THE globalisation of fashion has changed seasonal looks and clothing. The arrival of autumn and winter once heralded thick, wooly coats even in sunny Kuala Lumpur. But of late, thick coats have given way to layering and the advancement of material technology also meant that clothes to keep you warm, are not necessarily bulky.

And this is excellent news if you love new clothes. Pieces in dark, winter hues can now be comfortably worn in tropical countries.

British retailer M&S has begun dropping its Autumn/Winter collection online and in stores since Sept 15, with an added bonus— it has lowered prices of the clothes. A navy blue striped viscose cardigan (some sizes have sold out), is RM119.90, a floral long-sleeved midi dress is RM199.90 and a set of two non-wired bras go for RM129.90.

The brand brings more value for money now, making its prices on par with other retailers. And judging from the queue at the till even on a weekday morning, customers have noticed and are taking advantage of this new pricing.

 The M&S Autumn collection features tropical weather-friendly pieces in autumnal shades. Credit: Jonny Storey
The M&S Autumn collection features tropical weather-friendly pieces in autumnal shades. Credit: Jonny Storey

MADE FOR MODEST DRESSERS

The store in Suria KLCC carries a lot of women's clothes, with a small section for men (casual and formal wear) and infants, toddlers and children.

The women's blouses come in autumn shades— think blue in various gradations, greens and black. The printed viscose blouse (RM129.90) has a beautiful drape because it is made of heavy viscose.

The blouses are cut generously and true to its inclusive sizing (way before 'inclusive' became the fashion industry's buzzword), they are flattering on women of different shapes and sizes, from UK6 (that's extra small) to UK22.

If you wear the hijab, however, choose a full-buttoned blouse, because those with V-neck tend to be deep. You either need to pin the neckline or your hijab has to be over it.

But I think one of the best finds this season is its dresses. A few designs come with long sleeves and if you are short like me (that's 158cm and below for comparison), M&S midi dresses can pass as maxi dresses.

Not a dress wearer myself, I am very much delighted and surprised that the floral dress is so flattering I decided to get it even when there are side slits which means I need to layer with it with tights.

 A polished but casual look, featuring a wearable camel-coloured jacket.
A polished but casual look, featuring a wearable camel-coloured jacket.

DIFFERENT SHAPES AND SIZES

Having been a seasoned M&S shopper-- my family has shopped there since I was a child, when it was known as St Michael Marks & Spencer-- I think I know pretty well the strength of this British retailer. And women's undergarment is one of them.

My mother and I swear by its undergarment and with lower prices—RM129.90 for two bras-- I think it's even more worth it, given the quality and workmanship. My only gripe is the sizing. Popular sizes run out fast and you don't see them again until next shipment.

But I suppose because the sizes carried are wide, it's hard to just stock on popular sizes without neglecting the odd ones.

Another great feature that this brand offers is different length for its pants— Short (that's me, whether in size 16 or 10), Regular and Tall— so at whatever height, you can still find the pants in your size without the need for alteration and possibly, compromising the cut.

Even with the influx of other clothing retailers, M&S to me, still offers the best clothing variety for women of various sizes and height, something you don't get with other fashion brands.

 The layering trend, instead of one bulky jacket, has made autumn/winter collections accessible to those in a tropical country like Malaysia.
The layering trend, instead of one bulky jacket, has made autumn/winter collections accessible to those in a tropical country like Malaysia.

FOR KIDS AND MEN

Unfortunately, there is only a small section for toddlers and kids. There is even less choice for boys than girls and I wonder why. I went looking for a swim suit for my 4-year old son but I could not find any. However, at the girls, section, there are two racks filled with swimming suits of different styles and sizes.

I am not sure if boys' clothes are more popular that they are snapped up faster or girls' clothes just come in a dizzying variety, but it would be nice to see a balanced selection for both sexes.

The boys' clothes cover the basics. There are pajamas, t-shirts and matching shorts and cotton underwear. Thankfully, most are made with cotton fabric, suitable for active toddlers and children.

For men, the selection is considerably smaller than women. And when it comes to dress shirts, this brand focuses on what it sells best-- regular cut shirts.

Fashion brands have been rolling more and more slim, skinny and fitted shirts that it's very hard for men who like their shirts a bit roomy, to find these off the rack. But here, most of the shirts, whether striped, plain or checked, come in regular cut, with smaller cuts only available online.

I think what gravitates customers back to the brand is that above and beyond seasonal styles, the clothes are practical, wearable and last a long time. And given that fashion isn't a sustainable industry, buying well-made clothes and using them until the end of their lives is what consumer can do to reduce trash and waste.

 The selection for children, especially boys, is small but functional.
The selection for children, especially boys, is small but functional.

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