Spring Fashion
May 2, 2022

Out of All the Spring Jackets I Tried on in M&S, These 7 Were My Favourites

by Emily Dawes

Don’t you just love this time of year? Spring has sprung, everything’s blooming and the weather is warming up. This also means we don’t have to leave the house wearing our burdensome wool coats and knits anymore. It’s finally time to switch to a lighter throw-on jacket that doesn’t make us sweat so much on that morning commute but still protects us from the elements when running errands, picnicking in the park or heading into the office.

Like a good coat, a spring jacket should be versatile. As a stylist, I always recommend that my clients invest in just one or two key styles that go with most outfits and can be dressed up or down. That way, they’re set for the whole spring and summer seasons. Between lighter denim, leather bikers, utility shackets and quilted bombers (or whatever your personal style is), there’s a classic spring jacket out there that will elevate all your spring outfits.

Photo:

@emilyjdawes

Denim jackets make the perfect light spring style, especially when covered in daisies.

If you’re hoping to update your jacket game this season, you might be wondering where to start looking for the perfect one. Well, on the high street, there’s one place my fellow Who What Wear editors and I really rate for high-quality and on-trend designs: M&S. The store is always on my list of suggestions when I’m styling clients who are looking to build a capsule wardrobe, and that’s mainly because it does those timeless, long-lasting pieces so well. Between the organic cotton pieces and the Autograph range’s investment leather, you can’t really go wrong.

And since you know how seriously we take our recommendations, I thought it was a good idea to pop into the store and test drive as many of M&S’s new-season jackets as I could find. Below, you’ll see which jackets really impressed me and my honest review on sizing and quality. Hopefully, this will help you find a spring jacket you’ll want to wear again and again. Keep scrolling to see and shop.

M&S Spring Jackets

Photo:

@emilyjdawes for Who What Wear

Size: 12

I saw so many people picking this up in the store, so I had to try it. It’s just such a joyful, classic denim jacket. I think it would look great over a dress (especially a white one), and it even brings my leather trousers straight into spring. Although I’m usually a size 8 or 10 at M&S, I sized up to get that more modern, slightly looser look.

Photo:

@emilyjdawes for Who What Wear

Size: 8

It’s so hard to find the perfect leather biker jacket, but honestly, I think this might be it. Made from real, buttery-soft leather, it will only get better with age. There’s no fuss—just a few classic zips. It would make simple blue jeans and a Breton look like a really chic outfit. I think I would size up once or twice because I prefer a slightly oversized look, and it fits quite small, but that comes down to your personal preference.

Photo:

@emilyjdawes for Who What Wear

Size: 8

Bombers are back, and they’ll be a huge trend this season and the next. (Although it’s not like they really ever went away.) This streamlined khaki version is just enough of a nod to the trend but is still very classic. I don’t wear a lot of khaki otherwise, but for some reason, I’m always drawn to it for a spring jacket as it goes so well with other capsule basics like denim, linen and stripes.

Photo:

@emilyjdawes for Who What Wear

Size: 14

Quilted liner jackets are still so popular, and for a good reason. They make the perfect light layer for this time of year. (I have one that I haven’t taken off since February.) This lilac jacket is such a lovely spring version that will uplift all your outfits. I sized up to make it look a little bit more “fashion,” but if you prefer a more streamlined look, take your normal size.

Photo:

@emilyjdawes for Who What Wear

Size: 10

I’ve been searching for the perfect classic denim jacket this year, and as usual, I found it here at M&S. This is oversized in its design, but it’s not so oversized that it drowns you. I only sized up to a 10, and it fit beautifully. This is such a great basic you’ll use for many, many years.

Photo:

@emilyjdawes for Who What Wear

Size: 8

For a spring twist on the classic trench coat, this affordable pink cotton style is a great option. It immediately made my leather trousers and stripes feel fresh, and it fit really true to size. I love how it’s styled on the website (see below) with a crisp white T-shirt and wide-leg trousers, too.

Photo:

@emilyjdawes for Who What Wear

Size: 10

I’m not usually a print person because I’m quite a classic shopper, but in the same way that leopard is basically an autumn/winter neutral, a camo utility jacket still feels very timeless for spring, in my opinion. A shacket is my light jacket of choice as it’s so versatile and easy to throw on on top of all my outfits from now until October.