There's no denying that M&S has become the go-to high-street shop for people with good taste over the years – and not just for its epic selection of picky bits, either. Obviously, the Food Hall is famously second to none, but it's the British brand's fashion collections that have really been the talk of the town lately.
With a new Womenswear Director at the helm (who previously worked at Topshop, no less), the brand has entered a stylish new era with clothes, shoes and accessories good enough to rival some of our favourite designer labels – minus the eye-watering price tag.
But if there's one fashion category that M&S does best, it's wardrobe staples: pieces that you instinctively reach for every day, and that make getting dressed that much easier (and chicer). Chief among them? The LBD.
Every stylish woman I know has *at least* one little black dress in her outfit rotation, ready to be plucked out for everything from a smart work event to a glitzy cocktail party or night out with the girls, at any time of year.
It's a real all-rounder, that can be easily dressed up or down with a few choice accessories, and you'll reach for time and time again – *especially* in the summer. And by all accounts, M&S makes some of the best, and most affordable, LBDs on the high street. Below, the 6 best styles to shop for summer, from as little as £26.
M&S Linen Rich Scoop Neck Mini Swing Dress
M&S Linen Rich Scoop Neck Mini Swing Dress
If we're talking serious summer wardrobe staples, a black linen mini dress is up there with sandals and swimwear as an absolute essential. This M&S style is one of the best on the market: simple, lightweight, breezy and perfect for casual days and elegant evenings alike.
M&S Satin V-Neck Lace Insert Midi Slip Dress
M&S Satin V-Neck Lace Insert Midi Slip Dress
The contrasting white lace neckline detail makes this LBD look so much more expensive than it actually is. Pair with strappy sandals and a sparkly clutch for the perfect party ensemble.
M&S Pure Cotton Shirred Midi Waisted Dress
M&S Pure Cotton Shirred Midi Waisted Dress
A shirred midi is another summer wardrobe staple. Equal parts feminine and casual, the black colourway adds a certain polish for maximum versatility.
With its delicate lace trim, luxe satin material and pretty floral details, this romantic mini would be ideal for a summer garden party.
Take a leaf out of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's iconic 90s minimalist style – that's everywhere RN, in case you weren't aware – with this simple satin slip dress, worn with flat sandals by day and a sleek slingback by night.
M&S Broderie Frill Sleeve Mini Relaxed Dress
M&S Broderie Frill Sleeve Mini Relaxed Dress
Boho is officially back, people! And this broderie-trim black mini dress is the easiest way to subtly tap into the trend for easy daytime dressing.
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
