Must-Have Wardrobe Basics With An M&S Student Discount
- Camila Karalyte
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Written by Camila Karalyte
Wardrobe basics that will last your uni journey and beyond.
A capsule wardrobe is the key to seamless mornings. Forget the chaos of trying to piece an outfit together; a wardrobe full of basics will always keep you ‘fitted. Perfect for those crack-of-dawn 9am lectures.
Having a collection of wardrobe basics will make your life a lot easier (and stylish!). Tops that go with any bottoms, a jacket that will last you through the seasons, bags to carry your life in — all of which you can dress up or down, mix and match, and style for years to come.
But students, you’ve got a student budget to keep in mind.
Save the tears — just use our M&S student discount to get 15% off M&S own brands. It’s not just any student discount, it’s an M&S student discount.
To help build your wardrobe of basics, we’ve got some of the best everyday essentials from M&S, where you can use your M&S student discount for a fully-decked out wardrobe for less.
Time to spring-clean that clothes pile of yours!
Jump to:
Wardrobe checklist
Every good wardrobe starts with the basics. Here’s what you should buy to ensure maximum outfit capabilities and minimal getting-ready-stress.
Women | Men |
T-shirts — long & short-sleeved | T-shirts, shirts, polos |
Everyday bag | Jumper |
Jumper/cardigan | Jeans |
Jeans | Trousers |
Trousers | Shoes — smart & casual |
Shoes — smart pair & casual pair | Joggers |
LBD — Little Black Dress | No-frill underwear |
Joggers/loungewear | Jacket |
Coat | Coat |
Denim jacket | Belt |
No-frills underwear | Blazer |
Filling your wardrobe with the above should enable you to create an outfit for almost any occasion at a moment's notice — more time spent on your studying!
Women’s basics
Stay stylish and stress-free with these wardrobe basics added to your collection.
A classic-fit T-shirt is essential for anyone's wardrobe. 100% cotton? That will last you longer than your student house cleaning schedule.
Black and white will never go out-of-date, but opt for a colour you would normally wear, if monochrome isn't your thing.
Dress up, dress down, it will always work.
A long-sleeved top acts as a great base for many outfits, and is great for layering when the weather turns chilly.
Stripes have never gone out of style; a striped tee is a staple, but plain will always stand the test of time, too.
Also 100% cotton — quality that doesn't cost the Earth.
Chuck a denim jacket over it, pair with some over-sized sunnies = your uniform sorted.
Everyone needs a simple bag that they can take from day to night.
A slouchy shoulder bag that is big enough to carry your laptop to lectures, your snacks from the shops, and hold a pair of flats for a night-out is your best friend.
It's a classic shape that never dates, but will be your companion on dates.
Crew-necks live long in the fashion world, and a crew-neck jumper is the perfect wardrobe basic to have as a student.
Wear on its own, over a plain white tee, smart trousers for formal occasions or paired with blue jeans for simple and understated vibes.
Cold uni halls, early morning walks to catch the bus, air-con too high — a jumper fixes it all.
Cardigans are the perfect transitional piece. From Autumn layering all the way through to breezy Summer evening walks, a cardigan belongs in your staples.
A neutral colour will go with everything but a bold colour will add interest to any look, just choose what your vibe is.
Roll up the sleeves, leave the buttons undone, or even just drape it over the shoulders. The style possibilities are endless.
Lana Del Rey was onto something when she sang 'blue jeans, white shirt'.
A pair of blue straight-leg jeans can stay a part of your 'fit for days on end. They never go out of style, look great with everything, and a good pair will last you through all the important stages of your life.
They'll be your best friend.
For warmer days, a pair of linen trousers never go amiss. They can be styled for casual outings with trainers and a simple T-shirt, or dressed up with accessories and a pair of heels for fancier occasions.
The elastic-waist adds extra comfort (and dessert room), but with a drawstring fastening you're able to custom them to your desired fit.
A pair of neutral trainers stays classy and goes with anything — linen trousers, jeans, dresses — they'll be on your feet forever.
Style and comfort.
A pair of smart flats is a must-have for students. You'll likely need something smarter for grad scheme interviews or part-time job hunting, so a pair of ballet pumps is important.
Comfy, cute, and classic, you'll probably make them your everyday shoe (great with jeans FYI!).
A simple black dress is a staple and a lot more versatile than you might think.
You're able to dress it down by layering a jumper over it and teaming with a pair of trainers, or you can add some gold/silver jewellery and strappy heels for a more formal vibe.
A good quality dress will stand the test of time, taking you from summer hangs to graduation ball with just a few changes.
Joggers are your home uniform, your go-to for snack runs, your choice for travelling.
They're comfy, and cute with the right styling and accessories.
Perfect for those 'off-days' where you just need to chill or study. Extra points for cuffed bottoms — they keep you warm in draughty lecture halls.
A solid trench coat might be a splurge, but it's absolutely worth it. Especially if you use your M&S student discount code for 15% off.
