A £40 Jacket for Autumn Transition

As the UK weather turns cooler and wetter, shoppers are already eyeing autumn layers. Among the early seasonal offerings, Marks & Spencer's Padded Collared Short Jacket has attracted attention for its price and practicality. Priced at £40, the jacket is available in bitter chocolate and sage green, in sizes 6 to 24, as reported by Birmingham Live.

The retailer describes the jacket as a 'wardrobe staple', noting it is 'lightly padded and partially lined' — suitable for 'days when there's a chill in the air', according to Birmingham Live. It features a collared neckline, a button-up front, and two welt pockets for storing small items.

Customer reviews have been largely positive, earning the jacket a 4.7-star rating on the M&S website, per Birmingham Live. One shopper, Betty, wrote: "Love this jacket, will be great for when the weather turns cooler. I bought the chocolate colour which is absolutely lovely. This jacket is slightly padded and not at all bulky, great to throw on when doing school runs or a quick dog walk."

Another reviewer, Myra, commented: "Nice modern look short jacket. Love the colour. Slightly padded but still light weight. Nice jacket for driving car in winter."

Some shoppers noted sizing quirks. Customers have said the jacket 'fits a little big', as Birmingham Live reported, and one buyer mentioned returning it because it was "a bit too big", while another said they "went down a size as it was an 'oversize' style".

Alternatives on the High Street

The M&S jacket sits alongside other autumn options at similar price points. Birmingham Live noted that Roman's Cotton Twill Quilted Jacket also costs £40, coming in sage and made from soft cotton twill. New Look offers a Hooded Cropped Puffer Jacket for £39.99, available in dark brown, dark burgundy, mink, cream, and black.

The Suedette Trend

Beyond padded styles, faux suede jackets are making a comeback, as Surrey Advertiser reported. Roman's Suedette Button Jacket has drawn considerable praise from shoppers. It is available in five colours — burgundy, chocolate, khaki, light pink, and stone — and retails at £60 full price, though new customers can get it for £45 with code AFRPLC25Q226, and existing customers for £54 with code EXTRA, according to Surrey Advertiser.

The jacket is machine washable and suitable for office or casual wear. Shoppers have described it as 'excellent value for money', with one customer remarking that "the fabric is so soft and the jacket has some weight about it", and another noting it "has more substance to it than I thought it would have". Another buyer said: "Absolutely love this jacket, and a perfect length and very stylish. Wore it last night and several people said they loved my jacket and where I'd bought it. Very pleased with my purchase."

One recurring criticism, as shared by a customer, was that the jacket is not fully lined throughout: "Good value for money. Nice colour and stitching. Pocket flaps lined, a pity the whole jacket isn't. Size good fit and sleeves not too long."

Comparing Options

At Marks and Spencer, a similar Suedette Button Through Short Jacket is priced at £55, in grey blue or olive green, featuring a classic regular fit with a smart wide collar and button-through fastening, as Surrey Advertiser reported. For a more budget-friendly option, New Look's Oversized Faux Suede Biker Jacket is reduced from £64.99 to £26, in sizes 8–14 and colours dark brown and tan.

Customers have praised Roman's version for its versatility and quality. One shopper said: "This is a fabulous jacket, great quality and so versatile. I love the colour too which is going to match all my autumn clothes. I've received many compliments when wearing it." Another noted: "Love this jacket. Great quality and lovely fit. This will be perfect for autumn."