When I was a toddler, I screamed every time my mum would turn my pram in the direction of our local M&S. In hindsight, I now understand that this is because she spent inordinate amounts of time browsing the rails while I became increasingly restless. But my, how times have changed, and I totally get how my mum could quite happily spend what felt like an eternity in M&S, mainly because that’s something I like to do now that I’m a grown-up (gulp). Honestly, I can come up with just about any excuse to hit up Marks & Spencer: “I need new bras,” or, “I’m all out of milk,” or, “I’ve reached the end of the wick in my last Apothecary candle.” Truly, there’s no place I’d rather spend an hour or two working my way through fashion and homeware pieces, inevitably ending up with armfuls of edible treats in the food hall.
But let’s turn our attention back to fashion, shall we? As we’ve established, I know my way around an M&S, and during the hours I’ve spent there, I’ve deduced that all of my favourite M&S fashion items have one thing in common: They all come from the Autograph collection.
M&S’s core fashion department is broken down into the following departments: M&S Collection (which focuses on wardrobe basics), Per Una (a more feminine diffusion), and Autograph, M&S’s premium collection that boasts luxury staples with an on-trend twist. In my opinion, the pieces that look the most expensive on the shop floor and online always sit under the Autograph umbrella.
You can feel the quality in Marks & Spencer’s Autograph edit, which is made of premium fabrications including leather, cashmere and Irish linen. Silhouette is a key focus within the collection, with details like exaggerated cuffs, billowing skirts and perfectly cut trousers setting the capsule apart from other lines. Although it does feel decidedly more minimalistic than M&S’s other collections, Autograph also explores statement prints and bold hues—but always with elevated flair. My mum (who remains a loyal M&S customer 30 years on from my tantrums) and I swear by our Autograph finds. Below, I’ve assembled an edit of the best Marks & Spencer Autograph items you can buy now, should you be in the market for a wardrobe update for spring. Enjoy!
A fun way to wear the tailored-trouser trend in springtime.
A white shirt is a staple the most fashionable people rely upon.
These also come in a gorgeous, buttery-yellow shade.
From the azure-blue colour to the print to the sleek silhouette, this dress looks so expensive.
Layer over tees for the ultimate in spring layering.
Leather feels lighter in tan tones.
Not all T-shirts are created equal. This one is elite.
I’ll wear this all summer long.
These mules also come in minimalistic black.
Every expensive-looking outfit I see on social media right now involves a silk scarf.
When roll-necks become obsolete, reach for this collared top.
How chic is this monochrome print?
Yes, Autograph also creates excellent jeans.
I live in white dresses during the warmer months. This one is high up on my wish list.
M&S is always the first place I look for affordable cashmere.
I plan on wearing this just like the model: with white leather trainers.
These look so high-end.
Striped knitwear continues to dominate the coolest outfits.
A very sleek take on the cargo-trouser trend.
This will look so luxe with tan leather slides and gold jewellery.
Remember the yellow trousers at the start of my edit? Here’s the blazer to match.
A top I’d very much like to work from home in.
Flare jeans are a staple in the wardrobes of French women.
These went straight in my basket.
A very elegant take on leather outerwear.
Switch out the boots for Birkenstocks.
Just imagine how chic this will look tucked into denim cut-offs.
Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
