You're guaranteed to find me wearing linen this summer. It might sound old hat, but there really is nothing better for heatwaves, holidays and every summer situation in between than loose layers of light linen, and it just so happens that high-street hero Marks and Spencer has some of the very best linen on the market. Ask any Who What Wear UK editor and we'll all happily point you in the direction of our favourite pieces. We love the linen shirts and statement dresses in particular—the perfect easy foundations for exemplary accessorising—and since everyone is now dressing for a yacht girl summer, you're also going to want to invest in a pair of linen shorts to wear on repeat. After all, M&S’s wardrobe staples are the kind of quality basics you know you can rely on for years to come, and the affordable price tags just happen to be an added bonus.
Affiliate editor Emily Dawes wears Marks and Spencer linen.
Determined to help simplify your summer wardrobe, I set about finding the very best linen pieces at Marks and Spencer right now. My picks will help you build the perfect summer capsule, with shirts, shorts and dresses, plus plenty of trousers thrown in for good measure. These are the pieces I'd happily save space for in my wardrobe (and my suitcase), and I'm confident you're going to love them too. Expect a chic palette and versatile separates for the kind of practical building blocks that can be mixed and matched to make dozens of different outfits. Summer has never looked so stylish.
1. THE LINEN SHIRTS
M&S is onto a winner with this one, especially with 10 different colours to choose from.
The shirt is great, but the matching shorts make this into a whole look.
Suddenly, I'm sold on short-sleeved shirts.
Oversized shirts always look luxe.
2. THE LINEN SHORTS
This shorts suit is a 10/10. Keep scrolling for the matching jacket.
The black colourway is already running low in stock, but thankfully there's also white and chambray blue to choose from.
An easy way to draw in your waist.
Just add a black tank top and sandals.
The pinstripes make these shorts feel smarter.
3. THE LINEN TROUSERS
Linen trousers don't have to be transparent white.
These are ready for even the most formal occasion.
Not a fan of wide-leg trousers? Try a subtle tapered fit instead.
I just love this expensive shade of blue.
4. THE LINEN DRESSES
I'll take one in every colour, please.
Speaking of which, it's a tough decision between beige and black.
Between the shirred bodice and the puff sleeves, this has "perfect summer dress" written all over it.
You'd be forgiven for thinking this is designer.
The kind of easy, throw-on-and-go dress we rely on when it's hot.
5. THE LINEN SKIRTS
Isn't this just the chicest?
Just add a white tank top and you're ready for both the city and the beach.
This tile print is perfect for your holiday wardrobe.
The ideal skirt to wear with trainers.
6. THE LINEN BLAZERS
This is such a cool look.
Smart, clean perfection.
I'd happily wear this suit with some chunky sandals.
I'm a waistcoat fanatic and this is next on my list.
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