This Marks and Spencer dress is the best thing I’ve seen all week – and I think we’re going to be seeing a lot more of it when word gets out
As a fashion writer I am constantly on the lookout for hidden gems and refuse to gatekeep them. While some new-in pieces are an immediate viral success, other’s fly under the radar a little while longer before fashion fans catch on.
This week, I’ve found a Marks and Spencer dress that I think shoppers are going to go wild for, and if I’m right (I have a pretty good track record) I might just regret not buying this dress when I had the chance.
As the nights get lighter and my social calendar starts to fill up, I’ve been on the lookout for a new spring dress to add to my wardrobe to be my go-to for any 2024 event, whether it’s weddings, Sunday dinner, a gig or a potter about town with a coffee shop pitstop.
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This Gingham V Neck Puff Sleeve Tea Dress ticks all the trend boxes, and coming in at under £40, is a really versatile piece you can style up, down and year-round.
Its classic gingham pattern reminds me of summer picnics, but its blue and black colourway gives it a bit of a cool-girl vibe. Coupled with a flattering midaxi length and elegant puff sleeves, it’s a piece that works as well for the ‘girly’ girls as it does those with edgier tastes, too.
The dress features a zip fastening at the back, and a subtle v-neck at the front which feels less mumsy than round-neck styles of a similar nature. Its fabric is slightly stretchy which makes it very comfortable to wear, while it also has a naturally crepey texture, which means you won’t really need to iron it, either.
Now, let’s talk about styling. Before I add any item to my wardrobe, I mentally style it in three different ways in my head to ensure I’ll get enough wear out of it.
For the summer months, the idea of a Faux Leather Sling Cross-Body Bag, £25 here, and some Leather Ankle Strap Footbed Sandals are perfect for exploring a new city. Crossbody bags are great for travel as they keep you handsfree and your belongings secure. Plus, with the dress’ black accents, it makes it really easy to pair accessories with it without having to do too much thinking about it.
For the cooler months, a black cardigan or jumper, such as the Cotton Blend Textured Knitted Jacket can be thrown over the dress giving it the effect of a skirt, while boots will give it a cosier feel. I particularly like these chunky loafers and blue socks, from New Look, which tie the look together.
And for something a little dressier for a theatre trip or day in the office, you can’t go wrong by throwing over a black blazer and these could-be-designer Leather Buckle Kitten Heel Slingbacks, which come in at £45.
The other thing drawing me to this dress is the fact it feels to be in the same arena as brands like Ganni and Damson Madder, which are currently coveted by influencers. Ganni is currently stocking a similar blue gingham dress for £285, with a wrap design and seersucker fabric, while Damson Madder’s blue gingham mala dress for £95 proves it’s set to be a popular pattern this spring and summer.
But if, like me, you’re already planning endless ways to style it you can but the M&S Gingham V Neck Puff Sleeve Tea Dress for £39.50 before it sells out.
