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 its 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! 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 10 outfits below—all super easy to style, comfy and ideal for wearing right now and through spring. Highlights include some extremely comfortable yet smart-looking dresses, relaxed tailoring and standout leather pieces. Happy scrolling!
1. Striped Jumper + Wide-Leg Trousers
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.
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2. Shacket + Faux-Leather Trousers
Shackets are the ultimate spring layer, and this longline cream one is really versatile. I love it 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.
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3. Knit Vest + Leather Skirt
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.
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4. Printed Dress + Ankle Boots
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.
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5. Bright Shirt + Camel Wide-Leg Trousers
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.
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6. Shirt Dress + Chunky Boots
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.
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7. Column Maxi Dress + Leather Jacket
This minimalistic plissé column dress feels very on-trend for 2022. So much so that it could easily pass for designer. It's so comfy yet still looks really smart, especially paired with this premium-looking faux-leather jacket
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8. Jumper Dress + Ankle Boots
You may have seen Rochelle Humes looking amazing while wearing this knitted dress in khaki green recently; hence I had to try the new cream version on when I spotted it in store. Unsurprisingly, it's selling out in record time, so if you're looking for a chic, versatile, throw-on dress, move fast.
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9. Faux-Leather Shacket + Wide Jeans
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.
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10. Blue Shirt + Denim Wide-Leg Trousers
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 it 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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