Sienna Miller x M&S is back. These are the best (and worst) pieces
In June, the women of Britain went mad for Sienna Miller’s first collaboration with M&S – a 29-piece range which offered the chance to get a grown-up spin on the noughties boho queen’s signature look. Most pieces had sold out within hours.
Today, the second iteration of the partnership – comprising 35 designs – arrives in stores, just in time for the lead-up to Christmas. “This second collection is very much a party edit for the festive season,” comments Miller, who has enjoyed a stellar style year, winning plaudits for the effortlessly cool look she has showcased at events including Paris Fashion Week, Cannes film festival and Wimbledon, despite having given birth to her second daughter late last year. “It’s got tailoring, faux fur, party dresses, statement prints, embellishment [and] coordinating accessories,” adds the 42-year-old.
For M&S, this now (in fashion terms) long-running relationship with the British actress is a coup that’s central to the turnaround of its fashion kudos and its sales, which arguably gathered speed when Miller was recruited as the face of its autumn/ winter 2023 collection. In May, the retailer reported a 5.3 per cent rise on annual clothing and home sales, with profits up by 21 per cent. Where once M&S was associated with big knickers, trusty cashmere jumpers and elasticated waist classics, now it is beginning to be perceived as a trend destination to rival the likes of Zara. I’ve lost count of the women who I’ve heard commenting “maybe I’m just getting old… but does M&S actually have nice stuff now?”.
Indeed, anyone with an office Christmas party, winter wedding or festive gathering to dress for will find glamorous solutions galore in the new offering, whether it’s a suit with a hint of Bianca Jagger flair, a beaded co-ord which looks pyjama-level comfortable, a show-stopping metallic mini dress or a pretty blouse to jazz up your old jeans.
Or, indeed, new jeans. The collection also revives the hit barrel leg silhouette which was the standout success from the first collaboration. In June they were sold in classic mid-blue denim and were soon being traded on preloved sites like Vinted for far more than their original price. This second iteration includes white and faded black options, both for less than £50. Having seen them on several women, I can confirm it’s a universally flattering cut.
“Following the success of the first collection, we were delighted to welcome Sienna back. The lead up to Christmas is an exciting time of year for customers,” says Maddy Evans, M&S Womenswear Director. “We know they are looking for stylish outfitting options, underpinned by quality and value, to really wow their friends and family. Sienna’s personal style resonates so well with the nation and this collection delivers an elevated and premium party collection designed by a British style icon known for her red-carpet style.”
Once again, the collection echoes Miller’s eclectic personal wardrobe with an added dose of Hollywood glamour. Some pieces are designed to reflect the treasures she’s discovered trawling Portobello Market, while a sequin dress is an homage to David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust costumes. A faux fur jacket has been designed with buckle belt fastenings which recall those on the Vivienne Westwood pirate boots which Miller made her own in the noughties. Of course, you could argue that the charm of her finds comes from the unexpected thrill of a vintage discovery and that logging on to a major high street retailer to snap up an imitation isn’t quite the same, but there’s huge appeal in being able to buy into Miller’s magpie eye in a more accessible way.
If you want to get a definitively Sienna-approved outfit, then opt for the white suit and tiger print clutch, which she herself wore for the secret launch party on Tuesday evening. It’s the kind of outfit which exudes insouciant cool and will still feel relevant for years to come, long after the collaboration buzz has died down. The blouses are also excellent bets as there are countless examples of the actress wearing the boho-chic staples with everything from denim to mini skirts and tailored wide-legs over the years. The tiger suit and accessories are a nice antidote to all the leopard around at the moment and have a timeless feel without being boring.
Two other standout items are the £79 green and red gathered satin maxi dresses which bear more than passing resemblance to Victoria Beckham’s hit £850 ‘Bella’ dress (now said to account for ten per cent of her label’s online sales). At less than a tenth of the designer version’s price, Miller’s take is in the running to be the big hit dress of party season. Although beware that it’s quite distinctive so if you do snap one up, add your own styling touches – like a black tuxedo jacket or fluffy cardigan – to differentiate your look from anyone else who might turn up at the same do in the same dress.
Some pieces don’t seem to have quite the same glossy-luxe finish which makes Miller’s current look so appealing – that aforementioned buckle coat and a studded vest top look a little more cheap than chic (though the latter could probably be carried off by some of the Gen Zers now as happy to shop at M&S as their mums). With so many excellent partywear options available now, too, try to avoid buying new sequins as these are truly terrible for the planet.
“Seeing my designs in the real world is so rewarding,” says Miller. “I love how each individual wears and styles them and I can’t wait to see their reaction to round two”. However, there’s no one better than the woman herself to give us ideas for styling the collection for party season and beyond. The green velvet blazer looks less formal worn with jeans and a pussy-bow blouse. Add tights under the satin dress to lend a soupcon of attitude and team the black shaggy jacket (a gorgeous post party throw-on) with the slinky white dress for a bold contrast. Not available to buy but worth taking note of? Miller’s dark glasses – wear them even when it’s dark, for an alluring air of mystery and just add a slick of bright red or gothic berry lipstick.
The hits to snap up now
The lace blouse, £59
This is a beautiful design with true wardrobe longevity potential.
The white suit – jacket, £125 and trousers, £79
A classic you could turn to for all season event dressing for years to come.
The khaki suit – jacket, £125 and trousers, £79
This is a sumptuously glamorous co-ord but versatile enough to be worn separately, too.
The barrel leg jeans, £49.50
This silhouette is the big hit of the year and is so flattering, the hype shows no sign of abating.
The slinky maxi dress, £79
The ultimate slinky party dress for 2024.
The tiger clutch, £79
The animal print trend never goes away so you’ll be able to pull this out season after season – and it’s big enough to fit a few essentials.
What to swerve
Faux fur buckle jacket, £89
There are more luxe faux fur coats available than this.
The studded jersey top, £49.50
This is a tricky style to pull off, but could look good under a blazer.
The sequin dress, £149
Try to avoid sequins for the environment’s sake.
Brown jumper, £129
Chocolate brown is the colour of the moment so there are many more jumpers available which won’t be as distinctive.
Embellished neckline top, £59
This would have been better in a more structured fabric.
