Marks and Spencer really is on a roll right now. With refreshed stores and new-season lines that feel increasingly elevated, the high street favourite is turning out pieces that give far pricier labels a serious run for their money. The latest to get people is a £75 barn jacket that’s perfect for spring and looks strikingly similar to a £418 coat from Swedish brand Helsa.

Helsa’s The Balmoral Jacket is a neutral-toned winter style crafted from a soft, cotton-rich fabric. It cinches at the waist with a drawstring tie, creating a shape that is flattering and fits depending on personal taste. It also has panel pockets finished with black stud fastenings. 

The high street alternative shares more than a passing resemblance. In fact, the similarities were enough to stop content creator Ellie Evelyn Smith in her tracks while browsing in M&S. Already the owner of the Helsa coat, she filmed herself holding the M&S version up alongside her own, and said: “I just walked into M&S and look what I just found. You’re not going to believe it. I bought this coat online, it was a waitlist, it was like £400, it was from America, it took time. I do love it, but anyway, I just walked into M&S, and they got my damn coat.”

Side by side, the resemblance is clear. The M&S coat comes in a similar light beige colour and has a similar flattering cut, complete with a drawstring waist that can be pulled in or loosened to suit your style. It also has panel pockets (two on the front, compared to four on the Helsa jacket) fastened with press studs.

The main point of difference lies in the collar. Helsa’s version features a brown fur-trimmed collar and sleeves, while the M&S take leans into classic country styling with a black faux leather collar and checked upturn sleeve cuffs.

Of course, the most obvious difference is the price tag. The Helsa coat retails at £418, while the M&S version costs just £75. If you’re not fussed about the fur collar and are drawn more to the overall aesthetic, that’s a saving of £343 by opting for the high street option.

In terms of fabric, the M&S coat is made from 100% cotton, with 100% polyester interior padding. The faux leather collar is crafted from 62% polyurethane and 38% polyester.

It’s already proving popular online, too, with a five-star review on the M&S website. One shopper said: “This is a lovely jacket, great quality and looks good on, and not expensive.”

Another added: “Absolute love this jacket, and so did all my friends.”

A couple of reviewers have noted that sizing may run slightly generous. One person shared: “Little big but still fits nicely. Could’ve got away with XS, but S lovely with room.”

And another wrote: “Perfect for spring weather! I am a size 14, and the size medium fits nicely whilst still being able to fit a jumper underneath.”

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