27 October 2023 , 15:03
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Marks and Spencer has wowed shoppers with its as it aims to appeal to more middle-aged customers - particularly men. You may have spotted the brand’s newest TV advertisement while watching your favourite shows in recent weeks, as part of the high street favourite’s
The advert is set against the vibrant backdrop of Manchester and Salford to the tune of Ceremony, by New Order and is said to be one of their most diverse and inclusive ads to date.
Mitch Hughes, M&S Menswear Director said: “Everything from the clothing and styling to the city location and music featured in this campaign embodies the essence of M&S Menswear – effortless, stylish, with a distinct edge. We have featured five different models who really represent ALL of our male customers, and support in effectively showcasing our broad offering.”
Among the star pieces in the are a collection of versatile staples that can be dressed up or down for going out, smart and layering outfits for any occasion. According to Mitch, the campaign has a ‘laser-focus on targeting men aged 40-54’ but our reviewers prove that this easy-to-wear collection really is for everyone.
Simon, aged 55, wearing the wool car coat and cable high neck jumper from M&S (Bethan Shufflebotham)Bethan Shufflebotham styled her dad, Simon, aged 55, in the (£40), (£199) and (£80). She said: “My dad has always taken great pride in his appearance and can usually be found wearing a Fred Perry polo, jeans and a pair of Adidas trainers or Dr Martens as a go-to. He takes meticulous care of his clobber, and typically steers away from ‘trends’ and fast fashion, preferring to spend more on investment pieces that will last a lifetime. As such, there’s pieces in his wardrobe that are older than I am - and he still wears them today.
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“The new is right up his street - timeless, smart enough to dress up, casual enough to dress down, in tonal colours to suit all. It feels effortless and very much capsule, meaning that you could head online or in store, buy any three to five pieces, and they will all go together, mix and match and work for a range of events and occasions.
“My dad loves a Chelsea boot and has a smart black pair from Dr Martens, so I knew these would find a worthy spot in his wardrobe. As the son of a cobbler and former shoe repairer himself, he was highly impressed with the quality of the , including their leather material and waterproof finish. My dad really likes to make the most of his clothes and these innovative features means that he won’t avoid wearing them for fear of ruining them - though he has sprayed them with a leather protector for added precaution.
“As we enter the cooler months, knitwear will be making a big return and this is stunning. At £40, it feels really high quality in a chunky mid weight design perfect for layering. My dad typically wears a medium in t-shirts and shirts, but opted for a large in which gives the jumper a really nice length without being too baggy. Being cream, it goes with everything that’s already in his wardrobe, and is perfect for a range of upcoming occasions from theatre visits to Christmas markets.
The car coat comes in at £199, with the jumper being £40 (Bethan Shufflebotham)“Finally, and what I’d consider to be the star of the collection, is the which comes in sizes S to 4XL. It’s expensive, which is its only downfall, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one nicer for less. Made in a regular fit from checked fabric woven in Italy, it’s the epitome of elevated outerwear and is definitely a more premium investment piece. My dad has loved wearing this piece and says it feels very luxurious and thoughtfully made, with inner and outer pockets. But most importantly, my mum approves too, and has been swooning over the entire look ever since.
“Marks and Spencer have really , with a range of easy-to-wear smart separates, premium outerwear and versatile pieces that anyone can look and feel great in and .”
While Dad Simon sure looked dapper in the cable knit jumper and wool-rich coat we branched out with our next reviewer to prove that the new campaign can suit any age, whether you’re approaching your 50s or have more of a traditional style in your 20’s, plus we’d argue that an autumnal ‘shacket’ can pull just about any outfit together.
Harriet Morphy-Morris picked up two pieces for her boyfriend, Alex, who often struggles to find a fit that suits his tall 6 ft 5 frame, so she styled him in the Cotton Rich Double Faced Overshirt and the Heavy Weight T-Shirt layered underneath.
The £49 Orange Mix Overshirt and the Heavy Weight T-shirt in whiteA combo of orange and brown tones the Overshirt comes in an Orange or Navy Mix colourways, both very appropriate colours for this season. At £49 the lightweight jacket comes in sizes ranging from small up to four extra large, so there are options if you’re looking for a snug fit or want to layer and go oversized.
The T-shirt shows off the range’s attention to quality, exactly what’s needed when buying a staple wardrobe item. The usual things that Harriet says her boyfriend looks for when he shops. She said: “You’ll nearly always see Alex in a staple pair of Levi jeans and North Face Gilet until it hits mid-winter when that is swapped out to a puffa coat. Not one to jump on the latest social media fashion trend, he has always stuck to very simple outfits something that’s easy to throw on, doesn’t take much thought and can be switched up easily is his preferred off-hanger choice.
Alex sized up in the £49 Overshirt so its baggy enough to fit a jumper underneath in winter“Shirts are one thing he likes to add to his wardrobe to layer over T-shirts in the summer, so when I saw the Overshirt I knew he would feel comfortable in it, while looking put together at the same time, although the orange colourway did take a bit of convincing. Once on he was pleasantly surprised with how well the colour suited him, definitely a stray away from his usual black, white and grey combos.
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“Basics, like the £15 Heavy Weight T-Shirt, is something Alex always picks up when we go shopping to mix around a few different outfits and this time around he was impressed with the thick, quality feel. Paired with the Overshirt, which has a warm cotton brush feel to it, it’s just about warm enough to mix and match throughout this October and November.
“That’s one thing that makes Marks and Spencer’s new menswear range stand out, you could simply pick up one item as a new staple in your wardrobe or buy a few and easily switch up your outfits in between.”