There’s no denying M&S‘s fashion team have been churning out endless gorgeous dresses recently. In the past few months, there’s been the sell-out denim midi, the gorgeous two-tone slip (part of Sienna Miller‘s collab) and the £39 leopard number with serious Ganni energy.
But, whisper it, I think M&S’s autumn dresses are its best yet. If you’re on TikTok, there are three you’ll have seen all over your FYP: the textured skater maxi, the gingham wrap dress and the leopard print mini.
Given most of the time it’s influencers with perfect lighting and make-up showing off the styles, it can be tricky to tell what the pieces look like in the flesh. So I went to try on all three and see if they were as flattering and wearable as everyone’s been saying. Here’s my honest verdict (including the one I’ve already added to basket)…
Jersey Midaxi Skater Dress
This jersey midaxi has been all over my Instagram, and hence was the style I was most excited to try. It’s available in ecru (pictured), black and a beautiful merlot red, perfect for the winter months.
It comes up small: I’m usually an 8 but they only had a 12 in store, and it certainly wasn’t two sizes too big. It’s also see-through so you’d need nude pants, and while it looked okay when I tried it in the morning, I’m a little worried the stretchy fabric would grab on to my tummy after lunch.
At just £29.50, it’s an easy option for an autumn work outfit, and would look very chic with a leather jacket or teddy coat. Despite being polyester it’s not itchy (even around the high neck) and we all appreciate having something you can quickly tumble dry when the weather cools.
I’d buy it based on the price – but if you’re taking pics, remember the nude-coloured Spanx.
Textured Round Neck Midi Column Dress, £29.50, M&S
Checked V-Neck Midi Wrap Dress
I have walked past this dress so many times and not looked twice – it does nothing whatsoever for me on the hanger. Which just shows it’s always worth trying something on, because I’ve already added this dress to my online basket.
The cotton material is so cosy and thick enough not to flash your undies, and unlike most wrap dresses, despite me not being particularly well-endowed, it fits snugly so I’m not worried about leaning over.
I think the cinched waist stops it looking mumsy, but it would benefit from a kitten heel or biker boots to elevate the look (my Birkenstock clogs were making the whole thing scream art teacher). This is a size 8 and fits perfectly – and priced at just £39.50, it’s an absolute steal.
Pure Cotton Checked V-Neck Midi Wrap Dress, £39.50, M&S
Animal Print Mini Shift Dress
Online, this dress looked like my dream: I love leopard print and a shift style is probably my favourite cut.
But when I tried it on, I instantly knew it was a no. I’m fussy about materials, and this is 100% viscose, which means it has no give. Not only does that make it a little tight, but it stops it hugging your tummy and hips in the right places, which can leave you looking a bit figureless.
That aside, it’s undeniably a pretty dress, particularly if you want something that shows off some leg without being too figure hugging. If you’re tempted I’d size up – this is an 8 and it was too snug for me.
