Our We Try Before You Buy series aims to take the stress out of shopping and eliminate the number of Post Office visits you make each month to return failed online orders. We test new-season buys and styling ideas so you don’t have to, and this month our editors have chosen a selection of looks from the latest Autograph collection, showcasing how they’ll be styling the edit’s hero pieces this spring.
T
he secret’s out about Marks and Spencer. It’s become our first stop for quality, fashion-forward staples that make dressing up for both day and night a breeze. And, over the past few seasons, it seems to have gone from strength to strength. It’s not unusual for one editor to compliment another in the Who What Wear UK office on
their outfit, for the reply to be “Thanks, it’s M&S.” It’s just womenswear hit after hit from the high-street stalwart, along with standout home and beauty picks that keep well-dressed people coming back for more. But where M&S is really upping the ante is with its most premium (and our favourite) in-house brand, M&S Autograph. Warmer weather tends to usher in a slew of invites that immediately shift attention to the more formal side of our wardrobes. It’s like the clocks go forward, and bam! Previously empty calendars are suddenly filled with after-work drinks, birthday dinners and long wedding weekends, all requiring memorable (and ideally repeatable) outfits that can adapt to the moment. That’s the sweet spot that M&S Autograph collections operate in, because smart-casual dresses or sharper separates won’t cut it for these occasions without some sort of spark. And, of course, we’d never want our outfits to betray just how hard we’ve worked to pull them off.
FLORRIE ALEXANDER
“I'll always LOOK (and feel!) put-together in this DRESS”
Our Editors Agree:
These Are The Spring Autograph Pieces To Depend On Day and Night
versatile
bold
refined
In Three Words
THE COLLECTION
Sponsor Content Created with M&S
WE TRY BEFORE YOU BUY:
WE TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
Autograph’s striking spring collection exudes effortlessness. The line between workwear and event dressing is blurred as a well-thought-out range of elegant dresses and fluid co-ords step into the spotlight, whilst the more relaxed tailoring retains its structure. There are also notable upgrades to the fail-safe pieces we’ve come to rely on, too, in terms of lighter, silkier fabrics, trend-led silhouettes with impressive longevity and polished yet playful accessories as the final touch.
It’s Who What Wear UK tradition to jumpstart the season with our much-loved franchise, We Try Before You Buy, where we ask our editors to try on and give their verdict on the highlights of our favourite collections. As senior branded content editor Felicia Pennant, shopping editor Florrie Alexander, junior fashion editor Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, and senior shopping editor Marina Avraam found out below, there’s no need to overthink these statement spring pieces.
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£70.00
M&S Pure Ramie Pintuck Waisted Shirt
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£55.00
M&S Pure Ramie Godet Cami Top
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£110.00
M&S Pure Ramie Godet Waisted Maxi Dress
SHOP THE LOOK
“This spring, I'm planning to reflect the ease of the season in my wardrobe, and naturally, that means I set out to find a pretty spring dress that I’d keep reaching for. As ever, Autograph came through with a delicate style with perfectly placed pleats, a sweeping silhouette and an elegant high neckline. It’s in the same gorgeous shade of pink as other hero styles in the collection.”
“The balance of a sophisticated form and lightweight fabric ensures that this pink dress isn’t too cutesy and can seamlessly move from day to night with my busy spring schedule. I’m imagining it with a pair of flats or sandals by day (and for work), then instantly elevated with these pretty suede mules for after-work drinks and a whole host of evening events. Whether I've got five or 50 minutes to get ready, I know I'll always look (and feel!) put-together in this dress. And if you’re wondering if it could impress at a wedding? The answer is yes."
