Spring is rearing its head at long last, but for all the great things the season brings with it – colour, warmth, actual sunlight – it also means that it’s time to start thinking about making some wardrobe adjustments. The problem is, that can be a bit of a drain on the wallet. But it doesn’t have to be, providing you shop cleverly, selecting clothes that are sensibly priced and built to last. With that in mind, Marks & Spencer has created the Casual Edit – an expertly curated assortment of new-season essentials, guaranteed to stand the test of time both style-wise and in sheer durability. “I wanted to create a line that didn’t have such a pressed, pristine feel to it,” says James Doidge, the brand’s head of menswear design. “The Casual Edit is about having that M&S quality with more of a laundered look.” To make the process of shedding your winter coat even easier, the FashionBeans team has hand-selected its favourite pieces from the Casual Edit collection and new-season items so you can get prepped for the warmer months with as little stress as possible.
Slim-Fit Cotton Rich Authentic Chinos
A simple pair of chinos is one of the cornerstones of any well-equipped wardrobe. Pair them with a plain white T-shirt and trainers for a faultless off-duty look, or rock them with an Oxford shirt and desert boots at the office. This cotton rich pair is cut slim with a straight leg and has been finished with Buttonsafe technology, so the special heat-fused buttons won’t fall off and see them resigned to the bin. Buy Now: £29.50
Pure Cotton 4 Pocket Jacket With Stormwear
From the frontline of the battlefield to the front row at Fashion Week, the field jacket is a military style staple, thanks in no small part to its endless versatility. Marks & Spencer’s offering is a classic four-pocket design, featuring the retailer’s innovative Stormwear technology that promises to keep you dry while providing lightness and breathability at the same time. What could be better suited for those inevitable April showers? Buy Now: £69.00
Pure Cotton Textured Polo Shirt
When a shirt is too much, but a T-shirt not enough, the humble polo is your best mate. Offering a quick and easy way to take any casual outfit up a notch, it’s no wonder this resoundingly stylish sportswear classic has become a bona fide menswear hero. With a soft, cotton construction, this textured finish example is just the ticket to keep you cool and comfortable all the way through until autumn. Buy Now: £19.50
Pure Cotton Striped Top
Stripes are tipped to be one of the biggest trends for SS18, and a pocket tee has long been a must-own in every man’s casual wardrobe. So, if you combine the two then you can bet you’re onto a winner. Spun from ultra-fine cotton for next-level softness, this example pulled from the Casual Edit is a great way to add multiple splashes of colour to your outfit. Buy Now: £17.50
Pure Cotton Textured Top
A comfortable Henley top is about as casual as clothing gets. Inspired by the uniforms of the rowers in the famous Regatta, the style was appropriated by the world of fashion and has been a firm favourite ever since. M&S’ take features all the classic hallmarks of this off-duty go-to, upgraded by a garment dying process that means each one is a little different from the last. Buy Now: £17.50
Cotton-Linen Straight-Fit Jeans
A well-fitting pair of jeans is one of the key building blocks of any wardrobe. Pick wisely, and they’ll work with everything from a light jacket and trainers to an unstructured blazer. Crafted from a cotton-linen blend, this straight-leg pair brings something to the table not commonly found in denim: breathability. Light and airy, you don’t need to look too hard to see that these were designed with the warmer months in mind. Buy Now: £35.00
Pure Cotton Textured Shorts
Shorts. Remember them? Probably not, so allow us to jog your memory. They’re basically trousers but not as long. You used to wear them before the winter began and, with any luck, you’ll be able to do so again soon. Reacquaint yourself with this pure cotton pair from M&S. They’re stretchy, breathable and feature zip-up pockets to keep you from losing your wallet in the beer garden. Buy Now: £17.50
Pure Cotton Palm Print Shirt
With the cold weather fading, there’s no better time to start thinking about working some brighter colours and patterns into your wardrobe. Far from requiring you to truss up in clown gear, this on-trend short-sleeved shirt packs an all-over palm print into an easy-to-wear shade of navy, making it the perfect piece to stride into barbeque season in. Buy Now: £25.00
Suede Saddle Slip-On Loafers
There’s no end to the list of benefits of a pair of suede loafers. That is until the heavens open or you step in a puddle. Fortunately, M&S has you covered with this timeless pair that comes equipped with a stain-resistant coating to keep any unexpected marks from setting into the fabric. Buy Now: £69.00
Faux Suede Stitch Detail Belt
Assuming your prep for a summer body is well underway, you’ll no doubt be looking for a belt to show off your slimmed-down figure (at least compared to Christmas, anyway). This handsome faux suede option in tan is complemented by tonal stitching and a silver buckle fastening (plus plenty of extra holes for when the winter bulk returns). Buy Now: £15.00
Shower Resistant Pack-Away Mac
It would be nice if spring was all sunshine and blue skies, but sadly this is real life. Save yourself a drenching by being prepared for spontaneous downpours with a pack-away mac. This vibrant yellow option sets a high watermark: not only is it lightweight, it also packs up small enough that you can take it wherever you go. Buy Now: £29.50
Shop the full Casual Edit now in store and online at marksandspencer.com.
