M&S 'gorgeous rich-girl' cardigan that's my new autumn winter staple

It's that time of year when my floaty dresses and linen trousers get thrown out of my wardrobe to make room for my vacuum-packed stock of cosy autumn clothes. Boots, co-ords, and now my newfoundI bought from M&S' new range.

Burgundy, maroon, and earthy burnt oranges are proving popular this season but as someone with a pretty plain taste, it takes a lot for me to branch out of my usual monochromatic style. Until I spotted (£39.50) on the mannequin, I had to pick it up.

New to its Autograph Collection is perfect for layering over a tee in mild October days or for wearing under a coat this winter. Donning classic gold button details and a tight-knitted striped pattern it caught my eye amid the rows of new-in jumpers and jackets.

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In typical 'me fashion' I'd only been into my local store for a matter of seconds before I had picked up an armful of new-in items to try on. From its Yarn-textured grey cardigan to simply beige work staples there are quite literally rows of new items to try - not forgetting this stunning in 'chocolate'.

As part of its new Autograph collection the cardi (although you could wear it like a jacket) is made out of thick, tight-knitted material. The whole aim of this collection is to give 'premium investment pieces featuring contemporary cuts' and I have to say it certainly feels well made.

Without looking at the price tag I'd already say has achieved its investment piece aim with this, something I'll have in my wardrobe for years to come - it's cosy, soft quality material and flattering, plus it's not one of those items you question if it'll fall apart after one wash. Yet all

I'm quite short at 5ft3 so it fits the ideal waistline length for me, but if you're any taller it may be more cropped. I also loved the thicker black-ended sleeves, I was worried this pattern could feel boxy but the mix of this sleeve design and gold buttons broke this up, and went perfectly with the grey dark jeans I happened to have on at the time.

"I like this cardigan and it's very warm" was a review from one happy M&S shopper, as I wasn't the only one to pick up this classic addition to my wardrobe. The shopper went on to say how they'd wear it 'with a longer t-shirt underneath' and I'd have to agree, while I didn't have one in the changing room with me I think it cropped white top underneath would work.

As it's new in stock there aren't many other reviews from online shoppers, apart from a fellow shopper who was unsure about the sizing. As they said: "How do know what size 'large' is? What happened to 14, 16 etc?"

If you're looking to too but struggling with what size to pick, it is true to the usual S, M, and L sizes. I'm usually a size 6-8 depending on the brand and I got it in a size S, it's slightly long on the arms (but I don't mind that), reaches to my waistline and there's enough room to wear a long sleeve top underneath in winter.

While the M&S Striped Crew Neck Cardigan is the newest addition to my wardrobe I have been temped by other retailers too, and I can't promise come the end of the month I won't have added this or