I found store that rivals M&S and but was cheaper to shop online

I’ve said before that I had previously had a preconceived idea that Roman was a store aimed towards older women – but actually, the retailer offers a range of designs to suit different ages and personal tastes. Whilst browsing through the rails, I found some gorgeous pieces I’d definitely add to my basket, some of which would rival the likes of M&S, River Island and Nobody’s Child.

In-store, the clothes seem to be grouped together by colour, which is great if you know which shades work best for you as you can head straight to the pinks, blues or neutrals. Many of the pieces had been reduced in the sale, however, some still remained at full price.

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The first piece I saw was this Cream Twist Front Jacquard Polka Dot Top, which came in at £35 and felt rather River Island-esque. The silky sleeveless top came in a timeless polka dot print with a flattering twist front silhouette to cinch you in which would be ideal for wearing to the office with some tailored trousers, or dressing up with heels and leather trousers for something more glam.

However, when I went to find the item online, I noticed that it had £10 off, down to £25 on the website. And what’s more is that Roman regularly displays discount codes for shoppers to use on their site. At the time of writing, the code FLASH knocked the price down further to £20, so it’s always worth double-checking to see if you can find items cheaper online.

Next I found some pieces that wouldn’t have looked out of place in Marks and Spencer, including this Cotton Blend Polka Dot Midi Dress that’s been rated five out of five by fashion fans. Priced at £42, it seems to be a popular print for 2024, with M&S stocking alternatives like the Polka Dot Square Neck Midi Slip Dress for £39.50, while Nobody’s Child has this Polka Dot V-Neck Midi Tea Dress for £49.

Crafted from a cool cotton, this midi dress is perfect for the warmer months, with comfortable and stretchy shirred detailing and short frill sleeves, not forgetting the handy side pockets. One customer who bought it wrote: “Stunning fit, looks great on. Fits perfect. Considering the other colours. Great for going away on hol does not crease.”

Another added: “Pretty as the picture and colour as described. Bought the black and white polka dot dress as above and found the material soft, comfortable and flowy. So I bought the chocolate brown as well which is equally soft and comfortable but material is less flowy and thinner. Nevertheless still a pretty dress and I am pleased with both my purchases. Very retro for my age of 71 and will equally look good for any age.”

Roman’s Red Sleeveless Ombre Midi Dress also has an air of M&S about it, looking similar to the Sienna Miller Back Detail Ombre Slip Dress, which comes in at £65 – double Roman’s sale price of £32. The perfect beach dress, the dress is designed in a sophisticated sleeveless style with a flattering A-line shape that falls to a modest midi length. Online, a customer wrote: “It’s so lovely flowing dress and the colours are gorgeous. I’m size 16. It fits me perfectly. Wish they had another colours.”

Frilled maxi skirts are having a real moment at the minute, particularly billowy white styles, and this one looks Greek Island-holiday ready. It’s giving Mamma Mia vibes in the best way, and it’s only £28 at the store – though you can get an extra 20 per cent off online.

The Blue Ornate Print Frilled Maxi Skirt screams summer energy, with an elasticated waistband, feminine frilled ruffle hem and tile print. Pair it with a simple white broderie blouse and sandals for a timeless daytime look.

And my final pick at the store has to be this Purple Floral Print Puff Sleeve Chiffon Midi Dress, which reminded me of Nobody’s Child’s popular styles. The dress has been slashed from £58 to £45, and has a 4.8 star rating from shoppers.

One said: “Bought for a wedding in summer. It’s long but looks good on,” while another penned: “Lovely dress and nice colours. Haven’t worn it yet. Bought to wear it on a cruise,” and a third added: “Really pretty and comfortable and great value for money. Very good quality.”

Designed with short puff sleeves and elasticated cuffs, the sophisticated dress features a figure-skimming fit and flare silhouette, empire waist and stunning chiffon overlay. I think it’s perfect for wedding guest attire or a day at the races.

So while the store is a great way to see some of the clothes, perhaps try them on and get a feel of the fit and quality, sometimes it actually still works out cheaper to shop online. There’s almost always a discount code you can apply, you can read customer reviews and you can order without even needing to leave the house. Find more summer styles from Roman here .