M&S just released the ‘swishy’ statement skirt of the season that feels Chanel but is only £50

I first saw it teased in a video on M&S’ Instagram – a millisecond-long glimpse of mink texture – and I was hooked. Ever since I saw those beautiful voluminous feather skirts on the Chanel catwalk, I’ve been looking forward to the return of the statement skirt for spring. But, so far, the high street has been sadly lacking. Until M&S’ latest new-in drop and this dream of a pencil skirt. Think of it as the sequin skirt for summer.

M&S Tassel Midi Pencil Skirt

£50 at Marks & Spencer

I immediately hot-footed it to my nearest store (thankfully, working for a magazine, I can pass this off as ‘making content’) because if I’ve learnt anything, if you don’t shop those new-in pieces fast, you will miss out.

SHOP M&S' NEW SPRING DROP

A couple of things you can’t see from a millisecond Instagram clip: It’s actually fringing not feathers because, on reflection, the latter wouldn’t be the most practical for rainy commutes; and it’s a lovely minky/mauve shade.

M&S

So swishy

So, what’s the verdict, and can you really get away with a fringed skirt on a rainy Wednesday in the office (the fashion equivalent of playing a blinder on a rainy night in Swindon).

The only way to really answer this is by wearing it to the office (disclaimer: it was actually a slightly chilly Thursday) and getting my colleagues’ opinion. So, I slipped it on with a blue pinstripe shirt and kitten heels (I also love the blue and brown color combos this season) and flounced around for a bit.

Alison Lynch

Power walking round the office

No one noticed so I flounced around a bit more (side note: it’s a great skirt for flouncing as the tassels all sway together as you walk.) And I can confirm that it's a real show-stopper – I had people stopping me at GH Towers to tell me they loved my skirt, and everyone wanted to know where it was from. I also got several requests to 'make it swish'.

Okay, I need to stop this now

It’s the perfect statement piece for spring (did I mention it's just £50). It would also look great with a white shirt tucked in and black strappy heels for evening, or a white tee and gold sandals in summer. And you’ll still be wearing it come Christmas.