When I walked into Marks and Spencer today to view their new spring collection in close-up, my eye was immediately drawn to a very cute, very chic striped cotton spring dress in a bold blue and white stripe.
While M&S has created some excellent gingham dresses so far this spring, this striped dress has something extra about it because it works as well for everyday, as it does for smarter occasions.
Melanie trying on the dress at Marks and Spencer
As if further proof were needed of its eye-catching usefulness, as I made beeline towards it, so did three other shoppers. It definitely has that effect on people.
Find similar ballet pumps here
With good spring weather here now, and plenty more to come, there is no better time to be looking for a great midi dress to wear everyday, for days out, or simply to celebrate the weather.
I love recommending clothes that are well designed, long-lasting and made of natural fibres, and this dress meets all my criteria: its 100% cotton, has pockets, a flattering neckline and length, plus cute sleeves.
In the changing room, I tried it on with both my favourite summery sandals and ballerina pumps, and the dress looked chic with both. In addition, the shirred bodice – romantic shirring is a popular detail this spring – is flattering and creates shape without being tight.
The square neckline is elegant and not exposing, meanwhile the short sleeves cover the shoulders and have a just enough playfulness, without getting into Minnie Mouse territory.
Better still the skirt has a generous amount of fabric, which swishes as you walk. All-in-all this is properly great everyday dress, which can do double duty for occasions, exactly what M&S has consistently been delivering so far with their spring collections.