I've worked in fashion for 20 years, and I still turn to Marks and Spencer coats to keep me warm and stylish. Here are my top picks

Marks and Spencer coats are a true staple of a winter capsule wardrobe. The much-loved British clothing brand is well-known for its selection of trend-led staples, and when it comes to the perfect piece of winter outerwear at a great price point, M&S is hard to beat.

With something to suit every taste, whether you're after a directional trench coat in this season's biggest colour trend, a cosy 100% wool design, or a practical weather-proofed puffer, Marks and Spencer's coat collection has them all.

Navigating the best winter coat trends for 2025, whilst also finding a timeless investing buy is no easy task, but with some clever shopping, the two concepts go hand-in-hand, and in my opinion, Marks and Spencer has navigated this aesthetic perfectly. I headed into store to check out the latest offering, and have a try on so I can give you the lowdown on what to look out for and what I think is truly worth it.

Marks and Spencer is known for great quality basics, and a coat is a winter wardrobe staple. Having a particularly strong season, the M&S offering in terms of outerwear is a solid mix of style classics and more trend-led pieces. Still, even those with runway leanings have a timelessness to them, thanks to the team's thoughtful designs and understanding that we aren't just wearing our outerwear for one season; we want something that will last.

With several in-house brands: M&S main range, Autograph, Per Una and Jaeger, there are lots of options in terms of price points and fabric level too. Unsurprisingly, the wool and wool blend coats were higher in cost than those made entirely of synthetic fabrics, but in my opinion, where possible, they are worth the splurge, as the warmth and breathability are unrivalled. I also thought that they were well-priced too.

Alongside smarter, tailored styles are more sporty, practical puffer, quilted and waxed jacket silhouettes, that also fit into that 'of the moment, but also timeless bracket. Proving that the range here really is accounting for all tastes and lifestyles.

How we tested the best Marks & Spencer coats

Using my 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, I assessed Marks and Spencer's coat range on fabric quality, fit, texture and warmth. I also looked at their longevity and style, whether they're on-trend for this season, or something you'll be able to wear for several seasons to come and how I felt the sizing was executed, true to size or if styles were coming up big or small.

I used these findings to determine whether I felt the coat justified its price tag and how well this could slot into a capsule wardrobe (and stay there for seasons to come).

And, just for reference, when looking at the pictures and videos on this piece, I am 5'2 and usually wear a size 18 in M&S.

My top 5 Marks & Spencer coats

The barn jacket is a massive autumn/winter fashion trend for 2025, and this waxed jacket with classic corduroy colour is a longline version of the timeless style. With its roots in heritage fashion, and reminiscent of our favourite Barbour coats, this waxy jacket is cut with a carcoat silhouette and front popper fastening, making it a great throw-on and go piece.

Crafted in cotton, this coat has great breathability, making it ideal for commuting or countryside walks. Although it isn't quilted, the cotton fabric makes this ideal for layering over chunkier knitwear, which is perhaps why the cut is a little more generous, giving you room to slip knits on underneath. Usually an 18, I could easily fit into a 14, although I think the 16 would have been the perfect size for wearing over a cashmere sweater, leggings and boots, leaning into that 'walk in the country' aesthetic.

I didn't think I'd like this coat, as I am such a city girl, a Barbour style number has never really appealed, but the carcoat cut was very flattering and the thoughtful details, such as the removable hood and contrast brown corduroy trim, add lovely finishing touches to the design.

There is a front zip that is then covered by a popper fastening for a more sporty finish. This is not only stylish, but practical too, and the zip will help to lock in warmth on the coldest days.

Machine washable and able to on low in the tumble dryer, this coat feels extremely practical, but thanks to the enduring heritage style, it feels fashionable too. Yes, the heritage trend is massive at the moment, but the classic khaki and brown wax jacket is a style loved by the Royals and many other celebrities, which has added to its timelessness, this is definitely a coat you could revisit next year too, and thanks to the cotton fabric, and slim fit, it will work in spring and autumn as well.

Worth the money? It's a yes from me. It's a timeless style that's easy to look after and ticks both the classic and trending style box. While it's pretty outdoorsy, thanks to the popularity of the style, you could certainly wear this for the office over tailoring too. A Barbour waxed coat of a similar length would set you back about £350, so getting the look for less at under £100, and there's 20% off at the moment too, so the coat is in fact retailing for just £76 right now, it's a style steal.

A surprising hit when it comes to the autumn/winter fashion colour trends 2025, pastel hues are normally reserved for the summer months, but I love this pop of freshness in the form of this perfectly pink coat. The colour is gorgeous and will lift all of your winter outfits in an instant, flooding your face with lots of light and a rosy glow that's ideal as the weather gets drearier.

With 51% wool content, you are getting some added warmth and breathability, thanks to the natural fibre blend, and it's this that pushes the price tag of the coat over the £100 mark.

