I’ve Tried Countless M&S Summer Dresses – These Are My Favourite By Far

From mini to maxi, monochrome to pattered, the high street hero has it all.

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by Emma Richardson |
Updated on

Now that Marks & Spencer is officially back in the swing of things, 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.

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©Instagram/@charlotte.sje ©@charlotte.sje

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 the brand’s now sold-out polka dot maxi that closely resembled the viral Nobody’s Child Felicity dress. My personal favourite? The Pure Cotton Midaxi Dress that's effortlessly cool and incredibly lightweight, perfect for a trip abroad. Croatia anyone?

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©Instagram/@@monia_loves ©@monia_loves

Unsurprisingly, this midaxi dress has become a cult favourite, but surprisingly, it's still in stock. Available in three different colours – white, navy and powder pink – it's the perfect wardrobe staple for your upcoming summer trip.

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

A denim dress is a fail-safe for the summer months. This skater style bandeau dress comes in an eggshell ecru colour, and we think it'll look great paired with some ballet flats.

This affordable yet expensive-looking dress is the ultimate breezy frock, featuring a regular fit with a round neckline and a flattering mini-length hem.

This green shift dress features a relaxed silhouette, perfect for welcoming a cool breeze. The dress may seem simple at first glance, but it features keyhole detailing at the back for added flair.

Gingham continues to reign supreme this summer. The best part about this midi? It'll see you through August into October – just pair with some sheer tights once autumn arrives.

Remember the M&S lace dress that went viral for looking like a RIXO staple? We think this black version is next in line to become iconic. With its flattering silhouette, intricate lace detail, and unmistakably premium M&S finish, it looks designer, without the extortionate price tag.

This jacquard mini dress is adorned with bow tie detailing on its slightly puffed sleeves, similar to the likes of Damson Madder. Style with heeled flip-flops.

A striped dress combines the suave of Savile Row tailoring with feminine elegance. This cotton stripe number is no exception and features a flattering nipped waistline.

This ditsy dress is the summer frock of dreams. Featuring dainty floral detailing, a fluttery tie neck line, as well as slightly gathered sleeves, it's the ultimate whimsical dress for the summer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Main image credits: ©Instagram/@rhiannonflng

Emma Richardson is a fashion commerce writer for Grazia. She covers shopping, lifestyle, celebs and anything trending.

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