Anyone who has been in an M&S store in the last couple of weeks will have seen that its new season collections have hit the rails, and they're packed with outerwear that punches above its price tag. From classic trenches and sleek wool coats to trendy borg jackets that are just as cosy as they stylish.
There are statement pieces that could pass for designer, like the chocolate brown croc trench coat our Associate Editor Sam has her eye on, and this knitted jacket in zingy apple green. Of course, it's not all about the new-ins: M&S does practical but chic so well all-year-round and our team picks include a packable feather and down puffer and a wax jacket that could pass for a brand double the price.
The Express team have chosen their favourite pieces that are all available online now. Thank goodness it's nearly payday.
Trench coats come into their own in autumn, but at 5"1, the proportions don't always work for me. Thankfully, trusty M&S has petite options, including this in a warm camel hue, which is single rather than double-breasted for a more streamlined look. I would size up to allow room for layers, then add a block-colour blanket scarf when the temperatures drop.
The weather can be so changeable this time of year, so it's a must for me to have a warm layer ready to throw on over a T-shirt or under a jacket for an instant boost of warmth. This rich chocolate brown jacket ticks all the boxes for autumnal chic — gold buttons add a touch of glamour to make it smart enough to wear alone or as an eye-catching extra when worn with a winter coat.
This boxy knitted jacket has a whiff of Fifties style about it, with a cosy funnel neck and generous pockets. It sits just below the waist so perfect for less tall people llke me! Stand out from the crowd of navy and black in the gorgeous fern-green colour, and at just £36 I love that it looks far more expensive than it is.
I had to chuck away my beloved padded jacket at the end of last winter when too many holes started leaving downey feathers in my wake, so it's time for an upgrade. I'm in love with the Dark Claret colour and the fact it packs away in its own bag makes it the perfect addition to my winter-walks in-the-countryside wardrobe.
I love to make a statement with my clothes and this croc-textured Trench hits the mark perfectly. At 5ft 8in I like a long sleek silhouette in a jacket and the belt on this also pulls you in at the waist, which is always a good look!
Long gone are my days of high fashion glam. Now I'm firmly in my comfy-casual years. My weekend uniform is typically elasticated joggers, fleece and garden clogs. It ain't pretty, but who cares. I certainly don't. So my choice is this fluffy zip-up hoodie. Soft, cosy and with pockets (a must). In fact it looks so snuggly that I'd give it two weeks before my cat claims it as her own.
I'm all about long-term wear when it comes to wardrobe staples like coats, and this beautiful Cognac Jaeger coat hits just the right spot. It's the perfect capsule wardrobe coat — classic enough to go with most things, quality enough to last years, and pure wool to keep you warm in the coldest months. I like my clothes a bit slouchy, so this style is perfect for me to dress up or down, and I love the hit of colour on a gloomy day. Bring on winter!
This cropped jacket is sure to make me look stylish and smart out and about this autumn, whether at a client meeting or lunch with friends. With its single line of buttons and inverted V cut, which draws the eye in at the waist to create a slimline look, it's a classic wardrobe addition. At 5"1, I am drawn to petite ranges but the shorter length of this jacket means it sits perfectly above the hips. It's also washable too which is always a bonus!
I never thought I would be the type of person to want a waxed jacket but here we are. I can really see myself wearing this for dog walks in autumn weather, worn with wellies and leggings, as well as pub lunches styled with jeans and plenty of gold chains and boots. I love the contrasting cuffs and collar, it's giving lady of manor and I'm here for it.
For shoppers who can't find "the one" in M&S, Boden autumn range has plenty of gems, including this chic dogstooth swing jacket, or for well-priced faux fur, Roman has this coat in six colours that comes in a petite length.