I've Assembled 4 Chic Summer Outfits Entirely From M&S

last updated 26 July 2023

It's no secret that we have a mild obsession with Marks & Spencer here at Who What Wear UK. Over recent years, the brand has seriously stepped up its game, turning out fashion-forward staples that still remain timeless season after season. Whilst M&S never used to be known as one of the most contemporary high-street heroes, today it stands as a go-to for fashion people, working mums and everyone in between. Personally, I love telling someone who just complimented my new sundress or tote bag that it came from M&S and cost under £50.

Despite all this, I was still surprised at just how much of the order I recently placed was totally worth keeping. Really, I should have known what I was in for—an almost 100% "keep" rate with really very few returns. Great for my summer capsule wardrobe, and—being M&S—not too taxing on my bank account, either.

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Rebecca wears a midi dress, sandals and a bag from Marks and Spencer.

But what did I order, I telepathically hear you ask? From cotton striped shirts to a pair of jeans that made my short legs look, actually, rather long; as well as a selection of midi dresses and stylish handbags, I bought enough to curate five head-to-toe looks. Want to see them? Scroll below!

1. The Little White Dress

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Style Notes: When it comes to building a feel-good summer outfit, a breezy midi dress is a foolproof starting point. Cream or off-white is classic, and I like to match mine with black accessories to keep it feeling chic.

Shop the Look:

M&S Collection

Pure Cotton Square Neck Midi Waisted Dress in Ivory

Don't expect this cotton beauty to hang around for long.

M&S Collection

Leather Bow Ballet Pumps in Black Mix

Ballet flats are everywhere right now.

M&S Collection

Straw Drawstring Tote Bag in Black

Is it even summer without a collection of easy tote bags?

2. The Stripe Shirt

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Style Notes: The striped shirt is making big moves at the moment. Simple yet multifaceted, my favourite way to wear them is like this (pictured)—over a white tank top—but also love a striped shirt on its own with denim shorts, over my bikini on the beach… The ways to wear are unlimited.

Shop the Look:

M&S Collection

Pure Cotton Striped Collared Longline Shirt

I like to get my striped shirts in a size up so they feel oversized.

Autograph

Lyocell Rich Cargo Wide Leg Trousers

I love the pocket detail on these.

M&S Collection

Cotton Rich Ribbed Slim Fit Vest Top in Soft White

I practically live in tank tops in summer.

M&S Collection

Striped Crochet Bucket Hat

I can't wait to wear this on the beach.

3. The Satin Skirt

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Style Notes: If you haven't already hopped on the satin midi-skirt trend, what are you waiting for? This M&S iteration is an affordable way in, and it looks so cool with strappy sandals and touches of linen for a summery spin.

Shop the Look:

M&S Collection

Satin Midaxi Slip Skirt in Ivory

This looks so expensive.

M&S Collection

Pure Linen Round Neck Short Sleeve Boxy Top

A timeless staple, the linen fabric really elevates this top.

M&S Collection

Leather Strappy Statement Sandals in Black

These are just so chic.

M&S Collection

Faux Leather Cross Body Bag in Black

You would never know this bag wasn't leather.

4. The Checked Dress

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Style Notes: Nail the dress code at, well, anything, in this checked dress. Style with heels and your favourite statement earrings for a summer occasion, and sneakers or flat sandals for the more casual events in your diary. This is the easiest summer dress.

M&S Collection

Checked Textured V-Neck Midaxi Tea Dress

The ultimate summer dress.

Shop the Look:

M&S Collection

Straw Bamboo Handle Tote Bag in Black

I adore this bamboo handle.

M&S Collection

Padded Flat Mules in Black

These hit sandals also come in red and white.

5. The Transitional Trench

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Style Notes: Whilst the weather may be warm at the moment, a trench is a transitional staple that I rely on all year long. Bit of breeze? Take the trench. Chance of rain? Trench! Want to smarten up your jeans? You know the answer!

M&S Collection

Double Breasted Trench Coat With Recycled Polyester in Sand

The ultimate transitional coat.

M&S Collection

Linen Rich T-Shirt in Soft White

Another great linen tee.

M&S Collection

Eva Bootcut Jeans

The cut of these jeans feel very French.

M&S Collection

Faux Leather Cross Body Bag in Black

Such a cute bag.

M&S Collection

Leather Jean Belt in Black

A classic belt is what ties this look together.

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Rebecca Rhys-Evans is a London-based fashion and beauty editor with a decade of branded content and editorial experience. She started working at Who What Wear UK in the summer of 2022, where she was hired to lead all branded content for the UK site. Be it appearing on-camera to showcase how to style the latest designer collections, or reviewing the most recent beauty skincare products, Rebecca is the voice (and often face) for Who What Wear UK’s commercial partnerships. A self-confessed internet obsessive, she loves all facets of content creation—be it writing, filming, art directing or styling—and revels in collaborating with brands to help harness their product and tell their story. After graduating from University of Liverpool in American Studies, she travelled around North and South America before moving to London to pursue her career as a fashion journalist. Before she landed her position at Who What Wear, she was a freelance writer and content consultant, writing for Polyester, Screenshot, Marie Claire, Refinery29 and Culture Trip, reporting on everything from internet culture, vintage shopping across the world, sustainability and sex work. Adding to this, she has also held editor positions at FLANNELS.com, BURO., Koibird and SHOP Magazine.