Part of Marks and Spencer's Autograph range, the coat benefits from a little bit of extra luxe, which is part of the DNA of the line. The higher spec fabric, alongside a more tailored and directional cut, makes this coat about adding a bit more of a trend-led feel to your winter looks, but still with the timelessness of an androgynously cut coat.

The long, oversized revere collar adds a statement look and a deep V to the front, which you'll want to fill in with a lovely cashmere scarf for added warmth. The popper fastening is double-breasted, which on my more apple-shaped frame didn't quite work, and at 5'2 I did find this coat a little too long, although I was still very taken with the colour and overall style, it just wasn't one for my petite but curvy frame.

Sizes in XS to XL, I tried on the M, again, I would usually go for a large in M&S knitwear, but due to the oversized cut, I opted for an M which was perhaps slightly too small, but an L would have swamped me, reaffirming my suspicions that this beauty is best for taller frames with more athletic or pear shaped silhouettes.

Dry clean only is probably the biggest downside of this style, because this light colourway might need a bit of extra TLC, depending on how careful you are with your coffee; however, it's still a gorgeous coat, and the polished silhouette is ideal over work or party wear, and it will add extra flair to jeans and sweater outfits too.

A beautiful coat, in a sensational colour, the £150 swing ticket feels like a fair price for a wool blend, lined coat, with a beautiful statement collar and gorgeous colourway. While pink is certainly having a moment, I think the cut gives it enough classicism to carry on into other winter seasons, too.

The coat I really didn't think I'd go for, this quilted coat is crafted with the brand's trademarked Stormwear, which essentially gives the coat water repellent properties, ideal for drizzly days. While they aren't the most waterproof jackets, for everyday wear, they're the perfect solution for sudden showers.

Super light, the quilting is filled with a mixture of duck down and duck feather for a warm but breathable finish. With a zip and front popper fastening, you get a little bit of extra wind protection, and I love the popper vented sides, which make this coat perfect for walks as well as daily commutes, as the vents can be opened if you need extra striding room, or closed for extra coverage.

Despite being quilted, the coat isn't overly puffy, although the self-tie fabric belt definitely still helps to add shape and pull you in at the waist, giving this coat extra style points. The chocolatey brown hue fits perfectly into this season's fashion trends, although it does come in classic black too if you want to ensure timelessness.

The funnel neckline adds extra cosiness, negating the need for an additional scarf as it covers the chest area with ease, and the in-built hood offers rain and wind protection too. With a more sporty silhouette than the other coats I've tried, this is a great weekend number, but the zig-zag quilting and belt tie do still give this coat a smarter edge, which you could certainly wear to most offices too.

Quilted coats are something we do come to expect for the season, thanks to their warmth and practicality, but I love that M&S have given this staple design an extra fashion twist with thoughtful details and colour palette.

At £100, it is one of the more expensive coats, but it is filled with duck down and feathers, which will have infinitely more breathability and the ability to trap air for warmth in a non-sweaty way than many of its synthetic counterparts elsewhere on the high street.

Sleek, sporty, light and practical, there is very little not to love about this coat, and if you want a style you can grab and go and potentially sling over your handbag too on the tube, this is a winner.

This was one of the coats I featured in my tour of the Marks & Spencer's press day reel, and it remains one of the key silhouettes of the season for M&S. Snapped in the brand's adverts, this 'could be designer' trench coat feels so runway ready, even with its faux leather fabrication.

Quite weighty on the hanger, it feels surprisingly light on, and the soft mock croc fabric doesn't feel sweaty like I thought it would, showing just how much faux leathers have changed in the last 10 years.

Fully lined for a more comfortable fit, it's quite oversized and trying on the 18, my regular size in M&S, I certainly felt I could size down in this design and still comfortably slip a sweater on underneath.

One of the best trench coats of the season, this bitter chocolate hue is on the money right now, but brown is a neutral, and the dark colourway is a wonderful alternative to black that looks and feels just as smart.

The self-tie belt helps to cinch in the waistline, but you could remove it and replace it with a leather belt for a more customised look, and it's a great way of updating this coat when next autumn rolls around. Ideal for wearing over smart, party or casual attire, this trench coat has a luxe look, but it still clocks in at under £100, and it's definitely cheaper than I was expecting for such a standout piece.

At 5'2 I thought the coat would overwhelm my frame, but despite the longer length, I would wear this coat, and it had a great balance between tailored and androgynously relaxed fit that I really loved. Although I normally do prefer real leather, this M&S coat is certainly tempting me.

They're expensive, but I am a sucker for a 100% wool coat. This little double-breasted pea coat in a classic camel hue is from the Jaeger collection, retailed through Marks and Spencer. The timeless colourway and staple silhouette are ones you can turn to time and time again, and it definitely falls into the investment buy category.

