From mini dresses to wedding-appropriate tea dresses, our senior fashion writer Eve Rowlands has shared her top summer picks from Marks and Spencer’s latest drop
This sun is shining, flowers are blooming, andbarbecues are warming up for the first May bank holiday of 2026 – summer is in touching distance. With it comes the opportunity to wear our floatiest maxi and mini dresses to help us feel fabulous in the (hopefully) warmer temperatures.
As a fashion writer, I (rather smugly) get to spend quite a lot of time scouring the high street for the latest collections, styles and trends in fashion, and Marks and Spencer has dropped a bunch of gorgeous pieces that have me very excited for the spring and summer season.
From bohemian garments that’d make the Queen of Boho, Sienna Miller, proud, to denim numbers that are ideal for anything from pub trips to gardens, to something for an August wedding, M&S’ latest drop has me seriously swooning.
With that in mind, I thought I’d share just a few of my top picks from its newest drop for those who are in need of some style inspiration for any spring and summer occasions.
Polka Dot Puff Sleeve Midaxi Tea Dress – £45
This vintage-inspired tea dress is so pretty and is a lovely option for spring weddings, date nights or just a fancy coffee shop visit. Decorated in one of the season’s best trends, polka dots, it marries another gorgeous trend: pink and brown. While the background is a pale rose pink, it’s covered in small chocolate brown dots. This is such a soft colour combination that is romantic, feminine and complements the fit and flare silhouette that skims over the tummy, v-neck bust tie and puff sleeves.
It comes in petite, regular and tall and is available in sizes eight to 16 (all other sizes are sold out, proving its popularity). Shoppers have been showering this dress in praise, with one person noting: “I bought this dress just for a summertime dress, but when it’s on it is nice enough for an occasion or wedding guest dress. Very pleased with fit and look.”
That said, one person found the fit around the bust to be a little awkward, and said: “Loved the dress but for some reason didn’t fit around the bust comfortably. Sad to send it back.”
For those who love polka dots but aren’t too enamoured by this design, this Brown and Cream Polka Dot Panelled Soraya Midi Dress from Nobody’s Child is reminiscent of Julia Roberts’ Pretty Woman look, and it’s currently on sale for £79.20.
Lyocell Blend V-Neck Midi Waisted Dress – £45
Coming in yellow or blue – two very summery hues – this dress is a versatile design that can easily be dressed up or down. It has a lovely, flattering V-shaped bodice inspired by the classic peplum top, with short puff sleeves and decorative tie-front detailing.
It then floats into a lined A-line skirt that comes to just above the ankle (on all heights as it’s available in petite, regular and tall) and is finished off with a seer-sucker style texture that oozes cottage core.
As the name suggests, the Lyocell Blend V-Neck Midi Waisted Dress is made from 42% lyocell, 40% polyester, 15% polyamide, 2% cotton, and 1% elastane, offering some stretch for added comfort.
Broderie Cutwork Detail Mini Shift Dress – £45
There is something so summery about a broderie print, and this mini shift dress, which comes in black and yellow, is such a playful option for the sunshine season. With large broderie cutwork decorating the entire dress, the cut is a classic, shift style with a crew neck and relaxed body.
But what’s lovely about this design, however, is its ruffle scallop hem, which adds a romantic, feminine edge.
It comes fully lined, so there’ll be no worrying about accidentally showcasing our underwear, and is available in a range of sizes from petite six to regular 24. The only downside is that it doesn’t come in tall, and, measuring at 88cm from neck to hem, it may not be long enough for those with a taller stature.
If the black or yellow colourway isn’t a good fit for your complexion, Nobody’s Child has a similar design in its Claudia Mini Dress, which comes in mint green or pink. With a more fitted bodice, it also comes with buttons down its front and a more skater-style skirt. For those who’d prefer a crisp white style, ASOS has the Vero Moda jersey floral broderie sleeveless mini dress in white for £26. It has a similar slip style and boasts a boat neckline.
Jersey Sleeveless Draped Midaxi Dress – £48
I spotted this dress on one of my favourite Instagram influencers (thank you, Chessie King Carter) and instantly fell in love with its figure-enhancing, hugging yet comfortable fit that I can imagine will be ideal for summer gatherings.
Coming in a cool brown colour, it’s a gorgeous neutral hue that will go so many accessories. It comes in stretchy jersey fabric and has an elegant maxi length. Complementing this length, it comes with a drop waist (a shape that has become so popular in the last year) and side ruching that really cinches in the waist and gives an hourglass appearance.
Not to mention its cowl neckline negates the need for any neck jewellery to let the dress do all the talking. It’s just lush.
We’d pair it with some cream heels, statement earrings and a patterned bag featuring the dress’s colouring for a casual wedding look or birthday bash. Despite having just arrived on Marks and Spencer’s website, the Jersey Sleeveless Draped Midaxi Dress has already racked up a 4.7-star rating from shoppers, who love its ‘flattering’ style.
One fashion fan said: “Better than I expected! I ordered this dress, but was not really expecting it to look flattering on my figure. I was pleasantly surprised that it’s a really lovely dress, sits nicely around my less-than-flat stomach, nice colour and really soft material. It will travel well, I imagine.”
Someone else noted: “This beautiful and stylish dress is a real winner. The colour is neutral, and the fit is really beautiful.” Although they did say that: “It’s a bit on the small side. Best buy a size up, I did.” So keep that in mind.
Another person’s only request? “More colour options.” They added: “Comfortable and with a flattering look. The skirt part of the dress adds volume. Would love more colour options.”
Satin Lace Insert Mini Skater Dress – £45
For the free spirits amongst us, this mini dress reminds me of styles at the likes of Free People (minus its premium price tag), thanks to its lacey trims, square neckline, delicate spaghetti back tie and feminine flair. Costing £45, the dress is fitted with a figure-skimming bodice that comes decorated with pintuck detailing that leads into a drop waist.
The skirt and top are joined by a lace trim, while the mini skirt has gentle gathers for elegant movement that’d be perfect for any upcoming festivals, parties and more. Although its silky satin makeup lends itself to fancier occasions, we think this could easily be dressed down with some cowboy boots and a denim jacket, or over a graphic tee, and paired with black boots or sandals (when the weather calls for it).
It can even be worn over some wide-leg jeans with a bandana and pumps for a chic, layered look that is *chef’s kiss*. The only drawback for us is that this dress is selling out rapidly, and at the time of writing only had sizes 12 to 16 in stock.
If your size isn’t in stock, we love this Miss Selfridge boho satin lace insert hanky hem mini dress in buttermilk that has a slightly softer look thanks to its buttermilk colourway and hanky hemline. It’s fastened with front buttons and V-neckline, and it has a similar lace trim that is oh-so-boho.
