In my 10+ years working in fashion, I’ve learnt that the most in-the-know dressers aren’t loyal to designer labels—they’re loyal to great pieces. And right now, those pieces just so happen to be coming thick and fast from M&S. What was once just a go-to for reliable basics has firmly cemented itself as a fashion editor favourite, with its latest spring drop causing genuine buzz across the industry over the last couple of weeks.
I’m spotting M&S pieces everywhere lately—on editors at press days, on influencers whose wardrobes I trust implicitly, and even on colleagues who rarely stray from luxury buys. The common thread? Impeccably cut tailoring, cool spring staples, elevated outerwear and accessories that look far more premium than their price points suggest.
So, if you're looking to add some chic but affordable pieces into your wardrobe this April—to freshen it up without blowing the budget—you're going to want to keep scrolling. I’ve done what I do best and sifted through M&S's new-in section to pinpoint the styles that feel especially elevated right now. From polished jackets to timeless capsule staples, these are the six categories—and key pieces within them—that I genuinely believe will be flying out of stock this month.
1. The Jackets
M&S
Textured Faux Leather Jacket
The basket-style weave, the covered buttons, the elegant seams, the worn-effect leather—all of the the finishes on this under-£100 jacket make it look incredibly expensive. The perfect addition to elevate a simple jeans and T-shirt this season.
M&S
Checked Bubble Hem Funnel Neck Jacket
If there's one jacket style M&S are nailing this spring, it's the funnel neck. Which just so happens to be the coolest style to wear right now. I love this new checked version.
M&S
Belted Double Breasted Short Trench Coat
A trench-style jacket will always, always look polished and expensive. The soft fluidity of this style makes it even more elevated.
M&S
Cotton Rich Satin Look Bomber Jacket
Monikh recently proved how designer this piece looks while wearing it out and about.
M&S
Cotton Rich Trench Coat
A trench is a capsule wardrobe staple, but this earthy khaki colour has a more expensive and style-forward finish to it than your average beige one.
M&S
Faux Leather Collared Jacket
This looks like some of the most luxurious, buttery-soft leather, without the usual high price tag. I love the crisp cut edges, and that rich olive colour is just exceptional.
2. The Tailoring
M&S
Waisted Asymmetric Longline Blazer
In my experience, the key to making high street pieces look expensive is to take a classic item and elevate it with a design twist. Whether that means a unique fabric or cut—just like this asymmetric blazer. No notes.
M&S
Pleat Front Carrot Leg Trousers
The perfect spring work trouser has entered the chat.
M&S
Tailored Pinstripe Cinched Waist Longline Waistcoat
A waistcoat is a brilliantly versatile workwear piece for spring. It plays the part of a simple vest but with such a smart finish.
M&S
Pure Cotton Contrast Detail Oversized Shirt
Just the like the blazer above, the elongated cuffs on this shirt give it that premium, designer-like twist on a classic.
M&S
Tie Belted Blazer With Linen
M&S
Faux Suede Basket Weave Collared Shirt
So many people in the industry are raving about this co-ord that could easily pass for a real suede luxury buy. And no wonder—it's incredibly rare to find an outfit this good on the high street these days.
M&S
Faux Suede Weave Effect Longline Shorts
The matching shorts are just as good on their own as well.
3. The Bags
M&S
Woven Rounded Hobo Bag
It's giving major Bottega vibes, for under £50(!)
The clutch version is sensational too.
M&S
Faux Leather Pinched Mini Tote Bag
I've seen this in store a couple of times and it's caught my eye for how premium it looks in real life.
Autograph
Leather Tote Bag
Such a timeless investment that will always be chic—for work, travel or just all of life's day to day essentials.
Autograph
Suede Drawstring Shoulder Bag
4. The Shoes
M&S
Slip on Flat Square Toe Mules
Slip-on mules are really taking off among the fashion crowd at the moment, blending comfort and style effortlessly.
M&S
Kitten Heel Pointed Court Shoes
A comfortable low heel with a power-dressing appearance—what's not to love?
M&S's perfect loafers return for another year, and honestly they're equal to, if not better than, a lot of outrageously expensive designer loafers I've tried.
M&S
Leather Bow Square Toe Flat Ballet Pumps
5. The Elevated Basics
M&S
Pure Merino Wool Crew Neck Jumper
Looking for expensive-looking basics to bolster your spring capsule wardrobe? Look to M&S's new '90s edit, and thank me later.
M&S
Pure Linen Wide Leg Trousers
If Monikh approves, then so do we.
M&S
Shoulder Pad Knitted Top With Wool
The shoulder pads and wool touch add a really editorial edge to this basic.
M&S
High Waisted Straight Leg Jeans
M&S's latest take on the perfect straight-leg jean. I'm listening.
M&S
Pure Cotton Girlfriend Shirt
The ultimate white shirt.
M&S
Cotton Rich Slash Neck Slim Fit Vest
The slash neck adds a really thoughtful finish to an otherwise basic top.
6. The Dresses and Skirts
M&S
Square Neck Bubble Hem Midaxi Skater Dress
This looks even more expensive IRL.
M&S
Built Up Satin Midi Column Dress
The simplicity of a good quality slip dress always looks so premium.
M&S
Tassel Midi Pencil Skirt
M&S
Leather Look Woven Effect Mini A-Line Skirt
The hero jacket of the season also comes with a matching shirt, but it's this mini skirt that has caught my eye in particular.
M&S
Linen Rich Maxi Wrap Skirt
So understated, it's giving The Row.