When it comes to shopping for dresses, there are a few brands I regularly rely upon. I trust Reformation to cater to my fuller bust, & Other Stories to deliver pretty options to suit my budget, and Ghost to create the easiest throw-ons to elevate my daily wares. These are a few of the labels I love and make a beeline for whenever I’m looking to up my dress game. However, recently I’ve found that many of the best dresses I see on social media come from another store— Marks & Spencer.
If you’re an avid Who What Wear UK reader, then you’ll know our editors have a serious soft spot for M&S. From its lingerie to its cashmere, its jeans to its various clothing collections, the high-street hotspot never lets us down when we need a sartorial pick-me-up, or a basics refresh. And right now, Marks & Spencer is serving up some of the best dresses for the warm weather that’s currently forecast.
Between the sunny spring skies and the impending bank holiday, I was keen to update my dress roster. So, naturally, I turned to M&S and decided to try on its best-selling dresses of the season. In the interest of being transparent, I’m 5’ 3" and a size 12 with curves; I ordered each of the dresses in a 12, but I say I could have sized down in all of them. M&S is one of the few high-street stores where 10s are an option for me, so if you, too, are between sizes, I recommend opting for the smaller.
Now that we’ve got the facts straight, now, let’s turn our attention to the dresses that truly impressed me. Some tap into my penchant for neutral tones, while others, well, I was surprised at just how much I loved them. Scroll on to read my honest reviews of the best Marks & Spencer dresses to buy now.
Style Notes: This M&S dress has been doing the rounds on social media, so I was keen to try it for myself. The material is lovely, lightweight, and just the sort of thing I’d want to wear on a warm day. I also like the white base to the black polka-dots, as it makes what can often feel like quite a wintry print feel more springlike. I’m a big fan of puff sleeves, square necklines, and shirred bodices, so this dress really does have a lot going for it. I would have liked the shirring to continue down the waist slightly to give a more fitted appearance, but that might just be personal preference as my waist is the part of my body I like highlighting most. All in all, though, this dress impressed me.
This will look beautiful paired with espadrilles or chunky leather sandals, just like my Birkenstocks above.
Style Notes: As someone who largely avoids wearing bright colours, I was surprised at just how much I loved this dress. The print is bold but doesn’t feel OTT, and the colours used to create the painterly floral motif work together beautifully. The satin fabrication is perfectly weighted— enough so that its not flimsy nor sheer— which meant it hung with intent and created a chic silhouette. It certainly feels fancy enough to be a wedding guest dress, too. So much so, I’m tempted to snap up the blue iteration while I’m at it.
I preferred styling this dress with tan accessories, but cream will work just as well.
Style Notes: I fully subscribe to the notion that leopard print is a neutral, but even those most tentative to try the motif will be impressed by this midi. The leopard spots are subtle from afar, but still make an impact when you’re up close. I also like how the print is made up of just two colours—black for the spots and a neutral taupe for the base—so it doesn’t feel overdone or clashy. I’m into high necklines, and this mock-neck is perfect for spring days when the sun might be shining, but there’s still a chill in the air. Empire waistlines are something I often struggle with, as my biggest bust means the silhouette doesn’t drape quite as intended, but, on this dress, the empire cut has been perfectly positioned so as to enhance the figure; not disguise it. Plus, it has puff-sleeves. Sold.
This will style with boots and trainers just as well as it will with flip-flops or strappy sandals.
Style Notes: M&S calls the print on this dress tie-dye, which it technically is, but I feel the word “ombré” is more accurate. The graduation from the deep navy shoulders to the cream hemline is done so well, if I didn’t know better I would have assumed it to be designer, I enjoy the belted waistline and the subtle emboridery to the balloon sleeves. The only drawback? I would have liked it either a little longer, or a little shorter, as I find knee-lengths do nothing for me. This is personal preference, of course, but worth noting should you feel the same and are a similar height to me—to reiterate, I’m around 5’ 3”.
This dress makes me want to book a trip to Greece or Mallorca.
Style Notes: Shirt dresses are something I always reach for come spring and, in a versatile khaki green shade, this dress has my name written all over it. I love how it can be just as easily dressed up as it is down—simply swap out the flat slider sandals for a pair of platforms or strappy sandals and you’re good to go.
It also looks great with boots—something to bookmark for autumn.
Style Notes: I don’t often opt for spaghetti straps—I hate not wearing a bra and unless I’m going to a wedding where I’m wearing a special dress that requires one, the last thing I want to strap myself into is, ironically, a strapless bra. However, for a dress this beautiful I could be convinced otherwise. Between the colour, the print, the silhouette, and the cotton poplin fabrication, this dress feels genuinely high-end.
Florals not for you? This dress also comes in a monochromatic zebra print.
Style Notes: With a bigger bust and wide hips, wrap dresses have become my go-to when I’m not sure how something will fit. Mainly because the tie detail makes them easier to cinch in and better fit your frame. This, however, is not a regular wrap dress. The skirt is actually sewn in place, and the tie-waist just for show. The dress actually fastens with an concealed zip to the side. Still, this has it’s perks. For once, I don’t have to worry about the crossover top becoming loose, revealing more than I intended to. And no gust of wind is going to blow open that skirt either. Behold the wrap dress made practical.
The ditsy floral print on this midi dress feels so French to me.
Gingham is always a good idea for spring.
Another chic polka-dot number I think it worth highlighting.
I know I said I don’t really do bright colours, but this peach shade is glorious.
White dresses are my biggest shopping weakness. Naturally, this broderie style went straight into my basket.
More gingham and I’m not mad about it.
Another expensive-looking print.
Call off the search—I’ve just found the perfect beach dress.
Minis are made all the better when they come in 2022’s hottest shade—Barbie pink.
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