It was back in 2022 that Valentino debuted a saturated pink catwalk filled with bright pink monochromatic looks, and in one fell swoop, laid the groundwork for how we wear (and style) the saccharine shade. Then in 2023, Greta Gerwig's Barbie brought the colour off the runway on everyone from Margot Robbie and Zendaya on the red carpets to our favourite influencers and fashion editors around the city. Fast forward to now, and the playful shade hasn't exactly lost its hype. So, when Marks & Spencer quietly launched its Belted Midaxi Waisted Dress last week – a dress that I'm certain would've had a cameo in the Barbie movie if it had been released two years earlier – I knew it was a style I needed to get my hands on.
M&S' pink marvel isn't just interesting because of its colour, either, even if the search for 'Marks and Spencer pink dress' is up by 180% this month. The dress has a double-belted waist that creates definition without feeling too tight, and the midaxi hemline offers that in-between length that just works with almost any shoe. Still, it was the colour of the dress that originally caught our attention, as the pink is bright enough to make a statement yet somehow feels subtle. For those who prefer something more understated, the dress is also available in black, which is a timeless option that only draws even more attention to the frock's chic silhouette.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
M&S' Belted Midaxi Waisted Dress has everything you'd want from the perfect pink dress. Designed in a flattering regular fit, the dress features a simple rounded neck, as well as a double-belt cinched waist detailing around the middle. If you do want to get your hands on the dress, you're going to have to act fast, as some sizes are already sold out.
Naturally, the pink iteration lends itself to a more playful way of styling, whether you choose to pair it with a neutral kitten heel or go all out with metallic accessories. Pink might get a bad rep, but it's actually easier to style than you might first think, particularly if you're a sucker for a black accessory, or tan sandals. The black version would suit a more laid-back way of dressing – for example, with ankle boots and a trench coat when the temperature drops, or with strappy sandals and a raffia tote in the summer.
M&S has long been teasing its Belted Midaxi Waisted Dress on Instagram and showcasing it in stores for weeks – long enough for the Grazia desk to (somewhat heavily) speculate about its online release date. Now that it's finally here, it's proving to be incredibly popular, with multiple sizes of the dress already sold out, and we can see why. In pink, it's a reminder that a pop of colour can still be chic, and in black, it's a masterclass in timeless dressing. My advice? This isn't a wait-until-payday purchase, it's a secure-before-your-size-vanishes purchase (don't learn this the hard way).
Shop: Your Size Out Of Stock? Here Are Some Alternatives
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
M&S' highly-awaited dress is also available in a versatile black colour. With the same round neck and double-belted detailing, style with a pair of white socks and black chunky loafers, or with a pair of Havaianas.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
Free People's pink dress is more bubblegum pink than Barbie pink, but it's still just as sweet. Designed with retro-inspired charm, its Marbella Midi dress features a corset-esque bodice, A-line skirt and striped jacquard fabrication.
Selfridgeswww.selfridges.com
House of CB also hopped on the pink trend with its Cindy dress. With a fitted bodice and straight neckline, as well as a full skirt, it's similar to the M&S style, and comes in an aptly named shade 'ballerina pink.'
Nobody's Childwww.nobodyschild.com
The Nobody's Child take on a pink midi dress is in a lighter baby pink and is finished with glorious details, like two side pockets, a buttoned-down front and a V-neck. Finish the look with fuchsia accessories for a pop of colour, or tan sandals.
Revolve
Revolve's pink offering comes in the form of its Mirelle dress. Made from a comfortable linen-cotton blend, the dress features a partially-lined bodice, self-tie shoulder straps and back zipper closure. It's most definitely a dress you can wear to a wedding, but also to a garden or dinner party too.
ASOS 
ASOS' pink midi dress is a good one if you're on the hunt for a dress that can do it all. Heading to a wedding? Style with heels and a clutch bag. Off to dinner? Pair with ballet flats and chunky bangles. Or on your way into the office? Throw a boxy tee over the top and a pair of loafers.
Main image credit: Instagram/@junabanda_ @catlpatterson
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. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.