Calling all fashion fans! If you've not yet started watching M&S: Dress The Nation on ITV1 and ITVX, you're (fashionably) late but you might want to start watching on catch-up. The second series has even more runway-worthy drama, style inspiration, and shoppable moments. After pulling in over eight million viewers last year, the hit series returned with nine fresh contestants, each competing for the ultimate prize: a mentorship with Marks & Spencer and the chance to see their winning design land in stores for AW25.
Presenters AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay bring the perfect blend of glamour and charisma to the competition. AJ’s wardrobe is one to watch in itself - I'm talking statement tailoring, bold colour blocking, and pieces that nod to high fashion while staying brilliantly accessible. Vernon, meanwhile, will be serving up polished-yet-relaxed menswear looks that prove M&S is just as sharp on the men’s side.
Each week, a rotating panel of judges - from M&S experts to celebrity fashion insiders - will weigh in, meaning style lovers can look forward to plenty of fashion authority (and a few surprise guest appearances). Episode two saw Frankie Bridge lend her expertise, and it's no secret that Mark Wright will appear in a future episode, but there are even more to get excited about.
© ITVWhen it comes to British fashion, few names carry as much weight as Marks & Spencer. From everyday wardrobe staples to the pieces that set trends, M&S has long been a go-to for shoppers who want quality and style without compromise. Its ability to balance timeless classics with modern updates makes it the perfect stage for the next wave of designers hoping to break into the industry.
AJ brings serious fashion credentials of her own. Known for her bold approach to red carpet dressing and her love of colour and cut, AJ is the perfect ambassador for a show that champions creativity. Whether she’s in sharp suiting or a showstopping dress, her style is always aspirational yet achievable - a balance M&S customers will instantly connect with.
© ITVAnd while Vernon Kay might be best known for his easy charm on screen, he also knows his way around a well-cut jacket. His knack for relaxed tailoring and effortless styling makes him the perfect foil to AJ’s high-octane looks, proving that men’s fashion deserves just as much attention. Together, the duo embody exactly what Dress The Nation is all about: fashion that feels fresh, exciting, and for everyone.
Dress The Nation is the ultimate watch for anyone who loves style - and here are the outfits you can shop right now.
AJ Odudu's outfits on M&S: Dress The Nation
© InstagramAJ's Suit & Tie
AJ Odudu rocked an uber stylish suit and tie for the menswear episode of M&S: Dress The Nation. She opted for the Autograph Wool Blend Suit in Neutral which she teamed with her trusty white heels she wore in episode one. AJ made her look a little more unique by adding a tie, which I'm assuming is this ivory slim tie from the menswear department at M&S.
© ITVAJ's Leather Jacket
Talk about the AJ Odudu effect - this leather jacket is trending big time on the M&S website. Priced at £250 this jacket is an investment buy but one you'll treasure for years to come. It's crafted in a comfy relaxed fit from pure leather to create a premium feel. For a neat aesthetic, its collar leads to a popper and zip-through fastening.
AJ teamed her jacket with a pair of faux leather Bermuda shorts and a pair of Clarks pointy black boots.
© ITVAJ's Green Leather Mini Skirt
On episode one AJ Odudu wowed viewers wearing this outfit - she looked so chic, don't you think?
Opting for a colour pop skirt from Autograph (I also love this faux leather mini skirt, £30) which she has teamed with a cream cashmere knit by Jaeger at M&S, which is priced at £185. This is more of an investment purchase but M&S excels at knitwear, we all know this.
AJ's look was complete with a pair of soft white £40 kitten heels. These are brand new for autumn, and they're the winter white footwear you need.
© ITVAJ's Denim Shirt
In the promo photos for the show you can see that AJ is wearing a western-style denim shirt which she has styled with a pair of jeans - double denim is always a winner in my book.
Vernon Kay's outfits on M&S: Dress The Nation
© InstagramVernon's Cool Bomber Jacket Look
Casual and cool - Vernon proves he can rock all the trends! Here he is in episode three wearing a 'mole' coloured bomber jacket from M&S, which he's teamed with a pair of beige elasticated waist chino trousers, a white crew neck tee and a pair of white fashion lace-up trainers.
© ITVVernon's Black Cashmere Knit & Loafers
I can't be entirely sure - because finding a black knitted top is pretty tricky to find - but I think Vernon is wearing the Autograph cashmere black top in episode two. He's teamed this with a pair of smart navy trousers and a pair of super cool loafers which are new for fall.
© ITVVernon's Tweed Grey Blazer
Vernon Kay, look at you! You've smashed it out of the park with this look thanks to a statement - but classic - double-breasted blazer, priced at £130. With its micro checks and neutral colour, it's a timeless blazer for men. I believe Vernon has layered his blazer over an £8 slim fit white tee.
Guest judges outfits on M&S: Dress The Nation
© ITVMark Wright's Suit
Mark Wright was the guest judge on episode three, and looked sharp in his Marks & Spencer grey pinstripe suit. He kept it casual and cool with a plain black top underneath. Mark's suit is cut to a slim fit, with added stretch for comfort and a lining for easy layering.
© @ITVFrankie Bridge's Leather Skirt & Grey Knit
Frankie Bridge lent her hand as a guest judge on the show, and surprise surprise, she wore M&S. The fashion star's outfit is super easy to copy - she wore the leather patent midi skirt which she teamed with a wool blend tabard, priced at £90. Accessory-wise, she wore her leather pointed knee high boots which are less than £100.
© ITVJade Jagger's Animal Print Blazer
Of course Jade Jagger was going to look cool as guest judge on M&S: Dress The Nation - this is Jade Jagger! For her appearance on episode one, the rock 'n' roll offspring wore an animal print blazer that's due online and instore in November.
If you're desperate for a similar jacket, how about the Pamela Scott black and beige animal print blazer, £309?
If you're looking for a more affordable option, this blazer from New Look is a great lookalike.
If you didn't know, Jade Jagger has her own jewellery line and in the show she's wearing pieces from her own collection. it would appear that she's wearing pieces from her own line.
Is M&S: Dress The Nation worth watching? Editor's Verdict
Short answer? Absolutely. I've watched every episode so far and I love it. I laughed, I cried (well, almost!), and I found everyone super endearing. I didn't want anyone to leave but I'm excited to see the drama unfold. We all know everyone is super nice in episode one but it'll no doubt get a little more tense as the contestants start to fight for their places. I enjoyed seeing all the fashion moments. The guest judge is important but we all know it's about impressing M&S. Maddy Evans, Director of M&S Woman, stars in episode one and I loved her intel about what M&S shoppers gravitate to - it's so clear they know exactly what will and what won't work with their beloved shoppers. I also liked that each week groups of real customers give real feedback to help guide the judges towards the ultimate winner.
