With the latest pieces focused on sleek fits, quality fabrics and modern colour palettes, it’s easy to see why M&S has become a go-to for fashion fans. This is an impressive bounceback for the brand: in 2020, we were hearing a drastically different story of job cuts, sales slumps and significant losses (though a large part of this can be attributed to Covid lockdowns).

“We’ve been focused on taking the product categories our customers know and love us for and making them even better through style and innovation,” says M&S womenswear director Maddy Evans, who sat down with Stylist to explain why the brand is booming. “Put simply, we have more of what our customers want – great newness and more stylish product, underpinned by great quality and value – and we’re appealing to a broader customer base as a result.

“Denim and casual bottoms is a great example of this: we’ve introduced more trend-led fits and shapes to broaden appeal, such as the slim-fit flare, high-waisted carrot ankle grazer and the in-demand super wide-leg Palazzo, £45. Plus, we elevated our denim collection with dresses, jackets, skirts and shorts – our £29,50 denim midi skirt was a firm favourite with customers,” she adds.

Why is M&S fashion so fantastic right now? We sat down with the brand to find out