It's officially coat season. Trust me, I know, because I've spent the past few months combing through hundreds of coats, and the time is fast approaching that we'll be wearing one everyday.
I'm on the hunt myself. My faithful winter coat has served me for seven years, but I want to add one to my rotation that suits my current style. After a couple of decades as a fashion editor here's my coat buying advice: always think about its longevity in your life first. Trends should always come second.
Which brings me to this one from M&S, because it ticked every box on my editing checklist.
First, the silhouette: longline, double-breasted, with a looser boyfriend cut and finished with generous side pockets. The slouchy, slightly oversized cut makes it roomy enough for chunky knitwear but smart enough to throw over tailoring and look chic and considered.
Second, the colour. Chocolate brown has quietly elbowed black aside as fashion's favourite dark neutral. Brown works with soft and warm shades from cream and oatmeal to burgundy, denim, navy and grey, meaning you'll be able to wear this coat with almost everything you own. Which is the whole point of a coat.
Then there's the check. Heritage patterns return every autumn, though this year's checks are more refined and, like this one in variegated shades of brown with soft marmalade orange stripes, will add depth without overwhelming your outfit.
For £90, this is truly an excellent coat. The wool blend gives it substance, while the oversized cut needs a small mindset shift. So don't default to fitted tailoring; think relaxed coat and you'll get the most out of this style.
If you're petite, though, follow reviewers' advice and size down. Otherwise, buy your usual size and lean into the relaxed proportions.
In my book the best thing about this coat, is that you won't tire of this winter, or the winter after. It will earn its keep, making everything from knit dresses to wide-leg trousers and your oldest pair of jeans look just... better.
If I were buying one new high-street coat this season, this would top my list.
