While it's not absolutely baltic outside, the autumn temperature drop will come thick and fast, so I've had to take a serious look at my outerwear collection. I have quite the extensive jacket selection - and how can you blame me when my favourite brands keep dropping some of the best styles I've ever seen? Bombers, barn jackets, classic trenches - if it's a lightweight jacket, chances are I already own it.
But now, I think it's time to introduce something far more practical for when the weather makes the inevitable shift from mild to chilly, which, more often than not, seems to happen without warning. For this, I've returned to a style that saw me through my school years: the parka.
For 2026, though, the style is less longline with an oversized hood and more refined, complete with a luxury spin. Say hello to M&S's Pure Cotton Faux Fur Trim Parka - the newest solution to dressing chic in lower temperatures. The catch? I think it'll sell out at record speed.
Crafted from pure cotton and padded to protect you from the cold, this chic style proves that practical winter dressing needn't be frumpy and can, in fact, be just as stylish as the most considered pieces in your wardrobe.
Of course, the chicest thing about the coat is its chocolate brown faux fur cuffs, an elevated touch that makes the style look far more expensive than it actually is. It also borrows from the classic Afghan coat, but with less boho charm and more Hollywood starlet glamour.
Not only that, but its adjustable waistband is perfect if you're looking for a coat that still has plenty of shape. Pull it tight for a more defined silhouette, or leave it loose if you prefer something slightly more relaxed and boyish. Better still, the faux fur collar is removable, meaning you essentially get two looks for the price of one.