Marks and Spencer remains the brand for just about everything. Whether you're on the hunt for a new pair of jeans, a shape-wear swimsuit or the perfect summer dress, you can rely on the high street hero to find your next sartorial staple. That's why, when I embarked on my search for some of the best dresses, M&S was my first - and final - destination.
Whether you're looking for mini or maxi dresses, monochrome hues or vibrantly patterned prints, you'll find it in 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 tends to be more affordable than other labels, it doesn't mean that it sacrifices style. Take the Gingham Puff Sleeve Dress, as the prime example, which comes in a classic shift silhouette with puffed sleeves with the perfect volume. It's possibly the perfect summer dress.
Grazia's fashion commerce writer, Gemma Lavers went into store and tried on some of the best new-in dresses M&S have to offer, she says: 'If you're in the market for an easy spring wardrobe win, look no further than M&S. From linen maxis to printed midis and minis, the selection is - dare I say - very impressive. As a general rule, I do find that M&S dresses come up on the smaller side, so I'd suggest sizing up if you're between sizes to save yourself squeezing into a dress in the M&S changing rooms like I did. That said, M&S' dresses are fantastic when it comes to offering length options as most come in petite, regular and tall lengths (I'm 5'4" so I always appreciate that).'
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.
Shop: The Best M&S Dresses This Spring
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
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 does cinch 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 www.marksandspencer.com
Another sweet polka dot dress is this one, which has a mini-length instead of maxi and features long sleeves and ruffles. The round neckline means it can be either dressed up or down, whether you pair with sandals or kitten heels for a garden party or wedding.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
If you're looking to lean into the boho trend this summer, this denim dress is the perfect excuse to do so. With a waisted silhouette that cinches all the way down and long cuffed raglan sleeves, layer with an embroidered vest and add a pair of suede cowboy boots to enhance the look.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
A linen dress in the summer is like a cashmere jumper in the winter, and this green one from M&S is the perfect one to add to your spring dress rotation. With a midi length (that's more like a maxi on me - I'm 5'4") and a trim insert, the dress is a slightly more elevated version of a classic linen dress.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
If you're more of a mini dress person in the warmer months, this one is made from a linen-rich fabric that'll keep you cool as well as looking put-together. Simply style with a pair of sandals, or boat shoes with white socks, and throw a knitted jumper over your shoulders for the ultimate laidback look.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
A mini dress works wonders for any height. If you're on the smaller side, it won't make you look shorter than you are, and if you're taller it will elongate your legs. Luckily, M&S' design comes in three different sizes, petite, regular and tall to suit any height, and is available in bold red and black.
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.
www.marksandspencer.com
Polka dots are a major trend for this year, and M&S is already killing it - case in point, this brilliant midaxi tea dress, which makes for the ultimate wedding guest dress.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
In a very Ganni-inspired design, M&S has released a denim midi dress with a similar tie front and puff sleeves. The dress is available in three different lengths; petite, regular and tall and is finished with handy side pockets and a discreet zip fastening.
www.marksandspencer.com
Another brilliant option if you're looking to jump on the polka trend, this time in an elegant scoop neck design, with a flowy skater skirt to finish off.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
If you're more of a mini rather than midi or maxi dress person when the sun comes out, M&S has a gloriously pattered skater dress that won't break the bank either. The round neck and longer sleeves also means it can easily transition from a day at the beach to evening cocktails.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
M&S know how to do a good mini dress, and this one comes in a gingham print with puff sleeves and sweet bows on the shoulders. Cut in a shift silhouette that goes with pretty much anything, wear the dress with a beige trench and knee-high boots, or with kitten heels.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
If you're on the hunt for the perfect holiday dress, you can stop scrolling - we've found the best one. This style from M&S has everything you'd want, including a feminine adjustable halter neck, cut-out on the bodice and floaty skirt.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
For a dress that's slightly more whimsical, opt for this one which features a rounded neckline, short sleeves and flattering midaxi-length hem. If you prefer a brighter dress in the sunnier months, the exact same style is also available in a blue floral print.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
Another good holiday dress from M&S, this one is made in a loose, comfortable fit, and features a flattering V-neckline and adjustable slim straps. If you want something brighter than the dark brown 'conker' shade, there's also a bright green option.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
Butter yellow has been a massive trend at the beginning of this year, and it's not going anywhere as we head into sunnier months either. Another great easy, breezy dress from M&S, this sunshine style has short sleeves and round neck. Style with a raffia tote and sandals.
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.
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.
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look - yes, she can tell you exactly where a specific coat is from. When not writing, shopping or scrolling Instagram (find hers here), Gemma will likely be dreaming up her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).