Autumn prep is underway with these M&S best-selling knits

Marks and Spencer knitwear early autumn drop best sellers — (Image credit: M&S)

We might all be feeling a little hot under the collar now, but as we hit mid-August and the end of summer is in sight, fashion retailers are noticing one major shopping trend. Despite the temperatures continuing to soar, women aren't investing in any more summer styles and instead prepping autumn outfit ideas, excited for cooler climes. And these best-selling cardigans and jumpers at M&S are proof that building an autumn capsule wardrobe begins now.

Simple silhouettes, crew-neck button-down cardigans, relaxed V-necks, and slim sweaters are being added to baskets in a host of neutral and seasonal shades. Great building blocks that will help to refresh your favourite jeans, add an autumnal feel to silky slip skirts, or make directional trouser shapes feel a little cosier. If you want to get ahead of the style game and not miss out on the first M&S autumn drop of the season, it's time to start shopping.

And the prices for these early drops are favourable too. With a host of blended fibres, delivering the practicalities - such as crease resistance and washability of synthetics, with touches of wool for warmth and breathability- from just £22, but don't worry, the styles are elegant, versatile and totally timeless.

M&S

Crew Neck Cardigan With Wool

A simple, crew-neck cardigan in a neutral, light colourway is the ideal buy for autumn weather. With a touch of wool, this knit adds warmth, and is the perfect cover-up over tees and silky camis for cooling climes as we head into autumn. This oatmeal shade is versatile, teaming with any top or bottom colour, working across autumn and spring.

M&S

Crew Neck Cardigan With Wool

Available in this dark aubergine shade too, this is a fashion colour trend for 2026 that will help to update past autumn buys. Wearable with neutrals such as tan, cream, denim and chocolate brown, it will help ground brighter shades of olive, fuchsia and blue, too. A waisted hemline means it can be styled over trousers, skirts or dresses.

M&S

Collared Slim Jumper With Wool

Olive and khaki tones are set to be a big trend come autumn, and if you're looking to get those autumn buys in order, this preppy, slim, collared jumper is a great addition for when the weather finally cools. Team with tailored bottoms, tucked into a skirt, or work into white jeans outfits as an elegantly polished transitional outfit that nods subtly to the months to come.

M&S

V-Neck Relaxed Jumper With Wool

Relaxed knits are an autumn/winter wardrobe staple, and this relaxed jumper with a kiss of wool comes in four neutral colourways, a capsule wardrobe staple. While most relaxed jumpers can feel very oversized and long, this one delivers the laid-back shape through the body, but with a waisted hemline that makes it ideal for a half-tuck.

M&S

Crew Neck Jumper With Wool

Blush pinks have had quite the resurgence over the last six months, and this soft and subtle hue pairs easily with darker shades, offering the perfect lift for transitional weather. Again, this bargain buy has a touch of wool for warmth and breathability, but it's machine washable too so it fits into your wardrobe and your life with ease.

M&S

Air-Yarn Scarf Neck Button Through Cardigan

Triangle scarves were one of last years biggest style trends and the look is set to continue into autumn/winter, and I've seen lots of designs already starting to drop across the high street. This light weight but cosy, air yarn knit has an inbuilt triangle scarf to make getting your autumn style in order even easier.

It might feel a little early to shop autumn, especially as the weather seems to be stuck in a loop of heatwaves, but I promise, cooler climes are coming, and mid-August onwards is actually one of the best shopping periods of the fashion calendar.

After a long hot summer, it's time to put warm-weather trends to one side and think about layering, beautiful textures and rich colours that will see us through the next six months, and some of the best pieces are already dropping into stores. From M&S's new-in buys to the latest Mint Velvet autumn drop, brands are poised with style refreshes that will feel very welcome post-heatwave, and you don't want to miss out on those early bits that will pep up seasonal favourites.

Knitwear will always underpin an autumn/winter wardrobe, and these timeless M&S buys feel fresh for right now, but the neutral buys in particular will serve you well through to the end of spring, making them solid investment pieces you'll wear on repeat.

Rivkie is a fashion editor, writer and stylist with twenty years' experience in the industry. Rivkie studied design and pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion, and fell in love with styling and journalism, and has covered fashion weeks in London, Paris and New York, as well as shooting editorial all over the world.

Specialising in plus size fashion, Rivkie has long championed that style is for everyBODY and has appeared on a host of radio stations and television shows, pushing for greater representation for plus size women and fashion throughout her career.