Run, don't walk - M&S just dropped its autumn collection; these are the pieces I think will sell out first
Elevated, wearable and under £80, these are the new-in M&S autumn styles that are bound to sell out first; you've been warned
September means fresh fashion, and the M&S autumn/winter 2026 drop is pretty high up on my shopping list for the months ahead. Launching today, the British clothing brand continues to build on its refreshed fashion status with a stellar collection of standout styles.
Ticking off many of the major autumn/winter fashion trends for 2026, expect country-coded elegance woven seamlessly into outerwear, elevated everyday blouses, checked tailored jackets, and sporty bomber jackets. Sticking with the athletic theme, the funnel-neck jacket remains a key player, reinvented in technical and fashion-forward satin fabrics for the months ahead.
The skirts are worth noting too, with box pleats and kilt silhouettes core to the brand's offering. Building on the popularity of the barrel-leg jean, trousers are still using curves, volume, and pleat detailing to create playfully sophisticated silhouettes, and this is all before I even get to festive-ready jewelled knits and blinged-up denim. Below are just some of the core bits from the first drop worth snapping up before they sell out.
One of the standout pieces from the brand's autumn/winter press day, this midnight blue jacket is the contemporary, high-fashion take on this season's sporty funnel neck. Although it has a matching skirt, it will pair effortlessly with jeans or leather trousers for a cool, elevated day look.
Without a doubt my favourite piece at the press day, this has gone straight in my shopping basket. The detail gives it a designer aesthetic, but the price is far from it. A versatile look it can be dressed up with boots and a blouse, or dressed down with a sweater for a preppy feel.
Super soft, this tactile bomber jacket is yet another piece of stellar outerwear from the British high street brand. Bomber silhouettes remain core to this season's outerwear trends and this slate grey hue is one you can wear year after year. The funnel neck only adds to its trend credentials.
A wool-blend with mohair, this gorgeously cosy M&S sweater is the ultimate autumn layering piece. The natural fabric keeps it breathable yet warm, and the grey hue ensures easy styling and versatility for the season ahead.
Bomber jackets are a big outerwear trend for the season ahead, and this added luxe faux fur detailing delivers the cosy, fun factor that gives this androgynous silhouette a bit more of a feminine finish. The brown and black together look elegant too.
Available in charcoal and in cream, this furry fronted cardigan will add that dose of texture that autumn wardrobes demand. The more cropped hem length is ideal for highlighting your waist, nipping you in, and pairing effortlessly with dresses or separates.
Another bestseller, chocolate brown continues to be one of the big autumn/winter fashion colour trends for 2026, and this silky, draped design offers an elegant and flattering way to inject the look into your AM to PM wardrobe.
When it comes to denim trends for 2026, we're still jazzing up our true blues, and this denim shirt with cluster beadwork is a fun way of upping the ante on your casual wardrobe. Go double-denim or use it as an open layer instead of a jacket.
Championing an era of elevated basics, this white, tux-inspired white shirt can be cinched in at the waist through a tie-detail creating a flattering peplum effect. The long-line is ideal for pairing with slim leg trousers.
Lace detailing is a major part of this season's trends, and this flippy asymmetric hem and satin fabric gives this simple and sweet skirt a very luxe feel that can be styled up for a glitzy evening, or pared-back with trainers and a sweater.
The statement necklace is the speediest way to jazz up any autumn ensemble, taking laidback tees and crewneck knits to new, directional heights. This chain design is certainly one that will have those 'Love that' compliments flying in.
Move over barrel-leg. The wide-leg, pleat-front jean is set to storm the fashion charts this autumn. Expect to see a lot more of this directional shape over the coming months. Just remember to tuck in your tops and keep them more fitted to highlight your shape.
The best trench coats never go out of fashion, but in 2026 they are getting a luxe makeover thanks to satin fabrics, making them evening-ready. This chocolatey hue is absolutely delicious and creates a co-ord when worn with a satin dress in the same colour.
Pinstripe is another autumn outfit staple, and this crease-front pair is an excellent capsule wardrobe basic that you'll turn to time and time again. Dress them down with your best white trainers or up with some heels. An elegant option from AM to PM.
Crescent shapes are back and this gorgeous, curved crossbody bag comes in three timeless autumn hues. The contrast of the taupe body with cream stitching gives this high street bargain a very luxe finish.
And it wasn't just the clothes that had the fashion pack giddy with excitement; it felt like M&S had really upped its game in terms of accessories too. Sleek, could-be-designer handbags covered everything from bohemian-inspired patchwork and striking tassels to timeless totes, alongside staple belts and standout footwear, are just some of the things we all have to look forward to in the coming weeks.
While there were plenty of nods to trending silhouettes, everything felt translated for a modern autumn wardrobe, and there truly was something for everyone. Although coats and outerwear were clearly central to the collection - we are heading into cooler weather - these were underpinned by great basics, including argyle knits and lovely shirting that will make updating autumn outfit ideas a breeze.
There were also lots of familiar silhouettes that, if you wanted to buy new, you could, or if you're prepared to dig out last season's, you can, without feeling too out of date. A mock-croc car coat, faux fur evening jackets and embellished knits will all get you ready for the festive season.
As for my wardrobe? I've firmly decided to opt for heritage aesthetics with a city girl twist. The kilt skirt (already on its way to me), will be teamed with boots and layered knits, offering a preppy finish to this countryfile style, and it feels like the timeless take on cooler climes that I'm after.
Even though the collection officially launched today, not everything will drop onto the M&S site at once. I've rounded up my favourite new-in pieces above, but the team and I will try to keep flagging newer drops as they come, because we all know the best bits sell fast.
