Marks and Spencer: Fashion writer’s top February style picks

This time of year can be a tricky one, with fashion fans starting to think about transitioning their wardrobes for the spring season, but the weather still remains cold and unpredictable. For those looking to invest in several new clothing pieces, Marks and Spencer is a popular choice, as the retailer’s range often combines value and quality.

Each month, the collection is updated, and I often find myself heading to the website to browse the new-in section, which showcases the newest additions and offers inspiration for putting together outfits at the current time.

Moving away from winter’s thick and heavy jumpers and coats, February’s collection features a good mix of spring denim and florals, plus more lightweight jumpers and jackets for those more chilly days. I’ve found several stand-out pieces from the range, all are within a £70 budget, with the cheapest starting at under £20. 

Maxi skirts come in all different forms, but a denim version is one of the most wearable. Sturdy enough to wear when the weather’s still cold (or layered with tights), but ideal for spring too, this maxi skirt can be paired with a jumper, blouse or t-shirt as an alternative to jeans. It costs £45, and if you wear jeans often, you’re likely to get your money’s worth out of this too. 

Suede is one this season’s biggest trends, overtaking leather and denim to insert itself firmly into fashion fans’ wardrobes, in the form of jackets, blazers and skirts.

Embrace the trend with the £69 Suedette Biker Jacket, an oversized, effortless throw-on piece in a longline style. For an all-out 70’s-inspired look you could pair this with flared jeans, or use it to soften up your favourite black dress.

As spring is coming but temperatures are yet to warm up, lightweight jumpers are still very much needed, and the Cotton Rich Textured V-Neck Slub Jumper has a few extra details to add some interest to an outfit.

I think the textured fabric and cut-out sleeve and neck detail are ideal for simple, everyday outfits, while I always find a v-neck to be flattering. The jumper costs £35 and comes in two spring-like shades – natural and lilac.

One thing M&S is great for is elevated basics, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll want versatile pieces that don’t need much accessorising to save time when searching for an outfit. Investing in textured clothing is one of my favourite ways to ensure my outfit doesn’t look boring.

The Short Sleeve Textured Top costs just £19.50 and comes in black and mocha shades. It’s easy to style too, with an airy, regular-fit design, which can be worn with any outfit you’d usually wear a t-shirt with.

If you’re thinking it’s too early in the year to even think about buying dresses, it’s not the case with this Pure Cotton Denim Mini Shift Dress.

In fact, this simple under £40 piece could become one of the hardest working pieces in your wardrobe. For the current weather, I’d wear it over a long-sleeve top or jumper with tights and boots. However, it’s a versatile piece that can easily transition with you through the spring and summer.

Once the weather heats up, I’d pair it with a light jacket and trainers, and come summer it would be easy to throw on sandals.

Compromising on comfort is a major no-no as far as I’m concerned, and it seems M&S is on the same page with the £49.50 Cotton Blend Denim Look Wide Leg Trousers.

There’s no longer a need to choose between jeans, smart trousers and sweatpants, as these cleverly designed trousers have a denim effect without the stiff material, the shape and feel of wide-leg trousers, and added stretch for comfort.

A pretty blouse is a spring essential, and M&S’ newest addition is the Pure Cotton Tie Front Blouse. It has a minimal design, with bows at the front, a v-neckline and slightly puffed sleeves.

I’d wear this with jeans in the UK, but as it’s 100% cotton and white, it could easily make it into my holiday wardrobe to pair with shorts on city breaks and beach trips.

Mesh can elevate clothing, and it takes this jersey dress up a notch. The Mesh Jersey Midi Column Dress has a round neckline and midi-length, with a built-in camisole lining to avoid any unwanted sheerness.

For £35, I would argue that this dress could be styled in many different ways. I would wear this with a knitted vest on top and with boots, or you could belt it and pair it with pointed-toe heels and a blazer for a dressy occasion.

The new in section at Nobody’s Child focuses on spring florals and brights, to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe for spring.

Or, Next has lightweight layers, blouses and cardis in its new collection, including from its own range and concessions like Lipsy and Levis.