We all have our autumn wardrobe staples: chunky knits, wide-leg tailored trousers, and a trusty leather jacket. The fact is - leather is no longer just for your jacket as this AW, Marks & Spencer is reinventing it. Enter the Faux Leather Top, £29.50, a piece that will instantly upgrade any outfit with a modern twist. Forget the basics, this chocolate-hued set feels decidedly modern (chocolate brown is also the colour of the season), while still channelling a timeless silhouette, and is designed to pair with just about anything in your wardrobe.
After seeing the faux leather top on a handful of influencers and becoming somewhat obsessed with checking the M&S new-in page, I headed straight to my local M&S to try it on. I paired the top with the Leather Look Midi A-Line Skirt, £39.50 to complete the full co-ord, and for faux leather, it's relatively comfortable. The top hugged in all the right places, without feeling too restrictive - ideal for when you want to feel more polished, but comfortable.
My only recommendation? Size up - the faux leather isn't particularly stretchy around the chest area and I'm typically a size 10 in M&S tops, but I could've easily gotten away with a 12. Wearing the co-ord I felt instantly elevated, like I could take on anything the day (and night) throws at me, with a little bit of 90s glam. What makes the top really great, though, is how it looks high-end without the designer price tag.
With autumn on the horizon it's the perfect transitional piece to layer under your favourite blazer. Trust me, you'll be reaching for it on repeat. Shop the staple leather top below.
Shop: M&S Faux Leather Top
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
The viral faux leather top from M&S features an easy round neckline and airy sleeveless design. The leather itself is super comfortable and soft, plus it looks super chic with the matching skirt.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
The leather top can be worn as a co-ord with the matching leather look skirt.
Other Viral M&S Tops
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
If your appetite for leopard print still hasn't been satisfied this summer (and let's be honest, we've seen a lot of the print in recent months), M&S has a square neck top you're going to want to add to your basket immediately.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Injecting an element of Parisian-chic in your wardrobe is never a bad thing, and this dark blue striped top will no doubt elevate any simple outfit. Style the oversized tee with a pair of on-trend barrel leg jeans and trusty black loafers.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Any piece you can either dress up or down is worth a spot in any capsule wardrobe. The metallic knitted top from M&S features short sleeves and a crew neckline, and is available in two shimmering shades; silver and gold.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
M&S released the animal print bow puff sleeve blouse as a great alternative to the popular GANNI style. The blouse features puff sleeves, bow detailing down the front, and of course, the iconic all-over leopard print.
Gemma Lavers is a Fashion Writer at Bauer Media, writing for brands like Grazia, heat and Closer. Gemma specialises in all things clothing and enjoys outfit planning (especially for holidays), scrolling social media for the next trend and shopping (probably for a new coat).