivarius. They are comfy and cool. I also love this cross-body bag for university.

Beige jacket £49.50; top, £9.50; cargo jeans, £45; bag, £25; trainers, £45

DESIGNER DUPE

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TRACEY SAYS: This look is very Isabel Marant, but without the hefty price tag, so it is right up my high street.

The pretty blouse looks so designer and how good is this cute canvas bag?

M&S bags have been trending on social media recently – and sales are up 170 per cent – because they are SO GOOD right now.

White blouse, £45; trousers, £29.50; bag, £39.50; shoes, £35

FRANKIE SAYS: I love this one-shouldered top. I would wear this on holiday with a pair of cut-off denim shorts or with these ecru jeans if I was going to the pub with my mates.

I am not convinced about the heels, though! I am more of a trainers girl.

Asymmetric top, £35; jeans, £39.50; heels, £39.50

COOL BLUES

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TRACEY SAYS: Last summer, men’s boxer shorts for women were a viral trend and I think it will be the same this year.

This Oxford striped co-ord is such an easy workwear solution. I love an outfit that feels smart and comfy at the same time. This is such a ‘me’ look.

Blue shirt, £49.50; shorts, £45; trainers, £25

FRANKIE SAYS: I tried to get an embroidered waistcoat from Zara at the end of last summer but it kept selling out.

This one is really cute, when Mum showed it to me, I couldn’t believe it was from M&S.

I do like this style of denim combat skirt but it is way too long for me. I like my minis to actually be mini!

Waistcoat, £39.50; top, £9.50; skirt, £35, trainers, £35

NOT SHORT ON STYLE

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TRACEY SAYS: This is my favourite look on both of us.

The high-cut neck and the slightly longer line of the waistcoat is so on trend.

I’d wear this as an alternative to a dress on a special occasion like a summer wedding.

I think the price is very reasonable too. And I LOVE Frankie in this cute co-ord.

Waistcoat, £35; shorts, £25; bag, £49.50; shoes, £35

FRANKIE SAYS: I think this is my favourite too. I have stuff like this from Zara and I wear it all the time.

You can also wear the top on its own with jeans and the shorts with a crop top.

So, three looks for the price of one, all for less than £40, which is great if you are a student like me.

Top, £19.50; shorts, £19.50; trainers, £35