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FINDING the perfect winter outfit can be tough, but then finding a stylish coat to go over it that will look great and actually keep you warm is a whole other battle.
It's a struggle Cara Delahoyde-Massey and Bronagh Meere know all too well, so when a listener called into their podcast, The School Runway, with the same dilemma they were fully prepared.
"I'd really like for the winter a really smart wool-type coat," the listener said, but explained she didn't really know where to begin looking or what to look for.
Luckily, professional stylish Bronagh, who has worked with plenty of celebs, was on hand to help out.
She suggested two shearling coats from none other than high street store Marks & Spencer, both of which are under £100 and will last in your wardrobe for years to come.
"One is a cream bomber which is amazing and the other one is an aviator," she said.
In fact, the style pro even picked up the coats herself with a discount thanks to a promotion for Sparks members.
You can pick up the for £89 in store and online, but it's selling out fast so don't wait too long.
Part of the retailers Per Una collection, the vintage-inspired coat made from borg-textured faux shearling material for a cosy feel.
The coat has a regular fit with a zip-through fastening and a cosy collar with a buckle fastening for a trendy yet timeless look.
The cosy coat is available in sized 6 - 24 and already has rave reviews from happy shoppers.
One awarded the coat a perfect five star rating and wrote: "This coat is not only beautiful it’s also really warm bought to travel with and I was so comfortable it’s amazing! Would definitely buy again but I know I won’t need to!"
A second loved it just as much, they said: "Really like this jacket. Loved it so much bought my daughter one as well.
"The detail on it makes it stand out from the crowd. It will most certainly keep out any winter cold."
Meanwhile, a few shoppers noted the jacket is slightly oversized, which is good if you want to wear thick jumpers underneath it.
"This is a fab jacket, cosy and I am really looking forward to wearing it as the cooler weather comes. I sized down from my usual 12 to a size 10, and the jacket fits well," one said.
Bronagh's other coat pick is slightly cheaper at £79 but looks just as stylish.
The is perfect for dressing up or down on chilly days.
The design features a ribbed hem and zip fastening to keep out the cold weather, and the two front pockets are perfectly practical.
For a more modern touch, there's also a stylish buckle detail, but it's the warm faux lining that makes this coat a must-have for autumn and winter.
"This jacket ticks all the boxes, warm and stylish," one Marks & Spencer shopper reviewed online.
"Great for those chilly autumn days and looks fabulous with all styles of jeans. Takes me back to my youth and the Top Gun days!"
A second also loved the throwback style of the coat and wrote: "This one is a keeper, flattering timeless style plus very warm and comfortable, the sleeves are wide which allows space for jumper underneath."
However, shoppers point out the style "runs a little big" leading some to size down.
"Great jacket for the autumn and winter," one said.
"It comes up large. I am a size 12/14 and bought a 14 but had to take it back and get a 12. Looks great with jeans and dresses."
Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale revealed to Fabulous why M&S is the shop of the moment. She explained:
“M&S has really pulled it out of the bag this season, there is so much good product to be excited about.
“A brand once known for its ‘frumpy fashion’ that notion is long gone with it now being one of the leading high street stores for womenswear.
“Its handbag range in particular is super strong with them selling 170% vs plan, with lots more designer dupes for just a fraction of the price.
“The brand is now also the #1 for style perceptions, compared to the #3 spot it had last year, this comes from a really strong design team focused on modernising the brand, not only taking into consideration how the pieces look, but how easy they are to wear also.
“Price is also a big factor with you being able to get many good quality pieces all for under £30.
“After having a sneak peak of the upcoming collection there are so many more amazing pieces that are dropping over the next few months to keep your eyes on.
“Think leopard print dresses, colourful co-ords, embroidered boho jackets, plus lots of swimwear and amazing accessories, as well as great wardrobe staples that will last year on year.”
