A colleague said to me recently that M&S is the new Topshop for millennials and it really stuck in my head. It has become our go-to for the latest trends at affordable price points in much the same way. It even has its own Oxford Street mecca.
And just like Topshop did in the early noughties, M&S is now making its debut on the London Fashion Week schedule, taking to the runway in the coveted Friday evening slot, hosted at the Design Museum in Kensington. To mark 100 years of fashion at the iconic high-street brand, the collection will showcase both womenswear and menswear across the Collection, Per Una and Autograph lines.
Even better, we can shop everything in the collection straight from the catwalk. In fact, technically, we can shop it before the models get their hands on it as it's now live online.
SHOP THE M&S LONDON FASHION WEEK COLLECTION
“The range focuses on accessibility with the 57 runway looks available to shop immediately, and half the collection priced under £50,” the retailer explains, adding that the pieces “combine references to [the brand's] heritage with a contemporary design approach.”
Oh, and you can expect to see the likes of Lara Stone, Erin O’Connor, Jodie Kidd, Karen Elson and Lennon Gallagher modelling the collection, with lots of famous faces in the FROW.
But what to buy before everything inevitably flies off the virtual rails? We've done an edit of all the standout pieces, so you can stream the show safe in the knowledge that you've already secured the goods.
M&S Tweed Fitted Herringbone Contrast Double Breasted Fitted Blazer
M&S Tweed Fitted Herringbone Contrast Double Breasted Fitted Blazer
M&S gives the classic tweed blazer, straight out of the archives, a modern twist with sharp black lapels. Size up for the best fit. And add the matching, pleated wide-leg trousers if you want the tailored look head-to-toe.
M&S Wool Blend Cable Knit Relaxed Jumper
M&S Wool Blend Cable Knit Relaxed Jumper
This chunky cream knit (with detachable roll-neck collar) is guaranteed to be one of the most worn items in your wardrobe this winter. We'll be wearing ours with some tailored tweed trousers, but we also love the styling with the green parka and tulip skirt. Actually, we'll take the whole outfit...
M&S Tweed Herringbone Knee Length Tulip Skirt
M&S Tweed Herringbone Knee Length Tulip Skirt
M&S Satin Relaxed Funnel Neck Longline Parka Coat
M&S Satin Relaxed Funnel Neck Longline Parka Coat
Faux-fur mittens included.
M&S Faux Fur Knot Detail Cuffed Mittens
M&S Faux Fur Knot Detail Cuffed Mittens
There are also some fabulous coats in the collection, many clearly inspired by archive pieces from the 1970s and 60s. These are our favourites.
M&S Leather Aged Relaxed Shawl Collar Jacket
M&S Leather Aged Relaxed Shawl Collar Jacket
That shearling shawl collar is stunning.
M&S Double Breasted Collared Longline Coat
M&S Double Breasted Collared Longline Coat
This is another look we want to lift straight off the model. With a touch of wool, in a brown marl fabric, the double breasted coat will get lots of wear over the winter.
M&S Lambswool Blend Neppy Knitted Knee Length Skirt
M&S Lambswool Blend Neppy Knitted Knee Length Skirt
Then pair with this tonal, knitted three-piece (if you include the knitted cami) for a chic look that feels contemporary but also has a whiff of the 1950s about it.
This over-sized funnel-neck long coat is made for cold winter days and will create a gorgeous sweeping silhouette.
We think this satin flight bomber with faux-fur collar will fly out of stores. It looks great with pops of lipstick red.
M&S Wool Touch Roll Neck Long Sleeve Top
M&S Wool Touch Roll Neck Long Sleeve Top
Speaking of which, this red roll-neck, long-sleeve top is perfect for layering under shirts, dresses and jumpers this autumn.
M&S Elasticated Waist Barrel Leg Trousers
M&S Elasticated Waist Barrel Leg Trousers
Wear with these elasticated-waist, parachute-style trousers, which look so comfy and also take inspiration from the M&S archives.
We'd love to snuggle up in this merino wool roll neck from Autograph.
It will look gorgeous with jeans or this kilt-style skirt and boots from the collection.
M&S Satin Floral Knee Length Slip Skirt
M&S Satin Floral Knee Length Slip Skirt
For something a little different – and another head-to-toe look we love, pick up this autumnal floral knee-length skirt, which looks very Prada-inspired.
M&S Brushed Wool Alpaca Blend Oversized Jumper
M&S Brushed Wool Alpaca Blend Oversized Jumper
Wear with this oversized wool blend knit and kitten heels for a comfortable, but incredibly chic evening look. Socks optional.
Which brings us nicely to the accessories and those leopard-print boots.
M&S Leather Leopard Print Knee High Boots
M&S Leather Leopard Print Knee High Boots
They will look fabulous with long skirts and floral dresses this autumn, trust us.
M&S Suede Ruched Stiletto Heel Knee High Boots
M&S Suede Ruched Stiletto Heel Knee High Boots
These ruched suede boots are giving Isabel Marant and will look great with a 1970s silhouette and autumn colours.
With that, we're off to shop our favourite pieces and wait for the catwalk show to drop. We suddenly feel like we might need a faux-fur pillbox hat...
