After a long hiatus, Marks & Spencer is officially back, and so is the joy of shopping its curated collections both in store and online. Whether you're in the market for the ultimate figure-flattering swimsuit, a timeless pair of denim, or that effortlessly chic summer dress, the beloved British high street brand delivers every time. Hence why, when it came to hunting down the best dresses this summer, M&S was my first – and only – port of call.
Whether you're looking for mini or maxi dresses, monochrome hues or vibrantly patterned prints, you'll find it at M&S. But if you want to make your search less painstaking, it's best to narrow down which style you'd prefer. Because although you may want to, you might not have time to spend an evening scrolling through hundreds, if not thousands, of M&S dresses.
While M&S is typically more affordable than other labels, it doesn’t compromise on style. Take the Denim Shift Mini Dress, for example – a classic shift silhouette with perfectly voluminous puffed sleeves. Another excellent summer dress is like the brand’s polka dot maxi that closely resembles the viral Nobody’s Child Felicity dress. Grazia’s fashion commerce writer, Gemma Lavers, visited the store to try on the exact polka dot piece and see what all the fuss was about.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
Gemma Lavers, commerce writer: 'A similar design to that viral Nobody's Child number that took social media by storm last year, the M&S iteration has a similar bardot bandeau neckline and of course, polka dot print. The dress also features a dropped waist that cinches you in and a comfortable ruched top. I would advise sizing up, however, as it does come up on the small side - I went with a size 12.'
"M&S' take on a classic polka dot dress definitely has more of a luxe feel than you'd expect at this price – it surprised me in that aspect," Laver says. "The sweetheart neckline is really flattering and the inside doesn't have any of those bulky cups I've kind of come to expect in a bardot dress. Plus, the ruching across the middle is so nice and really cinches you in," she added.
It's no wonder then, that these M&S dresses are selling incredibly quickly. So, shop the very best of them below before they sell out - we predict they'll be in high demand.
Shop: The Best M&S Dresses For Summer
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
This lace mini dress is uniquely textured thanks to the Jacquard material for an elevated look and feel. Wear for dinner plans or evenings dancing with friends, not forgetting a pair of kitten heeled mules or heeled flip flops that Hailey Bieber would approve of.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
This black midaxi dress is perfect for balmy weather, especially thanks to its linen material. Swishy but still structured, this dress will see you from beach to bar with just a change of shoes.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Another dress made for scorching temperatures, this breezy kaftan is perfect for poolside lounging, especially when spontaneous trips to the bar are on the agenda.
A simple white dress is a suitcase staple. Just picture yourself wearing this one with the white-and-blue streets of a Greek island as your backdrop.
www.marksandspencer.com
Last year, M&S's Ganni-inspired leopard print dress went viral, before swiftly selling out. Now, the brand is back with another soon-to-be sell-out in the form of this stylish animal print shift dress.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
If you're someone who tends to spend all day at the beach, and then just want to throw something over the top for dinner – M&S have the perfect day-to-night crochet dress. Cut in a flattering bodycon fit, this dress has a fringed hem and would look just as good paired with biker boots and a leather jacket as it would with sandals.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
A one shoulder dress is incredibly chic, so why not consider this M&S number that looks stylish and features a floral print for the ultimate summer look.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Red and cream stripes are instantly reminiscent of the French Riviera, and if you're heading there (or somewhere similar) this summer, we highly suggest packing this dress.
M&swww.marksandspencer.com
The perfect bikini cover-up, this midi dress is crafted from a lightweight knit that subtly showcases your swimwear, without revealing too much.
m&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Another polka dot number, this time in a mini length, predominantly white, and finished with a floral corsage on one shoulder. In our opinion, it’s race day perfection.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Halter neck dresses are endlessly flattering, subtly showing off the collarbone for a sultry touch. Wear this one to the beach with your favourite bikini underneath.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
The cool wearability of a kaftan is excellent when the weather is too hot for a dress. Effortlessly chic and breathable, it’s the ultimate throw-on piece for sun-soaked days.
m&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Another classic linen number wouldn’t go amiss, would it? This square-neck midi dress can be dressed up or down, and we love the side detailing just as much as the bright green hue.
Are M&S dresses true to size?
Wondering about the fit of M&S dresses? While sizing can vary between styles, M&S generally offers true-to-size options. To ensure the perfect fit, it's useful to consult the brand's size guide and customer reviews before making a dress purchase, particularly if you're after a slip dress.
How expensive are M&S dresses?
With options to suit every budget, M&S offers a variety of dresses at affordable prices without compromising on quality. From budget-friendly finds to investment pieces, there's an M&S dress for everyone's price point.
Emma Richardson is a fashion commerce writer for Grazia. She covers shopping, lifestyle, celebs and anything trending.