Every fashionista knows that a trench coat or Mac is a wardrobe staple & I’m no exception. But would you believe I have never owned one?… no not ever. Yep true story.
I’ve tried on dozens of the high street versions over the years however none have remotely tempted me. Of course there’s always Burberry & like many I dreamed of buying one of their iconic designs but the exorbitant price is just way too extreme to justify. Don’t get me wrong I do believe the Trench is a worthy investment but £1200? Hmm perhaps not so much…
Then I spotted this Marks and Spencer Trench & I was smitten! The quality of this coat is absolutely incredible so I really hope you can appreciate it from my pictures. I tried hard to show the beautiful stitching & capture tight shots of the metallic details. To say I’m impressed is the ultimate understatement. This particular Trench that Marks and Spencer do is top of the range however all of their Trench coats are manufactured from a special cotton blend material trade marked Stormwear that is water repellent & super durable. Therefore you’re getting the same wonderful fabric at every price point including the lowest one of £39.50! Now I’m not here to push you to shop at M&S but I am here to tell you, if you’re in the market for a Mac these are worth seriously considering. I promise you I will never be anything but honest in my opinion – infact brutally at times. So when I gush over something it’s genuine enthusiasm & that’s the truth. I bloody love this coat! It’s a perfect fit at size 10, usually I’m a 12 in coats for monkey arm length if nothing else so I’d say it comes up slightly large but then again M&S often do, so keep that in mind. Now take a look through & we’ll chat some more about the rest of the outfit further down…
Everything you need in a Trench Coat
These are the other Trench coats M&S has on offer, including a plus size version although that is only online. There is also a petite for those of you with small frames who don’t want to be swamped by the coat. I’ve had a close up look at all of them & can report the quality is superb even on the lower priced ones. I also love the variety of buttons, particularly the more traditional tortoiseshell.
Shop this Outfit
What to wear under your Trench
You will rarely see a floral dress underneath a Trench & I have no idea why that is. Usually women wear trousers or jeans with them. Personally I think the Trench makes an ideal transitional jacket for Spring or Autumn so why not throw it over a dress? I suppose traditionally it’s more a workwear coat yet this one is so refined that it doesn’t look out of place paired with a floral dress. Of course It’ll also look incredible with my Winser London trousers yet for a less formal style this pretty dress is perfect. Besides I’m a bit fed up with trousers & jeans right now aren’t you? Sure my legs are so white they’re almost blue but I don’t care I want them OUT!
Marks and Spencers padded sole shoes
The beauty of these block heel wedges is a plump padded sole that makes them super comfy for every day. I have a high instep so I know what I’m talking about. It’s a rarity for the arch of my foot to even feel the touch of the inner soul, usually I spend the day walking on my tippy toes! The other thing I really like is the use of mixed materials here. The shoes are leather with a suede edge & a gold buckle which adds a touch of glamour. Giving a sexy nod to the 1940’s in the ankle strap these wedges have a chameleon-like style making them adaptable to a variety of outfits, translating to literally years of wear.
Now just to give you guys a heads up – It’s end of term madness happening here now so although I am planning to keep up my weekly articles there is a chance I’ll fall at the first hurdle. Please bear with me & remember if you haven’t already subscribed it’s a good way to never miss a post. Let’s face it I am a tad hit and miss with my publishing schedule, sowee…
Keep up to date with the chaos on “my stories” over Easter as I take my family skiing for the first time – Wish me luck! Lot’s of love to you & yours, Mx
Comments ( 21 )
alliebarnicoat
Just bought a short Hobbs trench coat like a long jacket instead of the standard length but still am undecided about it. I paid £169 and think I may return it. I’ve also bought a Barbour off white mac and I really like the informal style all poppers and with a zip. Yes you look good in your M & S mac
MT
Hi Allie, it’s so nice to hear from you!
I wonder what it is about the Hobbs one you’re unsure of? Is it the colour tone or the length you mentioned? For that price I agree it’s fair to take it back if you’re not going to wear it. Your Barbour one sounds gorge, do you wear it dog walking or is it too good?
sequinist
Wow, that is a seriously gorgeous trench coat; you’re right, the details make it look much more expensive! I’m looking for a pink one, so I’m going to check out the one you posted. I’d also love a baby blue one but my closet is full of that colour!
