Shane Watson, fashion editor at the Daily Mail, has highlighted a curated list of standout buys from Marks & Spencer’s newly unveiled autumn ranges, saying the retailer has moved decisively beyond basics into fashion-led territory. Watson reviewed pieces from Per Una, M&S Collection and Autograph while visiting the retailer’s London showroom and recommended several items he described as offering high-end looks at high-street prices.
The recommendations come as M&S seeks to put the disruption of an April cyber attack — which halted online operations for almost two months — firmly behind it. In the showroom and in the new-season offering, Watson found evidence that the retailer has returned with strengthened womenswear ranges that span aspirational price points and accessible everyday pieces.
Watson singled out a brown-check heritage jacket from the M&S Collection, describing it as a soft, boxy, cropped-on-the-hip style with gold buttons and epaulettes that evokes classic country dressing without appearing fusty; the piece is priced at £60. He also flagged patent accessories as an easy way to lift autumn looks, pointing to an M&S Collection bucket bag at £40 and red almond-toe flats at £36 as economical options that add polish and colour.
Outerwear featured prominently in Watson’s selections. He flagged an Autograph faux shearling "scarf coat" in dark brown as a minimal, versatile piece that reads like higher-priced rivals; the coat is priced at around £150 and was noted as arriving in stores in early October. A shaggy, beige-tinged M&S Collection faux-fur coat was highlighted as a weekend or evening statement option at £100.
Animal print and textured fabrics were among the seasonal themes Watson observed. A velvet leopard-print blazer from M&S Collection was singled out as a wearable approach to the animal-print trend at £85. Footwear picks included Per Una slouchy suede boots at £146, recommended for pairing with midi skirts and dresses, and a leather kitten-heel style at £50 for a lower-heeled alternative.
Country-inspired outerwear also made Watson’s list. He noted a hooded waxed-cape style with a corduroy collar and heritage-check lining priced at £90, alongside a softly padded dark green cord-collared blouson at £60 and a lightly padded parka with a faux-fur collar at £100. Watson framed these as part of a wider resurgence in practical, traditionally influenced pieces that blend function and style.
Jewellery and accessories surfaced as a surprise strength. Watson described sculptural gold and silver earrings from Autograph and chunky rings in the M&S Collection as having a designer feel, with rings priced in the £18.50–£22.50 range. He recommended a medium, slim faux-snake belt at £26 as an easy way to sharpen tailored trouser looks.
On trend-led occasion and leisurewear, Watson noted Per Una and the new Good Move label. Good Move’s first skiwear collection includes white salopettes priced at £90 and an ivory turtleneck sweater emblazoned with "Le Ski" at £46; Watson said the range offered a polished, grown-up take on ski-inspired dressing.
Watson also observed that, in blind comparisons, several M&S coats and leather pieces could be mistaken for those from brands such as Jigsaw, Cos or Massimo Dutti, where similar garments would typically command higher prices. He attributed that perception to improved cut and fabric choices across the retailer’s ranges and to design decisions that aim to tailor product offering to a broad demographic described in the piece as "real women."
The Daily Mail feature noted that while M&S now mixes aspirational higher-priced pieces—such as leather jackets around £250 and select Autograph and Jaeger items—with more affordable lines, demand for standout items is expected to be high. Watson’s column advised shoppers to act quickly to secure the best pieces once they arrive in stores and online.
M&S did not immediately respond to requests for comment on stock levels or launch schedules connected to the highlighted pieces. The retailer’s autumn ranges will roll out across its Per Una, M&S Collection and Autograph labels in the coming weeks, with some items arriving in early October, according to the feature.
Watson’s selections reflect a wider trend in the high street toward accessible, well-made pieces that reference premium heritage and contemporary catwalk cues. The recommendations underline the role M&S is aiming to play this season: a one-stop destination for wardrobe building that spans everyday basics, occasion pieces and seasonal statement items at a range of price points.