If my experience as a fashion editor has taught me anything, it’s that no matter where I end up shopping, it’s invariably the high-street buys that end up getting the most compliments. From H&M’s expensive-looking minimalist edit to COS’s unbeatable trousers (and best-selling accessories), here at Who What Wear, we are high-street connoisseurs who specialise in finding the pieces that make people say, “You got that where?” And one of the places that always tops our list of affordable pieces that are worth investing in is Marks and Spencer.
If you still think that M&S is just cardigans and culottes, think again. While it might not a have reputation of being the most forward-forward offering on the market, it is full of the kind of wardrobe essentials that will last you a lifetime (and with plenty of trend-led accessories thrown in for good measure). I can honestly say that in 20 years of shopping, it’s still a firm fixture in my wardrobe but particularly when it comes to expensive-looking staples.
Whether you’re a tailored minimalist, print-loving expressionist or something in between, M&S is guaranteed to have a piece that will speak your language, and that’s before we even get to the dozens of premium brands that are now also shoppable on the site and in-store. (We’re looking at you, Jaeger.)
To help to inspire your seasonal wardrobe refresh, I’ve put together four outfits from the brand’s autumn drop that will cover you for everything from lazy weekends to a busy week in the office, and in each outfit, you’ll find a hard-working staple like the Oxford shirt; a buzzier, now-trending piece like knee-high boots; and the must-have accessory that M&S is becoming known for (talk about a well-rounded wardrobe).
In the mix are new-in pieces and some tried-and-true favourites like the midi skirt, leather shoulder bag and easy-to-wear leggings, so you can pick and choose which pieces will update your current wardrobe or even shop the full look. Ready? Scroll down to see and shop my favourite autumnal outfits.
WARDROBE STAPLE: The Single Breasted Coat. NOW TRENDING: The Cotton Rich Striped Sweatshirt. COVETABLE ACCESSORY: The Chunky Chelsea Platform Boots
I’ve lost count of how many Marks and Spencer coats I’ve bought over the years, but a longline camel coat is an investment that never goes out of style
It’s official. We’re all Breton fans, and the zip-up collared sweatshirt is a modern take on the classic crew-neck.
The A-list have spoken. Leggings + chunky boots is the coolest way to do off-duty style.
And speaking of chunky boots, no, these are not that designer pair, but not only do they look the same, they cost 20 times less than their designer doppelgänger.
The best thing about autumn is the crisp, freshness in the air and the fact that we still get plenty of sun.
WARDROBE STAPLE: The Oversized Girlfriend Shirt. NOW TRENDING: The Merino Wool Knitted Vest. COVETABLE ACCESSORY: The Chain Detail Loafers
The same shirt you wore open over swimwear all summer now comes into its own layered under jumpers, tanks and dresses.
Any trend that Harry Styles, Gucci and quite possibly your grandad all have in common is one we’re going to rush to see.
Sure, we had a longstanding love affair with satin midi skirts, but right now, we’re more interested in the equally versatile but more seasonally appropriate version: the jersey circle skirt.
Honestly, these shoes speak for themselves. Now to decide, should I buy in black or brown…
WARDROBE STAPLE: The High Neck Jumper Dress. NOW TRENDING: The Wool Rich Scarf Coat. COVETABLE ACCESSORY: The Over-the-Knee Boots
We’ve seen them everywhere, and we’re still obsessed with scarf coats. In fact, I thought twice about sharing the secret that is this hidden gem before it sells out altogether.
If there’s one item I’ll be wearing on rotation since the temperatures dropped, it’s a chic knit dress.
You’ve found the boots. Now here are all of the best ways to wear them.
A minimal, leather, everyday shoulder bag for under three figures? Sign me up.
And of course, there’s jewellery too, so you can complete your look with a statement piece.
WARDROBE STAPLE: The Satin Long Sleeve Shirt. NOW TRENDING: The Sequin Mini Skirt . COVETABLE ACCESSORY: The Buckle Detail Top Handle Bag
All of the signatures of a classic tailored shirt, but in fluid, evening-ready satin.
The pièce de résistance. The year’s biggest skirt trend, the mini, but in glittering, disco-ball sequins.
So long, clutches. There’s a new evening bag in town.
Yes, you read that correctly. These are only £10. And you’ll want to wear them with everything from blazers to little black dresses for the rest of the party season.
I’m swapping sandals for stilettos for a classic and easy-to-wear evening option.
