If you live in the UK, you’ll know there are few high-street brands as reliable as Marks and Spencer—and not just for clothing. Even a food hall pit-stop to pick up a four-pack of cookies inevitably leads to an overflowing basket, brimming with cotton underwear, fresh bedding and the latest meal deal. It’s impossible to overlook the tantalising prices and quality. Can you tell I’m a fan?
These characteristics extend to the fashion line, too, which is why influencers and editors alike swear by M&S for timeless, easy-to-style pieces that don’t break the bank. The Who What Wear team is no exception. We often highlight notable buys from the high-street hero—most recently its relaxed bomber jacket—but today, we’re casting the net slightly wider.
Earlier this week, I asked our editors which section of their local Marks and Spencer they’ve been most impressed by recently, keeping in mind the upcoming seasonal shift. Scroll on to see the chic M&S items they have their eye on, from the perfect trench coat to trending cargo trousers.
“I’ve been looking for a decent trench coat to replace a very old and battered one that has seen better days, and this chic iteration could well be it! My simple list of requirements include a more oversized fit (this could even look better in a size up), and the perfect shade of not-too-light, not-too-dark beige—this style from M&S’s elevated Autograph line fits the bill.”Mark my words, this will be a bestseller.A good biker will be a staple year after year.M&S has really aced the styling of this denim jacket.Wear this to the office and beyond.You’ll be grateful for this cosy cover-up when the temperature drops.“The M&S x England collection opened my eyes to just how good M&S trousers are. I’m on the market for a really good pair of cream trousers and after searching all around, I’ve found the perfect pair which happens to come in 5 other colours!”Wear this with other off-whites or add a colour-pop tank top.Easy to transition into the cooler season.It’s hard to believe this three-piece suit is from the high street.Style with other autumnal neutrals.I love how subtle the cargo detailing is—ideal if you’re still on the fence about the trend.“No matter how much I spend on fancy knitwear, every autumn I end up coming back to my trusty M&S cashmere pieces. They’ve lasted for years without pilling and most importantly without dating, because they’re just so classic. So I’ll be wisely updating my collection with one or two new additions this season.”So classic.The perfect summer-to-autumn knit.Collared cardigans always feel a little bit preppy, in the best way possible.Layer a tee underneath now, a turtleneck later.I’m into how this looks with white denim.“Although I’d never actually owned a pair of M&S jeans, I recently tried on, and fell in love with, a pair from there a few weeks ago. I couldn’t believe how good the selection was—each pair looked much more expensive than they were. The Eva Bootcut stood out most as they are, in my opinion, the perfect length of jeans. Finishing just below the ankle, they’re slightly cropped and show off your shoes, but feel long enough to elongate your leg. The slim fit with a slight flare at the bottom feels elevated, unlike a lot of my other baggier boyfriend-style jeans, so styled with a blazer and some loafers I feel polished enough to wear them to the office and beyond.”Meet your new reach-for jeans.You can pick these up in petite, regular and long lengths.Wide-leg denim is sticking around for the new season.This pair would look chic with a grey wool jumper and loafers.You’ll never run out of ways to wear this fail-safe shape.“If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I love bags. Shoes are nice and all but I personally feel that it’s a well-chosen handbag that holds all the outfit-elevating power. The thing is, I don’t like to spend a lot on them, so I’ve become something of an expert at finding affordable but expensive-looking arm candy. And right now, M&S has the best of the best.” This brown colour looks so premium. I finally took the plunge and ordered this best-seller. Such a chic shape. Such an elevated option (one that also comes in tan). This is made from real, buttery-soft leather.
