As always with a new year comes an evaluation of my wardrobe. As someone who works in fashion, it often feels like the trend cycle can be overwhelming and removes a bit of the joy out of finding new pieces. So I’m looking for the gaps in my wardrobe, and in particular I’ve found high-quality basics are where I’ve been severely lacking. That’s where M&S Autograph comes in!
I’ve been an avid M&S shopper since before I moved to the UK: I would visit my aunts in London when I was a teenager, and it was *the* place we’d stock up on new underwear (which is still the case, it’s a lingerie staple brand for me). I’ve found M&S Autograph has moved from strength to strength ever since they brought in Alexa Chung for the Archive collection. It’s sophisticated, it’s chic and the quality for the high street is really unmatched, IMO.
You’ll find wool, cashmere, silk and leather for such affordable prices. If like me, you’ve found your wardrobe is lacking in a few quality basics, or if you’re looking for some new outfit inspiration from a failsafe British retailer, then allow me to run you through some of my new-in Autograph faves.
My M&S Autograph must-haves for the new season
The spring-ready maxi
I know it doesn’t feel like it right now but spring is on its way, and I just fell in love with this abstract print dress! The midaxi length is nice and breezy, it has a belted waist and buttons all the way down so you can layer accordingly during the colder months. You could even wear it fully open as a layering piece in the spring with jeans and a t-shirt or a vest.
I paired this one with a mohair-blend crew neck vest – you’ll be spotting this bright orange colour all over the high street soon.
The animal print dress
I’m a dress girl through and through and this turquoise animal print number caught my eye immediately. I love this retro silhouette, I think if you’re a size 16 looking for something that’s a similar vibe to Rixo but on a budget, then this Autograph dress is for you. Another midaxi length, I think this cut is really stunning, and the tie scarf just adds a touch of drama into your everyday!
I threw on this grey marl knit over my shoulders to make it feel a little more casual, but you do you.
The staple jeans
As someone who forever struggles to find high street denim, I will always sing the praises of M&S. I know I can go into any store and find a pair of size 16 or size 18 jeans when I need to – they’ve never let me down. I can get them in a petite as well, which is unheard of in most places.
Now the Autograph denim collection is truly next level – I tried on this pair of luxury straight leg ankle grazers and it was the perfect fit. They’re high-waisted and are actually ankle grazing on me, with a cotton and elastane blend, meaning comfort with a bit of stretch. If like me, your weight fluctuates throughout the year then this blend is your best bet.
I styled them with a jersey top in an orange and blue stripe – I just love this colour combo together! I chucked on that same grey knit over the shoulders to add an extra layer to the look and tie everything together.
The wide-leg trousers
This next look might be one of my favourites. Again, if you’re a size 16 like me and you really struggle to find high street trousers and bottoms that fit, you need to try M&S because it’s never failed me. I’m a wide leg trouser girl for life and I have always struggled because of my size and my height (I’m 5’1” for reference) and these Pure Tencel wide leg trousers from Autograph tick all the boxes!
They’re navy so will pair with absolutely everything, they’ve got the perfect wide leg and are pleated at the front giving you that nice tailored look.
I paired it with a turquoise scuba sweatshirt to pare it back for daytime and then layered it with this stunning yellow car coat for a dopamine winter hit.
There you have it! I hope you’ve found a little bit of inspiration here, whether you’re new to Autograph at M&S, or are trying to fill in any gaps in your wardrobe that you may have, or maybe you’re trying to learn how to layer together some colourful pieces! Either way, I’m sure you’ll be looking good for 2023.
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