M&S Has Just Created the Perfect White Summer Dress—4 Ways I'm Wearing It Now

I don't know about you, but all I can think about right now is summer. Spending weekends in the garden or heading to the beach and evenings taking in the sunset sipping on an Aperol or Pimm's (palate dependant). It really is bliss, isn't it? Thankfully, those days now don't feel too far away. In fact, we've already enjoyed some this spring, and with a more favourable weather forecast on the horizon, I need to start thinking about my wardrobe.

Now genuinely feels like the right time to start wearing dresses again, and I'm very happy about it. Of course, the clever people at Marks and Spencer predicted this sudden style urge and thought it the perfect time to release what is, in my opinion, the best dress it has ever created. There, I said it. The loyal M&S shoppers amongst you, of which I know there are many, will likely have seen M&S' Pure Cotton Square Neck Midi Cami Shift Dress (£40) before, either in its latest series of spring adverts or if you were fortunate enough, when it first dropped online a couple of weeks ago.

Featuring a square neckline, fitted bodice and full skirt all wrapped up in pristine white cotton, this dress is as close to perfection as I can imagine. The straps are just wide enough to cover bra straps (a major selling point for this 32G-sized editor), whilst the skirt flares out just so to create a beautiful silhouette, but one that's also comfortable to float around in. Needless to say, it sold out at lightning speed the first time around (I even missed it knowing it was coming!) but now it's back, and I won't let it pass me (nor you) by again!

With mine already on order, I thought I'd show you how I plan on wearing it this season and well into summer, and if I do say so myself, the looks are a testament to its versatility, chicness and all-round appeal. Scroll on to shop M&S' perfect summer dress before it flies, and to browse the other pieces in my outfit builds.

Shop Marks and Spencer's Square Neck Midi Cami Shift Dress:

4 Ways I'm Styling My M&S White Square Neck Midi Dress

1. Blazer + Basket Bag + Ballet Pumps

Marks & Spencer White Midi Dress

(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: Be it for work or lowkey evenings out, I can always rely on a blazer and ballet pumps to add polish to my dresses. The addition of a basket bag feels only right now that it's spring.

Shop the Outfit:

2. Striped Button-Down + Gold Earrings + Brown Sandals

Marks & Spencer White Midi Dress

(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: Layered loosely over the top or knotted at the waist to create an hourglass shape, this dress and shirt go hand in hand. Keep the look tonal and pulled together with a pair of brown or tan sandals.

Shop the Outfit:

3. Navy Jumper + Top-Handle Bag + Loafers

Marks & Spencer White Midi Dress

(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: On chillier spring days, layer a navy knit over your white M&S dress. It'll also look incredibly chic draped over your shoulders. Glossy black accessories will make the outfit feel all the more premium.

Shop the Outfit:

4. Evening Jacket + Chain Necklace + Heeled Mules

Marks and Spencer white dress

(Image credit: M&S)

Style Notes: Dresses like this can be dressed up or down with ease. For evenings out a little jacket, gold jewellery and simple shoes will do the trick.

Shop the Outfit:

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.