The shorter hem is ideal for petites, but will also be a good option for those commuting by car, or if a longline coat feels a little overwhelming.

With classic military detailing like the epaulette shoulder details, this is a silhouette that you can expect to fall into fashion every winter, and the luxurious 100% wool fabric is not just light, it's breathable and warm too.

A great choice if you largely wear trousers, the shorter shape will help to balance your silhouette and elongate your legs in the process. In a neutral camel hue, it will pair effortlessly with any existing winter accessories, such as gloves and hats, but it will also team with most handbag colourways too.

I tried on a size 14, which was quite fitted, and if I were to purchase this coat, I would opt for a size 16, and lean in a little more to the slightly relaxed, oversized fit of the design. And while the model looks effortlessly cool wearing the coat open over a smart work outfit, I need to know my coats can pull their weight on super cold days, too.

The most expensive of my picks, the price tag is reflective of the soft 100% wool fabrication, and I don't begrudge paying for high-quality fabrics when budget allows me to do so. I believe that this one is worth it. Look after this coat and it will do the same for you.

And as with all the coats at M&S right now, there is 20% off, which actually means this coat is only £180, a bargain for a full wool coat in 2025.

Marks & Spencer coats - verdict 

Marks and Spencer has a great range of affordable and trend-driven coats that have you covered for every occasion. From weekend-ready waterproofs, to tailored silhouettes that look much more elevated than their price tags, to super tactile pieces for party season, I really do recommend Marks and Spencer as a great place to shop for your winter coat.

From helping you nail the absolute basics, to simply pepping up your wardrobe with a new statement outerwear style, you'll find it all here.

FAQs

What is the best coat to buy this year?

Coats are an investment piece, which means that the first thing I'm considering with any coat purchase is longevity. Can I see myself still loving this coat when spring rolls around, and will I be excited to wear it next year?

After that, you need to think about your own individual needs. Are you mainly in and out of the car? Do you have the school run to contend with or spend lots of time outdoors? Do you only want one coat that can do it all, or are you after a weekend wonder and a more polished piece for the office?

When it comes to colour choices, neutrals are always a strong choice; they don't go out of fashion, and they go with everything, although a great checked or houndstooth design is also always in fashion, thanks to its vintage styling.

Then think about the practical part: do you require specific waterproofing? Can you invest in 100% wool, or do you not need that level of breathability?

Considering all of these elements will help you buy the right coat for your lifestyle. But as a rule, unless a coat is in a very loud colour, brands understand that you're investing for more than one season and most silhouettes stick to tried and tested, timeless cuts.

What is the quality of Marks & Spencer coats like?

Overall, the quality of Marks & Spencer coats is impressive, even more so when you look at the price tags attached to them, and it does feel like there is something for everyone.

I love that there is a mix of offerings, from 100% wool to water repellent 'Stormwear' and everything in between. Whatever type of coat or weather condition you're facing, it feels like M&S has the outerwear.

This year, all of the coats I tried were lined, which also shows a level of quality and finish that you don't find everywhere on the high street. I was really impressed with the attention to detail, even down to the double fastenings, with several coats featuring popper and zip closures.

There's a great nod to styles of the moment, but nothing compromises on the brand putting out the best quality item. After all, these aren't just any coats - these are M&S coats.

How much do Marks & Spencer coats cost and are they worth it?

In winter 2025, the cheapest M&S coat is a 'Good Move' Stormwear lightweight parka coat for £30, although the lightweight aspect renders it more autumn and spring than full-on winter coat weather-ready. But there are thermo-warmth hooded puffers for £46, making the M&S coat range really affordable, without compromising on warmth and fabric tech.

Generally speaking, the wool or wool-blend coats are £150+, which is reflective of their high-quality fabric composition, while other longline coats or parkas are around the £90 to £120 mark, which is still very competitive for such a well-designed product.

Marks and Spencer's has a reputation for high-quality clothing for a reason, and yes, I believe the coats are worth it, they look and feel good, and when looked after, can stay in your wardrobe for seasons to come.

What is Marks & Spencer coat sizing like?

I actually found that M&S coats ran a little big this season, as I am normally a size 18, but found that to be a little too roomy in most styles, so I sized down accordingly. That being said, you also need to consider what you are likely to wear underneath. If you're someone who layers a lot of jumpers, or even wants a blazer underneath your coat, you'll need to consider staying to your normal size or sizing up to accommodate thicker items underneath.

Does Marks & Spencer offer easy returns?

UK customers can return unwanted items within 35 days from purchase. Sale items usually allow returns up to 14 days from purchase. If you are returning an online order, your items don’t need to be in the original box or bag as long as they’re securely packaged.

For postal returns in the UK, return costs are determined by the courier you choose.

The company now also offers seamless drop-off returns in many stores, allowing you to skip the queue and process your return in less than 60 seconds at a computerised kiosk.