There are some autumn trends that are all about practicality, and then there are those that make getting dressed for colder weather feel considerably more exciting. The best example of this? Shearling. Once reserved for heavy duty aviator jackets and countryside outerwear, the incredibly soft fabric has certainly had a fashion makeover, with designers and high street brands alike giving it a much more polished, everyday feel.
While I do love a classic shearling lined coat, there's something particularly appealing about seeing the trend take over the this years most popular style: the bomber jacket. Already one of the biggest outerwear silhouettes of the season, the bomber's slightly boxy shape works surprisingly well with the soft, texture of shearling, creating a jacket that's equal parts cool and cosy. A fashion double whammy, if you will.
M&S has, naturally, nailed the combination with its Faux Shearling Zip Up Bomber Jacket.
Crafted from soft faux shearling, the £75 (yes, you read that right) style has all the familiar details you'd expect from a bomber - including a practical zip fastening and gathered hem - but the fluffy finish gives the otherwise sporty silhouette a far more cold weather ready feel.
It's also fully lined, with added stretch in the fabric, making it particularly well suited to those chilly mornings when the last thing you want is a jacket that looks good but feels restrictive.
The sable shade is another reason I think this piece works so well. Rather than feeling too bold, the neutral hue makes it incredibly easy to slot into an existing autumn wardrobe. There's plenty of ways to wear it too, with everything from shirts and blouses to swishy midi skirts and tailored, deep pleat trousers. A pair of sleek boots would look great with the formula, too.