First look: Marks & Spencer a/w 2013

It’s the middle of May and, by rights, our wardrobes should currently be geared towards bare legs and sunglasses.The weather of course has other ideas so, seeing as it feels more like October, it seems appropriate to share our excitement about next season’s Marks & Spencer collections.

It’s the first under new style director Belinda Earl, recruited by the high street brand last year to revitalise its fashion offering. And, judging by the first look we’ve had this morning at autumn’s pieces, she’s doing just that.

So what do you need to know? There’s a renewed focus on details and quality cuts and fabrics and, from Collection to Per Una the lines have all been redefined with more focus. We spotted brilliant tailoring, great leather trousers, patterned knits and ladylike dresses that would all make our wishlist. And there’s also a new emphasis on innovation – dresses with built in control panels that will make you look a dress size smaller and fabric finishes to make colours last longer. They’re even working on leather that you can put in the washing machine.

But for us it’s all about the coats –pressed boucle, angora blends, leopard prints, coon sleeves, mannish crombies and retro car coats – there’s a shape and style for everyone. Probably two or three if we’re honest. We just wish they were in store now, but you'll have to wait until 25 July for the first pieces to start hitting the shop floor.

See the autumn/winter 2013 catwalk collections...

See our guide to next season's biggest trends...