First look: M&S unveils autumn/winter 26 collection

The AW26 M&S collection launches exclusively in stores and online tomorrow (3 September). M&S said this season’s collection is “rooted in style” and is underpinned by the “exceptional quality and trusted value” the fashion retailer is known for – more than 50% of the women’s autumn collection is priced under £30. M&S said autumn/winter champions “design, premium fabrications and wearability”, across its own-brand M&S Collection, Autograph, Per Una, Goodmove and Jaeger brands. The new collection spans women’s, men’s and kidswear, including footwear and accessories. Key pieces include elevated tailoring, multi-wear outerwear and statement occasionwear for the party season, as well as wardrobe essentials including tops, denim and knitwear. Advertisement Heritage checks and modern stripes are a common theme across the collection, alongside statement collars, considered layering and a mix of “rich seasonal colours” such as burgundy, chocolate brown, camel, cream and vibrant reds. M&S said 74% of its outerwear options are priced at £70 and under, with lightweight padded jackets starting at £40. Actress and M&S chief compliments officer Gillian Anderson is returning to front the retailer’s newest “Love That” marketing campaign, which launches tomorrow (3 September), and spotlights core pieces from the new collection. Hero pieces in the new campaign include a fake fur jacket (£70), pinstripe suit (£85 blazer, £46 trousers), and a blue satin co-ord (£65 jacket, £28 skirt). M&S marketing director of fashion, home and beauty Sharry Cramond said: “After celebrating a ‘Summer of Love That’, we’re excited to keep building that momentum into autumn, the single biggest style moment of the year. This season is all about the pieces that catch your eye, spark a compliment and inspire you to share the look with someone else. Fashion has always been a powerful way to connect, and our globally recognised Love that platform celebrates those moments of admiration, recommendation and inspiration that happen every day. Advertisement “Alongside working with our CCO, Gillian Anderson, to deliver a fantastic style campaign, we’re also committed to providing exceptional quality and value for customers, with over 50% of the autumn collection priced under £30 – which is just fantastic. “The response to Love That has been phenomenal this year and we’re excited to showcase the trends, investment pieces and future bestsellers that will set the viral product agenda for autumn. These are the pieces everyone will soon be talking about and, as we like to say at M&S, Love That.” The launch comes as M&S gears up to make its debut at London Fashion Week (LFW) later this month, as it celebrates 100 years in the fashion industry. Have your say or a new account to join the discussion.