All hail M&S! I’ve been working in the fashion industry for almost a decade now and I still don’t think there’s anywhere else on the high street as reliable for great quality, long-lasting wardrobe staples. Everyone on the Who What Wear UK team agrees, with each of us admitting we turn to the affordable stalwart for some of our most worn everyday pieces; from lingerie basics and coats to cashmere and denim. There’s just something about the way they do elevated classics— nothing too trend-led or fancy but always with a polished edge— and each season guarantees a fresh wave of hero items.
It won’t come as a surprise, then, to know that we keep a constant close eye on M&S’s new-in section. Mostly so we can keep you in the loop on the best things that we find, but also to fuel our own personal shopping habits too! So with spring on the horizon and that difficult transitional weather approaching, it seemed like the perfect time to head into the store and try on the best pieces I could find from the newest collections.
By the time I had finished browsing everything in store, from the new Autograph collection (always the most expensive-looking) to the new ‘The Edit’ section, my trolley was overflowing with perfect spring basics. I ended up assembling the TK outfits you’ll see below— all super easy to style, comfy and ideal for wearing right now and through spring. Highlights included some extremely comfortable yet smart-looking dresses, the relaxed tailoring and some standout leather pieces. Happy scrolling!
A great striped jumper has the potential to be your most-worn spring piece this year. It works with jeans for weekends but paired with these black wide-leg trousers it’s great for the office too.
Shackets are the ultimate spring layer, and this longline cream one is really versatile. I love it for right now paired with these faux-leather trousers that I keep seeing on fashion people everywhere. And can we talk about these slip on mules? Bravo M&S.
The best way to spring-ify leather? Pair it with pastel hues like this lilac knitted vest. I already know I would wear this comfy midi skirt so much— it would also work well with knee high boots and these fab platform clogs when the sun comes out.
I’m not usually a dress or print person but I think this style might sway me. It’s really flattering thanks to the waist-tie and subtle shoulder puffs. Plus, it works for so many occasions, from weddings paired with heels to office days with boots.
I’m all about contrasting neutrals with sorbet shades this spring as an easy way to wear colour, and M&S’s new drop has plenty to offer on that front. These trousers felt (and looked) so expensive too.
This is the kind of ‘old faithful’ dress you have in your wardrobe for years and rely on for every ‘I don’t know what to wear’ occasion; which makes it a winner in my eyes.
This minimalist plissé column dress feels very on-trend for 2022. So much so that it could easily pass for designer. It was so comfy and yet still looks really smart, especially paired with this premium-looking faux leather jacket
You may have seen Rochelle Humes looking amazing while wearing this knitted dress in khaki green recently; hence why I had to try the new cream version on when I spotted it in store. Unsurprisingly they’re selling out in record time so if you’re looking for a chic, versatile, throw-on dress, move fast.
The whole Who What Wear team have had their eyes on this quilted faux-leather shacket since it landed online in recent weeks. Luckily, it didn’t disappoint IRL as the perfect way to make jeans and a classic striped jumper feel a bit more polished.
You can’t go wrong with a classic blue striped shirt when you want to feel put-together, and this is one of the best I’ve found in a long time. I love pairing them with wide-leg trousers at the moment, either open like this over a T-shirt or buttoned-up and tucked in.
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