I rarely buy into viral fashion trends, but this M&S animal print coat is too good to miss
Featured in the M&S Christmas advert, this coat has piqued a lot of interest - grab one before they go.
Having worked in fashion for a long time, I have learned to drown out a lot of style noise. Of course, I'm paying attention to the autumn/winter fashion trends 2026, sprinkling them into my wardrobe where appropriate, but I do try to avoid viral trends, as I'm trying to be better at investing for the long term. However, I think I've found the sweet spot with this elegant, yet trendy, M&S winter coat.
The tailored design features a button front and waist tie belt, alongside gently voluminous sleeves that deliver a delightfully vintage feel. In this season's must-have zebra print, but in a muted brown mix palette, it looks exceptionally elegant and much more expensive than its price tag. And of course, the brown hue nods to the autumn/winter fashion colour trends for 2026 too.
While my husband might tell you I have plenty of coats (a fact I will continue to dispute), this design is well tailored, has two front pockets, and a self-tie fabric belt that could easily be switched for a leather one for an even more elevated feel. Featured in this season's smash-hit M&S advert, the design has gone viral, but it really is a very beautiful coat that can easily be worn for many winters to come.
While the coat is listed as a wrap style, it actually has a hidden button placket down the front, which means you can wear it as a wrap, buttoned to the top or a little bit of both, using the belt to simply cinch in your middle. The longline shape falls around calf-length, height dependent, while the cuff sleeves can be pushed up, if you wish to add a pair of long leather gloves, like modelled in the brand's image.
Lined, calf-length, and with a collar that buttons all the way up, rather than a revere that I find quite chilly in the depths of winter. This luxe animal-print design needs no extra scarf; however, I think a vintage brooch, or a small cluster of jewelled brooches, will add an extra fashion-forward spin.
The elevated design is ideal for those who need something a little more polished for the 9-5 (I love my parka, but even I must admit it's not presenting the pulled-together aesthetic I want), but it's also a coat that easily goes over evening wear looks. Meaning I won't feel slightly awkward donning my best sequins, only to pull over the ultimate outdoorsy outerwear over the top.
At 5'2 I was nervous that the coat would be far too long, and while it falls longer than my calf, it's above my ankle and actually delivers a very cosy fit and feel, delivering extra protection for the even colder weather that is yet to come.
In terms of fit, due to the slightly roomier sleeves and almost cocoon-shaped silhouette that tapers into a more fitted style at the bottom, I found that a 16 was sufficient, although I carry more of my weight around my middle and it was a little snug but wearable; the 18 was far too voluminous on top. I would usually wear an 18 in M&S, and I tried it on with a sweater, so I know it can take some layering.
Available up to a size 24, it's a relatively size-inclusive design, and thanks to the advert, I'm pretty sure it's going to find its way out the door pretty quickly. The muted colour palette makes it easy to style with everything, as the neutral zebra design will go with any of the autumn/winter fashion colour trends for 2026 with ease.
My only real gripe with the design is that it is 100% polyester, and I do prefer to opt for more breathable fabrics where possible, but I'm fully aware that if this design had been in wool or even a wool blend, the price would be considerably higher. And I think in winter, when I want a little bit more warmth, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.
