Knits, party pants, plaid dresses – M&S new-in has all your wardrobe updates from £20

As always, there’s plenty of key pieces to choose from

By Emma RichardsonUpdated: 23 October 2025

While the recent weather forecast might be rainy and dreary, it doesn’t mean your clothing rotation has to be dull. This month, I’m in the market for a serious wardrobe refresh and whenever I get the I-need-new-clothes itch, I know just what will scratch it, and that’s Marks & Spencer. Why? Because their style offering is one of the best on the high street, balancing what women want with what they can afford.

While the top price point across the updated new-in section is £199 for a pair of burgundy leather trousers (you know, the style that is dominating autumn wardrobes this season), you can get a pair of kick-flare leggings for a breezy £22.50, a wool-blend embellished cardigan for £36 and a leather-look skirt for £46. Of course, classic, easy-to-wear staples are always a must-have, but my eyes couldn’t help but wander to the partywear options lining the virtual racks.

Firstly, I was especially intrigued by the stylish party pants – specifically the Sparkly Palazzo Trousers – constructed from sparkly lurex fabric for a head-turning touch. These festive-ready trousers come in two colours, silver and a lustrous brown. The best part? Both are part of a matching co-ord, designed to pair with their respective matching flute-sleeve button-up shirts. I also adore the sequin trousers – the perfect statement piece.

The Celtic-style plaid dress is also excellent, delivering highland charm in spades. It’s quite fitting, actually, that M&S would release a swishy number in the criss-cross print, considering right now we’re all scrupulously watching The Celebrity Traitors. Wear it with a jumper stylishly layered over the top, with a pair of sleek leather (or faux leather) ankle boots peeking out for a look Claudia Winkleman would assuredly approve of.

And if you missed out on snapping up one of the quirky statement jumpers released as part of the M&S x Bella Freud collection (or if you loved the one you bought so much that now you want another), consider the stylish Slogan Funnel Neck Jumper. Available in grey and beige, this adorable and seriously cosy jumper features the word ‘Nordic’, which, ironically, is an especially fitting statement considering the cold snap ahead.

I’ve handpicked standout pieces from M&S’s newest collection: a smart, stylish, and desirable edit that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. All of them are generously stocked at the time of writing.