M&S has officially become the high street’s worst-kept secret for affordable, trend-led style. Driven by womenswear director Maddy Evans, each seasonal drop elevates the brand’s aesthetic – and the highly anticipated M&S holiday shop is no exception. Packed with effortlessly cool, throw-on pieces, the range makes building a summer capsule wardrobe remarkably simple, with many pieces available for just £30.
To find the true standouts, I headed straight into store to try on the summer collection. I was pleased to see that M&S has seamlessly translated major runway trends into everyday wear, introducing elegant drop-waist skirts, puff-sleeve tops, and casual jorts re-imagined in a lightweight linen blend. Dainty floral prints and relaxed tailoring stood out as exceptional, fuss-free choices for outdoor summer events, while the retailer has injected some boho into your summer edit in the shape of floaty printed dresses.
The accessories department also demands a serious shoutout, showcasing standout swimwear, packable sun hats, and on-trend eyewear. The sunglasses are a massive standout this year, featuring cool-girl aviators and sleek cat-eye frames that give off major Bella Hadid energy without the designer price tag. If you want a dream warm-weather wardrobe that hits every style note, here is my honest verdict on what to add to your basket.
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What to buy from M&S’s 2026 summer collection
If I was going to Wimbledon, this is what I would wear. A matching A-line skirt and sleeveless waistcoat, the 60s-inspired co-ord looks effortlessly chic with the strip of contrast buttons and piping. As it’s made from a linen-blend, it feels lightweight and soft to the skin, especially as the waist coat has added stretch for comfort.
Jorts are a summer staple, taking you from picnics to smart events and this pair from M&S are utterly versatile. In a rich indigo, the jorts are made from blended denim with linen for a lighter feel and have a flattering high-waisted cut. I love that the length of these jorts (they sit just above my knee) make them a purposeful fashion statement.
This striped button shirt hits the nail on the head for smart summer events (which are notoriously difficult to dress for). The blue striped design is perfect for summer, while there’s some drama provided by the puffed sleeves, which are bang on trend. It feels well-made, lightweight and easy to style.
I’m a sucker for a drop-waist skirt, so I couldn’t wait to try this piece on. While it’s a maxi skirt, there’s plenty of breathability with the mesh fabric and flared A-line design, which has a high-waisted cut. I love the check print, which feels different to anything else in my summer wardrobe. Searching for a throw on maxi skirt? I’ve found it here.
A dainty floral print is the most effortless summer look and this skirt from M&S is a beautiful take on the style. In a rich ivory dotted with pink flowers, the skirt has a gorgeous appeal for both night and day. The ruffled tier adds structure and gives it a romantic feel, while the midi length and boxier fit is easy to style. I’d recommending sizing down.
These oval sunglasses stood out in M&S’s collection. They bring an instant elegance to an outfit as the oval lenses draw up on the end, while the chunky rims feel on trend.
A chuck-on dress is a staple for me come the hotter months, so I was drawn to this linen one from M&S. It’s slightly heavier than I imagined so would better suit an evening or slightly cooler summer day. That being said, the white linen-blend dress makes for effortless styling with its flattering scoop-neck and puffed sleeves. I’d recommend sizing down on this one.
If you’re searching for a chic but laid-back evening dress for your next holiday, I’ve found it at M&S. Available in black and white colourways, this column dress is effortlessly flattering with a subtle, figure hugging silhouette. The beaded ties add a stylish detail, while the material feels lightweight and breezy.
A wrap skirt is my most hard working piece of clothing on holiday – utterly practical, easy to style and stylish. This one from M&S ticks all the boxes with its wrap front and adjustable tie waist making for low faff wear. The red shell design also complements a tan nicely.
Earthy tones are dominating M&S’s holiday shop this year and this dress was the standout pick for me in this style. Perfect for throwing on after the beach, the dress is super light and floaty with wide kimono-style sleeves and tied cuffs, while the empire waist seam creates some shape. The print holds its own as a statement piece, with its vibrant and rich geometric pattern. Pair with some brown sandals and this will take you from day to night.
Read more: This £39 Uniqlo dress is a summer staple