Pros: Easily moves from day to night with little to no adjustment. Cons: Only comes in one colourway (I need this in every shade).
thinK
pink
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£110.00
M&S Pure Silk Balloon Trousers
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£75.00
M&S Pure Silk Balloon Cami Top
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£60.00
M&S Pure Cotton Striped Pleat Front Trousers
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£50.00
M&S Pure Cotton Striped Cropped Shirt
SHOP THE LOOK
Marina Avraam
“It has that EFFORTLESS, thrown-on-but-still-chic quality that feels MODERN”
If there’s one outfit that I can guarantee will make getting dressed in spring feel instantly polished, it’s this Autograph balloon trousers and top co-ord. A bold alternative to a dress, it has that effortless, thrown-on-but-still-chic quality that feels modern. The trending balloon silhouette gives the trousers shape and interest, whilst the matching top, with its clean lines, balances the volume and nods to ‘90s minimalism. As the fabric is lightweight and breathable, it’s perfect when bridging spring with summer.”
“What I love most about this co-ord (and the other great options in the collection) is how versatile it is. Styled with heels and an evening bag, it excels for dinner or events, whilst ballet flats and the right jacket transform it into a memorable daytime outfit. It’s the kind of set you’ll wear on repeat because it always looks like you’ve made an effort, even when you didn’t. Plus, I’m confident that this shade of khaki will shine on everyone.”
Pros: Looks expensive, versatile, as the pieces can be worn separately. Cons: The trouser length will vary depending on height.
StATEMENT
Co-OrD
LOOK 04 / 04
THE
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£80.00
M&S Tailored Straight Leg Trousers
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£120.00
M&S Tailored Double Breasted Blazer
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£70.00
M&S Pure Linen Tailored Shorts
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£120.00
M&S Pure Linen Tailored Blazer
SHOP THE LOOK
Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki
“LIGHTWEIGHT linen is my first port of call when the sun begins to SHINE”
“Lightweight linen is my first port of call when the sun begins to shine, so this matching Autograph two-piece was an easy decision. There’s an exciting selection of suits to try out this spring/summer, but the sumptuously soft fabric of this one feels buttery smooth on the skin, which is exactly what I want to feel cool and polished on the hottest days.”
“To add something a little more trend-led, I layered an embroidered khaki cami top underneath. The dramatic contrast next to the bright white instantly created visual interest, yet in my soul, I knew the outfit was still missing a few well-placed additions. A skinny horsebit belt, soft leather flip-flops and an extravagantly large pair of dark sunglasses injected a subtle cool-girl edge that I’m constantly trying to achieve when dressing in spring.”
Pros: Lightweight and breathable; it’s perfect for a warm day. Cons: If you're after my more relaxed fit, I'd recommend going up two sizes.
COOL-GIRL
Tailoring
LOOK 02 / 04
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£80.00
M&S Suede Boxy Sling Bag
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£100.00
M&S Satin Ruffle Maxi Slip Dress
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£100.00
M&S Pure Flax Linen Structured Waisted Dress
SHOP THE LOOK
Felicia Pennant
“It's SLEEK, structured, nipped at the WAIST”
“I like to upgrade my rotation of little black midi dresses regularly, because, as I remind myself, you’ll never regret buying a dress that delivers 24/7. As this Autograph one is on the dressier side but definitely still work-friendly (with light layers underneath or a blazer on top), I was intrigued, and the hanger appeal was high before I zipped it on.”
“Sleek, structured, nipped at the waist. I was happy to note that the skirt fell just below the knee, which is no mean feat given that I’m 5’11”, even though this dress wasn’t labelled as “tall”. What you’ll no doubt know sets the best little black midi dresses apart as the temperature rises is the material, and this lighter one is made from soft and breathable linen. The effect is so effortlessly chic that even prolific ironers like me will welcome the wrinkles. Adding black pointed slingback heels and chunky gold earrings made the most sense to keep this simple, head-turning look classic.”
Pros: Minimum effort for maximum impact. Cons: Seems destined to sell out immediately… but there are plenty of on-par alternatives, including a standout silk ruffle dress in the same eye-catching moss green that runs through the collection.
LITTLE BLACK
MIDI DRESS
THE
LOOK 01 / 04
LOOK 03 / 04
