Cat Deeley’s pleated skirt from Marks & Spencer sold out within hours after the presenter returned to screens on This Morning and shared her outfit on Instagram, retailers and reporting said.
Deeley posted a roundup of her “back to work” wardrobe after returning from a summer break, pairing a bronze metallic pleated skirt — priced at £90 at Marks & Spencer — with a black halterneck blouse from Reiss and stylish boots. In the Instagram caption she wrote, “What a smashing week!! Here’s my @catscloset roundup! Have a fabulous weekend everyone X.”
Retail listings showed the M&S skirt marked as sold out after the post, and lifestyle coverage soon highlighted similar high-street options for shoppers seeking the same look at lower price points. Coverage noted the exact M&S piece alongside alternatives intended to replicate the metallic sheen and pleated silhouette that characterized Deeley’s outfit.
Retailers and fashion commentators have repeatedly observed that national television and high-profile social media posts can prompt immediate increases in demand for particular items. In this instance, the item’s availability at a mainstream chain and its relatively moderate price point were mentioned as factors that helped the look circulate quickly among shoppers and fashion blogs.
Deeley’s appearance on This Morning was her first regular return since the summer break; the Instagram post framed the outfit as part of a curated series of looks for the season. The Reiss blouse she wore was identified by outlets covering the style, and the full ensemble was presented in features advising readers on how to recreate the look with budget-friendly pieces available across the high street.
Coverage following the sellout included recommendations of similar skirts that echo the metallic finish and pleating detail, providing consumers options while the M&S original is unavailable. Retailers commonly restock popular items, and fashion outlets suggested shoppers monitor the retailer’s site or sign up for notifications to track any replenishment.
The incident is one of several recent examples in which a television appearance or social-media post by a public figure has influenced short-term retail demand, prompting rapid sellouts and a surge in interest for comparable alternatives. For consumers, the coverage served both as a notification of the item’s sellout and a shopping guide to comparable styles for the autumn season.