Marks & Spencer may have been plagued by constant rumours of falling sales and a failing high street but that doesn't seem to be slowing it down. When it re-launched its iconic Per Una collection earlier this year, 30,000 pieces sold in just the first week alone. It also sells the equivalent of two pairs of knickers every single second (!) and five million pairs of jeans per year (which equates to about 10 pairs per minute). And when it comes to autumn, it seems nobody embraces it with such gusto as M&S. From excellent new coats in every colour, print and shape you can imagine to knee-high boots, cashmere knits and wear-everywhere midi dresses, autumn/winter is really when M&S comes into its own. This year is no different.
Firstly, there's the new campaign. It features 20 different women in various different outfits, all showcasing the inclusive nature of M&S's new collections. Among them are some very familiar faces, including Holly Willoughby, Vicky McClure, digital influencer Clemmie Hooper (otherwise known as @mother_of_daughters) and model Ariish Wol. The overarching message is concerned with making 'the everyday extra special', which M&S hopes to achieve through a mix of floral printed midi dresses, stand-out aviator jackets, checked blazers and suede ankle boots, all underpinned by a distinctive 70s influence.
Then, there's the new breed of jeans. Launched last week, there are three different fits – The Harper, The Carrie and The Sophia – all crafted from super-soft denim with enough stretch to make them comfortable, even if they're straight out of the wash. Available in sizes 6-24, they're all less than £30, too.
If that's not enough to pique your interest, there's the new Per Una collection. Prepare yourself for a glorious melange of hiking boots (no, really – wear with your old summer frocks for a truly ingenious new season look) chunky knits, fresh new florals, heeled loafers, party platforms and printed velvet blazers.
Elsewhere, there's a teddy coat that's bound to be a sell-out success for under £100, sequin shirts, leather skirts, a twist on animal print and silk dresses. As always, there's also the usual mix of affordable cashmere, in the form of cardigans, roll neck knits and even a trans-seasonal cape that's perfect for imperfect weather.
Whatever your feelings towards M&S, there's no denying that this new-season offering is a comprehensive attempt to both weather-proof and simplify our wardrobes. The styling feels accessible but still interesting and the pieces are all affordable. Creative flourishes exist in the form of marabou feather bags (which will launch just in time for the festive season) and intricate details on specific pieces but overall, everything feels wearable, modern and straightforward – surely the outcome we're all reaching towards when it comes to our clothes.
If you happen to be an M&S undies loyalist, there's plenty for you, too. From the new arrivals in the Rosie for Autograph range – including beautiful prints and machine-washable silk (praise be!) – to pyjamas made from M&S' Flexifit technology, meaning that your nightwear moves with your body, providing extra comfort and an uninterrupted night's sleep.
There's a lot to love and not all of it is available immediately. I would, however, argue that it is most certainly worth the wait. Whether you're after a pair of knee-high, animal print boots or just a new pair of knicks, M&S wants to dress you for the new season. I, for one, am ready and willing.