MARKS and Spencer has launched its new spring womenswear collection and my oh my am I impressed.
The second we saw the cropped blazer and wide-leg trousers, we knew this was going to be a summer collection we would love – and lo and behold we do.
Over the last couple of weeks, my friends and I have all been commenting on how good Marks & Spencer has been of late.
And their latest collection is no different I’d go so far as to say they are killing it, and their spring collection is full of on-trend, super wearable pieces – that are affordable too.
The M&S collection ranges from dresses to tank tops and shorts, blazers, and trench coats to a stunning array of bags, which look very similar to designer bags.
The collection is also super affordable with prices starting as low as £15 for sunglasses and tank tops, to £89 for a leather shoulder bag and £79 for the Linen Trench, which we think is a reasonable price range.
Whether you want to invest in an entirely new spring wardrobe, shake up your existing summer staples with newness, or inject extra staples, and colourful pieces, into your capsule wardrobe, the M&S collection has all bases covered – even S Club 7 singer Rachel Stevens is a fan.
Blend Wide Palazzo Leg Jeans
Jeans are a must-have in everyone’s wardrobes, whether it’s barrel leg jeans, straight leg jeans, dare we say it skinny jeans, but Palazzo Jeans are another style to invest in.
M&S has found sales are up 80% for Palazzo jeans, and the Lyocell Blend Wide Palazzo Leg Jeans, £45 are the brand’s second bestseller across womenswear this week, so, of course, we need to get on board.
We consider the Palazzo jeans a hybrid between wide-leg jeans and flares, both styles we love and wear time after time.
The Palazzo jeans are a versatile style we would wear casually with trainers or ballet pumps, alternatively, we would pair them with wedges, cowboy boots or heels for a more elevated look.
The Pinstripe Pleat Front Wide Leg Trousers, £45 were recently spotted on Rachel Stevens, and us – as soon as our delivery arrives.
We love a matching tailored set, as it is super elegant and effortless, but can also be worn in numerous ways, whether you wear the full set together or mix and match, so essentially you can get multiple outfits out of one co-ord.
If you only want to wear wide-leg trousers you can pair them with a shirt, t-shirt or vest top, and, depending on the occasion, style with trainers, a blazer, or a leather jacket.
Alternatively invest in the Pinstripe Blazer for £69, complete with the Pinstripe Waistcoat for £35 for the office, the races, or a wedding guest.
If you are a fan of a Trench Coat already, maybe you already own one, but you will still find yourself longing for the linen version from M&S as we have been.
The Linen Blend Longline Trench Coat, £79 is super chic, but also lightweight and breathable, which makes it the perfect spring/summer outerwear piece. Consider it more of a gentle cardigan than a thick trench coat, though styled the same way.
This linen design is great as a cover-up to wear to and from work, or when attending formal events in the summer but it’s a little breezy or drizzly outside.
The Cotton Rich Ribbed Bandeau Midi Dress, £35 is a must-buy, in fact, it’s already proven to be a hit as it has almost sold out.
The bandeau dress is super flattering and perfect for weddings, summer parties, and any formal occasion.
It is made from a cotton and elastane blend, which is lightweight and breathable, while the elastane provides the necessary stretch to hug the body without being too skin-tight.
This dress is available in petite, regular and long lengths, in cream and black, but you will have to shop quickly before it sells out.
It’s almost shorts weather, so if you are on the hunt for a flattering pair to wear all summer long, which are supportive, stylish, but not too skimpy then don’t miss M&S’ Denim Boyfriend Shorts, £27.50.
The boyfriend shorts are high-waisted, and fall a third of the way down the thigh, which we love so we are not left feeling overexposed.
The shorts are available in 11 colours and patterns, and we want one of each.
If you are looking to expand your shorts collection even more so, or maybe you are hunting for a more formal pair to wear to the office in the summer (if the dress code permits) the Denim Pleat Front Belted Shorts, £32.50 get our seal of approval.
Not only would we wear these shorts to the office with a linen blazer and dainty pumps, but we would also wear them for a shopping spree, day out, everyday wear, and, of course, on holiday.
They are slightly longer and slightly flare out so they are not tight to the body for extra comfort and mobility, which is exactly what we need when dressing for balmy summer days.
Marks & Spencer’s Cotton Rich Hooded Short Parka Coat, £69 is a must-buy.
This chic coat is far removed from the parka coats we have lived in all winter, and in fact, we probably wouldn’t consider this design a parka at all, more of a trench.
This coat has been made from M&S’ signature Stormwear technology, which is a water-repellent fabric to protect the wearer from the elements.
This design boasts a relaxed fit, though you can use the elasticated pull ties to cinch in the coat around the hem, which creates more of a Harrington or bomber-style coat.
It features a funnel neck and hood to keep out any rain or draughts, and is short in length, though it falls just below the hips to provide coverage.
Wear for spring walks or heading to and from the office.
Whether you are styling jeans, shorts, a skirt or a dress, no matter the occasion, a pair of mules are a flattering footwear staple.
The Wide Fit Block Heel Mules, £29.50 boast a block heel, which will help those unsteady in heels stay upright, plus the front detailing resembles Hermes sandals.
M&S’ bags are always a hit with shoppers. In the past M&S has created a bag that has been likened to the Celine Cross Body classic.
This new collection sees even more luxe-looking bags, and we are always on the lookout for a designer lookalike to save us hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds.
Case in point the Faux Leather Cross Body Bag, £35, which is made from faux leather fabric, features a chunky metal fastening, and almost a bubble-like soft foam texture.
At first glance, we thought this looked very similar to the Coach Pillow Bag everyone has been lusting after, or Loewe’s Puffer Goya that fetches over £2,000.
M&S variation has a shoulder strap and longer strap to wear across the body, and we can’t see ourselves wearing any other accessory day or night.
Gingham is a pattern that returns each summer, and a telltale way to know the warmer months have arrived is when this print is laden in high street stores.
The Checked Puff Mini Smock Dress, £39.50 is a favourite of ours. It is lightweight, breathable and floaty, perfect for those balmy summer days.
It features 3/4 length puff sleeves, which are super flattering, while the dress is an a-line fit, and flares out so as not to be figure-hugging.
It comes in a zesty green and white print or black and white checked creation and falls midway down the thighs.
Pair with flats, or trainers, maybe even clog wedges for a more dressy occasion, no matter how you style it we think you will live in this comfy one-piece all summer.
When we said M&S’ new accessories were super luxe and highly coveted we were not joking.
Another accessory to add to your collection includes the Faux Leather Shoulder Bag, £29.50 which we think looks similar to Loewe’s Puzzle Bag, which typically costs £1,750, though M&S’ new drop is just under £30.
The bag features a large main compartment, as well as an inner zip pocket, concealed by a neat flap, which is secured shut with a magnet.
The chunky shoulder strap gets a tick from us, as it is a more comfortable wear and does not dig into your shoulders for hours of wear.
Co-ords, are hugely popular in the summer season, whether you are styling for work, a wedding reception, or everyday wear.
The Linen Blend Tailored Waistcoat, £35 comes as either a full three-piece linen suit, complete with the matching blazer, and trousers, or individual looks.
Pair the waistcoat on its own with jeans, a denim midi skirt, or mini, even a satin slip skirt, layer over a satin slip dress, or style with shorts, that’s if you don’t wish to wear the matching suit.
However you wear it, it’s an investment.
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