I've got the wardrobe refresh itch. There's something about the arrival of spring - the longer days and the promise of sunshine - that calls for a wardrobe refresh, no matter how small. If you're anything like me, the moment the first hints of warmth appear, and I mean above 10 degrees, you start reassessing the spring pieces you used to wear last year. That trusty trench coat that's been your go-to for years suddenly looks more tired than it did before, and those heavy knits? Well they're just not cutting it anymore. It's as if the season itself is nudging us to swap out the winter-worn layers for something lighter, breezier. Add to that floaty midi dresses and crisp linen co-ords and you essentially have the new collection that's now landed in store by Marks & Spencer.
The linen trousers


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These M&S linen trousers are so good that last summer, they spent more time out of stock than in - so it's a good idea to secure a pair early. Available in over 10 different colours (including a bright red and Scandi-inspired blue stripe), these trousers are just as comfortable (and cooling) as they promise.
As a fashion writer, I spend the majority of my time looking at clothes, making it all the more exciting when a new collection and/or season arrives. And, while I love a little online browse, nothing beats seeing clothes in real life, trying things on to find the right fit or spotting things that I might have otherwise scrolled past. It’s key to look for items you know will work with things you already have in your wardrobe, and the Linen Blend Waistcoat is precisely one of those versatile gems. With its wrap front, single button fastening and smart collar, this is a piece that immediately elevates any outfit, but not in a way that feels overpowering or difficult to style with much else.
The neutral waistcoat


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Super comfortable and equally as smart, M&S' Linen Blend Waistcoat is one of those pieces that will easily go with most things you already own. Style over the top of a plain white t-shirt and jeans for a look that's office-ready, or wear on its own paired with leather trousers for an evening out.
From the sell-out drawstring jeans to those easy-to-weardresses that come to the rescue when you have no idea what to put on in the morning, you can always rely on M&S. This month, I decided to put my fashion writer credentials to the test by searching through hundreds of M&S items to pick out the best pieces the brand has to offer - naturally, I also had to try everything on, too (my camera roll is now 90% M&S).
Keep scrolling for a curated dossier of my absolute favourite pieces, and items I'd (rather happily) break my budget for.
The cream jeans


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The Boyfriend Ankle Grazer Jeans have a roomy relaxed fit, high-waist and added stretch. A great style to roll-up at the bottom to make for a slightly cropped fit, the jeans would look great with almost any shoe, whether that be a loafer, ballet flat or kitten heel.
The boho blouse


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M&S are always so aware when it comes to what's been spotted on the runways recently, and recreating pieces that have a similar designer flair. This blouse looks like it could've been plucked from a rail at Chloé, thanks to its ruffled long sleeves and peach shade.
The butter yellow blazer


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This piece is so good it looks like it could've been plucked from the rails at Aligne. The M&S Tailored Collarless Blazer is an example of impeccable tailoring, with a single-button fastening and streamlined cinched shape.
Shop: More To Buy From M&S This Month

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Suede has had its moment in shoes, skirts, bags, pretty much anything you can name at this point. This suede shirt is a good piece to have in your wardrobe to elevate outfits, and looks like many Isabel Marant styles.

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I've chosen this blue floral dress as one of the best things in M&S right now not only due to its striking resemblance to lots of Rixo styles, but also because of its V-neckline and feminine lace detailing. Style with suede cowboy boots and gold accessories.

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Finally, the sun looks like it's shining and you can get that suede out without fear of it getting rained on. This jacket is cut in a regular fit (so if you prefer things oversized, make sure to size up), and is finished with a collared neckline and chic gathering at the shoulders.

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I have a feeling these Bevelled Oval Sunglasses are going to fly off the shelves. The design of the sunglasses' arm is rippled, making an almost wave-like silhouette that honestly, I'm obsessed with. Plus, the sunglasses are available in three different colours, a chic tortoiseshell, statement dusky pink and cool green.

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To go perfectly with the butter yellow blazer I picked out earlier, this bag is made out of the softest faux leather and is the most practical size (which I can attest to, as I actually own the bag myself). With a detachable chain strap, either wear as a shoulder bag, or remove the strap and style as a clutch.

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If you prefer to lean into lighter jeans now that the weather is getting slightly warmer, M&S have a pair that toe the line between dark beige and cream. Design wise, these are a Mom fit so are somewhere between a wide-leg and skinny, and feature added stretch, five pockets and a zip fly.

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M&S' horseshoe jeans (another name for what is essentially the same style) have already seen huge success. Now, the brand has released a cotton pair of trousers with the barrel-leg shape. I think these trousers are super flattering and the kind of piece you'd be able to get lots of wear out of - whether paired with a chunky turtleneck or t-shirt.

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Suede skirts might've come from Miuccia Prada, but M&S is very much leading the way as the trend trickles down to the high street. This one has a flattering A-line shape, discreet zip fastening, stretchy fabric and of course, that midaxi-length hem.

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This knitted waistcoat is so chic and is also such a great price. Style on its own with your favourite denim, or style on top of a striped shirt for a more put-together outfit.

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There's a reason why so many chic French women love a Breton stripe - because, a) it's timeless, and b) it can elevate a look without you needing to put in any extra effort at all. This sweatshirt proves my point, with its crew neckline, relaxed fit and cosy material.

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We've seen leopard print absolutely everywhere - and our betting is on cow print to be the next big trend. Saying that, zebra is also having a mini-moment, and I love this slightly neutral take on animal print denim. Leopard print can sometimes feel overwhelming, so I'm embracing a more nuanced approach with these M&S beige zebra jeans.
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look - yes, she can tell you exactly where a specific coat is from. When not writing, shopping or scrolling Instagram (find hers here), Gemma will likely be dreaming up her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).