I tried the viral M&S utility jacket – it’s ‘very luxe’
As you meander down the high street, you may spot that fashion retailers have spruced up their facades with a splash of spring flair. On my recent visit to Marks and Spencer, I was greeted by an array of light beige trench coats and Breton stripe tops before a green utility jacket caught my attention.
The Cotton Rich Collared Short Utility Jacket boasts a brown faux leather collar and four front pockets for all your essentials. Its sleek design and rich forest green hue wouldn’t look out of place in your transeasonal wardrobe – it exudes style and gives off an air of luxury.
Utility jackets have been a Hollywood star-favourite as we have seen variations on Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez and more. I could easily envision teaming this water-repellent outerwear with some dark navy jeans and a cream knit, or even mixing it up with a Boho-inspired dress like Next’s Ditsy Floral Midi Dress.
This M&S number was so popular that it was sold out within weeks in January and now it’s back in stock. Although lightweight, as some customers have pointed out, and perhaps not warm enough for chillier days – it stands as an ideal choice for a springtime cover-up.
Shoppers recommend sticking to your regular size, but if you’re keen on layering up or donning thick jumpers beneath, sizing up might be the way to go. One customer remarked: “A bit thinner than I was expecting, there’s no lining or padding which is hard to tell online, however I do like it and it will be useful come the spring and warmer weather.
“As for size, I tend to size up in coats as I’m between a 12-14 but the 12 was plenty big enough even with a jumper underneath. I have to turn the sleeves up, which it always the case as I’m 5″3 and sleeves are always too long.”
The utility jacket I put on was a UK12 and with the dropped shoulder design, I found it sitting fine on my body and I didn’t feel swimming in it. It has a “slimming effect” that made me feel like I’ve lost weight. But to my surprise, this M&S jacket is retailing at an afforable £69 when some high-end wax versions are selling at £200 and more.
Another customer remarked: “Absolutely lovely jacket, nice colour, like the collar being made of different material. It adds a nice contrast.”
A third shopper chimed in: “I bought this jacket because really classic and smart. I bought it a week ago but couldn’t wear it because of the weather, but I wore it for the first time today, to go for a walk to my sisters, I wore it with brown velvet joggers and hoodie, flat suede ankle boots and chunky socks, and it looked fabulous.
“But I still think it isn’t warm enough just yet for it, but if you layer up is should be fine. I can’t wait to wear it with all kinds of different outfits. I would 100% recommend this jacket, and would also like it in brown.”
