It’s no secret that at Who What Wear we have a mild obsession with Marks & Spencer. Over recent years, the brand has seriously stepped up its game, turning out fashion-forward staples that still remain timeless season after season. Despite a previous reputation for not being the most contemporary of high street heroes, today it stands as a go-to for fashion people, working mums and everyone in between. After all, there’s no better feeling than telling a person who just complimented your 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 my recent order that I placed was, actually, worth keeping. And why? Really I should have known what I was in for—an almost 100% ‘keep’ rate with really very few returns. Which is great for my summer capsule wardrobe, but not so great for my summer bank account.
Rebecca wears a midi dress, sandals and a bag from Marks and Spencer.
But what did I order, I can telepathically hear you ask? From cotton stripe shirts to a pair of jeans that made my rather short legs look, actually, rather long, as well as a selection of midi dresses and stylish handbags–I bought enough to curate 5 head-to-toe looks. Want to see them? Scroll below!
Style Notes: When it comes to building a feel-good summer outfit, a breezy midi dress is a foolproof starting point. A cream or off-white one is a classic, I like to match mine with black accessories, to keep it feeling chic.
Don’t expect this cotton beauty to hang around for long.
Ballet flats are everywhere right now.
Is it even summer without a collection of tote bags?
Style Notes: ICYMI–The stripe shirt is making big moves at the moment. Simple yet multifaceted, I like most to wear mine like pictured, over a white tank top, but also love it on its own with denim shorts, over my bikini on the beach–the ways unlimited!
I like to get my stripe shirts in a size larger, just so they feel oversized.
I love the pocket detail on these.
I practically live in tank tops in summer.
I can’t wait to wear this on the beach.
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.
This looks so expensive.
A timeless staple, the linen fabric really elevates this.
So chic.
You would never know this bag wasn’t leather.
Style Notes: Nail the dress code at, well, anything, in this check dress. Style with heels and your favourite statement earrings for a summer occasion, and snearkers or flat sandals for more casual events in the diary. This is the easiest summer dress.
The ultimate summer dress.
I’m obsessed with this bamboo handle.
These hit sandals also come in red and white.
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!