The dress underneath just screams springtime. I’m not a florals gal, but I like how modern this feels with the fabulous clashing colours of pink, orange, and turquoise. If I were to wear a floral, this would be it!
Beautiful photos, babe xx
MT
You know Lisa it’s funny you say that about not being into florals, neither was I until fairly recently. I do have a couple of dresses in black floral which is not so girlie but I mean this light print is quite different to what I usually wear. I just saw it & instantly liked it, the wide sleeves & loose fit were also a factor. I imagine it with flip flops in Italy this Summer, cool but with some cover from the sun.
And by the way didn’t you not wear pink until recently? Heehee perhaps we’ll see you in florals soon 😉 xxx
Rachel
I so nearly went for the khaki version of this but plumped for the slightly more classic sand version of the navy one you posted. Looking forward to a rain shower now!
MT
Ooh yes that one is a gorgeous version Rachel! I can see why you chose it & agree sand is the classic choice. Please let me know what you think when it arrives x
Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
What a beauty! The Girl and the Trench! I must admit the Mac looks really high quality, like a Burberry one. Oh, and that dress – a stunner! Looking absolutely divine! ❤️ xx Abby
MT
I know Abby I didn’t want to come right out & say that it is as good as a Burberry, you did it for me! Thanks mate 😉
xx
No Fear of Fashion
I agree, it is a lovely trench coat and you photographed the details really well. My compliments. I am still hanging on to my off-white one but as it is years old, the wear and tear is showing. For spring I have my pink coat so I am good there.
Before I forget.. you say: “It’s a perfect fit at size 10, usually I’m a 12 in coats so I’d say it comes up slightly small”… Shouldn’t that be: “it comes up slightly large”? As you bought a size smaller? Or is this a language thingy? Me being Dutch.
The dress is a beauty and you are spot on with florals this season. The sandals make it look even better.
And I love your sunglasses. Big want here.
Greetje
MT
Oh blimey yes you’re right Greetje! See that’s my brain not working fast enough after our Aussie family left. Thank you for pointing that out I’ll go correct it now xxx
Nancy
For years I’ve said to myself I wanted to save up for a real Burberry trench. But I never did, although I love a trench coat! And I never thought of checking the M&S site for dresses, I already saw very pretty ones. Yours is gorgeous! What a beautiful colours and print! I am also very glad we can go bare legged again! Happy weekend!
MT
Oh you too Nancy? Well it is an enormous amount of money isn’t it!
I think M&S are really working on raising the bar in their Womens Fashion, to be honest it was slim pickings there for a long time. Granted the quality has never faultered but I do think the styles became quite old fashioned & stale for a while. It’s great to see they’ve moved forward & are bring us some really good design options.
Rozanne Swift
That dress is beautiful! If I did florals, it would be top of my list. Love the shoes too, just a bit different in the details and really fun. The quality of the trench is a revelation; I did longer over the khaki version on the website a while back but… I keep trying to make friends with trench coats and we just never quite click! I feel a bit irritable in them, a bit trussed up… Love them on other people, though, and you look fabulous as ever x
Samantha
You DIDN’T also get the baby blue or pink while you were there?? Or navy for that matter?… like you, I’ve always wanted a Burberry trench, and thus there is no mac in my wardrobe… M&S you say?…
MT
Heehee tempted my friend, very tempted…especially by the navy!
jacqui
I love the sound of this – oh and the price! My trench is ages old and rather 80’s styles, still fab though. I bought a cute on for my daughter from Zara a few years ago and they really do stand the test of time. Great post Hun. xx
Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
MT
I like the idea of an 80’s style Trench actually, sounds fab! xx
Suzy Turner (@suzy_turner)
I love it! Although I wouldn’t choose the sand colour myself as it completely washes me out. I’d probably opt for khaki or navy – they’re both gorgeous! The floral dress is really pretty underneath and, like you say, certainly makes a nice change from jeans (which I’m ALWAYS wearing!!)
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
MT
I can definitely see you in the khaki Suzy! xx
passion fruit, paws and peonies
I’m smitten too – this is a fabulous trench coat! x
MT
That’s great to hear, thanks for leaving your comment xx