These M&S Sandals Are So Good, I Almost Mistook Them for The Row

I've got seriously expensive taste, but my budget doesn't always seem to get the memo. Like most of the Who What Wear team, every so often I'll save and invest in a luxury piece—maybe a leather handbag, a versatile dress or a perfect trench coat—that I know I'll wear forever. But when it comes to my everyday wardrobe, especially any slightly trend-led pieces, I've made it my job (literally) to track down the best and most expensive-looking pieces on the high street.

Shopping smartly at the more affordable end of the scale means you can absolutely get an elevated capsule wardrobe that luxury brands like The Row have perfected without having to remortgage your house. By "smartly" I mean paying attention to the best quality fabrications and great fits to ensure you don't miss out on that longevity you can sometimes sacrifice for price. It should come as no surprise, then, that I'm a fan of a (sensitively done) high street dupe, especially when it's backed up with quality from a brand that I trust. 

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(Image credit: @styleandtheboys)

Last year, Marks and Spencer's released a pair of seriously expensive-looking real leather sandals, in a style very similar to a pair from The Row that I've been considering investing in for the past three summers. As they were so endlessly chic, they sold out quickly and I wasn't able to add them to my forever wardrobe. Thankfully, M&S has offered a second chance, with a new take on the fisherman style for 2024 that is just as chic and versatile as the style that came before. And this time, I won't miss out.

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(Image credit: @styleandtheboys)

The "fisherman" style caged sandal is a design that's actually been around for a very long time, withstanding the whims of the fashion world. No one brand "invented' them, but when The Row first released their version a few years ago they started to garner a lot more attention from the fashion world. Now, they're a stylish staple that can add comfort and a bit of edge to your summer footwear collection. They toughen up and balance out pretty dresses perfectly, and they also look great with transitional pieces, like jeans, cargo trousers and tailoring (as Sarah proves in these outfits) which extends their lifespan past high summer months into spring and autumn. 

The Row's quality is, of course, impeccable and cannot be matched, but it does come at a price. And since I've owned M&S leather shoes in the past for many many years, I'm extremely tempted by this more affordable pair. The tan version of Marks and Spencer's fisherman sandals has been so popular they've already flown out of stock, but luckily the classic black pair has just had a fresh restock. According to M&S's site, they've been viewed over 100 times since I last looked at them yesterday, though, so I wouldn't hang around if you're thinking of investing. Keep scrolling to shop the M&S and The Row fisherman sandals, as well as more capsule wardrobe pieces from both brands. 

Shop the M&S Fisherman Sandals:

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Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.