A trench keeps you warm enough on cold days, but is also great for chucking on in drizzly weather or chilly Spring mornings.
Invest in one now, and you'll probably pass it down to your grandchildren.
Looks great over jeans or formal outfits.
A denim jacket is probably the ultimate wardrobe staple.
A good slightly-oversized jacket will suit layering or over dresses in the summer. It adds a bit more of a vintage vibe to your look and will stay a staple till fashion ceases to exist.
Roll up the sleeves, wear them undone, it doesn't matter, it all looks good.
M&S bra fitting service
Can't talk about wardrobe basics and not mention a proper-fitting bra.
A good bra offers support and comfort, and wearing the wrong one can cause some discomfort and long-term issues (like back pain and chafing).
M&S has a bra fitting service that can help make sure you're wearing the correct size and shape for you. Whether it's your first bra, post-surgery fitting, or even maternity or sports bra fitting, M&S can help you.
You can book an appointment online or go into a store near you and ask if they have any availability.
After your fitting, you can choose from M&S's extensive range of bras to find what you need.
Men’s basics
Look cool without trying too hard and save the effort for your studies. These wardrobe basics are essential for 24/7 style.
A T-shirt is a no brainer. It's simple, it's cool, and if it fits well it can be smart.
Wear on its own, under an open shirt, jeans, trousers, even joggers, you'll always have a look.
Use your M&S student discount to get 15% off and get several in a variety of colours to maximise your choices.
You need a smart shirt in your wardrobe. A crisp white shirt will always be a great go-to, but any colour is great and will add a bit of personality.
This one from M&S is non-iron, so ideal for small uni rooms and busy days.
Wear for formal occasions like grad balls or interviews, but you can also dress it down slightly with jeans and a more relaxed fit (few buttons open, no tie).
A polo shirt is a versatile wardrobe basic. A little more formal than a T-shirt, but equally as cool and easy to style.
Polos are great for warmer days and look great with shorts, jeans, or trousers.
Team any colour polo with jeans and trainers and you've got your daily uniform.
Basic doesn't have to be boring. A crew-neck jumper might look simple, but it can elevate any look.
Wear over a polo or shirt with the collar poking out, or wear layered for warmth.
A simple jumper can be both casual and formal, just change up the bottoms and shoes depending on the vibe you need.
Have a few different colours in your wardrobe and you'll be sorted for anything.
Blue jeans = a staple for everyone.
They go with everything, can be dressed up or down, and can be tailored for any vibe or occasion.
A straight-leg cut will never be outdated and gives the perfect balance of casual and cool but still keeping things smart.
A blue denim is a classic and a neutral base for any outfit.
A good quality pair of trousers will take you from occasion to occasion, from year to year.
These chinos from M&S are a perfect example of a wardrobe basic that will go with everything in your wardrobe without it making it feel like you're outfit-repeating.
A pair of smart, black shoes will be your lifesaver. Last-minute interview? These will keep you looking sharp. Impromptu date night? Dance the night away in these. Family come up to visit you? Go out for dinner with these on.
For laid-back days, trainers are your go-to. A non-fussy pair will go with most things, even more formal outfits.
Use your M&S student discount code for 15% off your new daily wears.
Joggers are perfect for those I-can't-be-bothered days. Chuck them on with a T-shirt or jumper for instant cool.
Comfort can be versatile, too. Keep it sleek with black or darker colours, or stay neutral with greys — you'll find it goes with everything.
A jacket is an essential wardrobe piece, making it easier to transition outfits from season to season.
This M&S Harrington jacket is cool and trendy, enabling you to style it casually or more formally. Layer it up with a jumper for colder days or wear on your morning commute and be the most stylish on the bus.
Living in the UK, you're going to need a decent coat.
This M&S overcoat is smart and structured, making you look good and feel good, especially against frosty mornings.
Casual enough for your walks to and from lectures, but formal enough for a dinner out. This will last you years.
Belts are practical.
Trousers too loose? Belt them up. But they're also a stylish accessory that can add a little zhuzh to your outfit.
Make your shirt and jeans smarter by adding a leather belt, simple but effective.
You don't have to be rich, to look rich. A blazer can do that for you.
Having a blazer in your wardrobe will save you multiple times. Meetings with uni faculty, dinners with parents, or even just wearing it over jeans to smarten up a casual outfit.
Choose a blazer in a neutral colour like beige or black and you'll be wearing it. for years to come.
Check out our Marks & Spencer hub for more savings
Looking for the latest trending products, shopping inspo and the best ways to spend your Marks & Spencer student discount? Check out our Marks & Spencer hub for more!
Unlock even more with Student Beans
All your favourite brands at your fingertips, from fashion and beauty to food and drink, available to college and uni students aged 16 and over. Dive into our blog to find tips and advice to help you navigate student life, from applying to uni to life after graduation.
Sign up for a Student Beans account or log in to start saving on the biggest and best brands.
Download the Student Beans app to unlock exclusive app-only discounts.
