Summer Is All About Easy Dressing—6 M&S Pieces I Rely On Every Year

It feels like summer has arrived overnight. Sunshine is a daily occurrence, and the rain, at least as I'm writing this, has stayed away. So naturally, I've been looking to get my warm-weather wardrobe ready for the upcoming months. One thing you should know is that I'm all about easy dressing. I love simple outfit formulas that don't require too much planning and only need a few easy accessories such as jewellery or a great bag to look the part. This is most important in the warmer months, when we want to get out and enjoy the weather rather than spending time figuring out what to wear. And to fill in the gaps in my easy-dressing summer wardrobe, I've turned to high-street hero Marks Spencer.

M&S has long held a place in my heart for its reliability. No matter the season, M&S always offers up an array of classic staples and directional styles to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh. Better still, the high-street store offers affordable prices, even for the highest-quality pieces including linens and cashmere. And for summer 2023, I'm once again relying on M&S for my wardrobe heroes.

There are a few staple pieces that make the backbone of my summer wardrobe. You'll find that these items are also perfect for any trips whether you're jetting abroad or staying local. To make things even easier for you, I've created a list of M&S summer basics I always rely on. First up, a great dress is the easiest throw-on piece that requires minimal effort whilst still looking chic. Tops are staples to mix and match with shorts, trousers and skirts throughout the warmer months. And finally, I can't forget shoes. Easy slip-on styles are perfect for flinging off to dig your toes into soft sand, structured styles are work appropriate, and flats are the ideal option for days out.

Keep scrolling to explore the six summer staples that make getting dressed for summer so much easier.

1. DRESSES

There's no greater pairing than summertime and dresses. Of course, we rely on these styles every season, but come summer, dresses are even more relevant. A good dress is a quick outfit builder that just requires a pair of shoes or a basket bag, and you're ready to go.

2. TOPS

When looking for ease, a few sleek tops that can be easily paired with trousers, shorts or skirts are a must. For the warmer weather, we've flung off our coats and jumpers, leaving tops to be a statement on their own. So I look for styles with interesting textures like smocking or knit details to add some intrigue to this basic. Plus, a great shirt will see you through the whole year and can easily transition from office attire to a swimwear cover-up.

3. TROUSERS

Though we often think of bare skin for summertime, sometimes the British weather doesn't comply. Through summer, focus is put upon light, airy cottons, and M&S has an array of styles that fit the bill. I've also included some trend-forward cargo styles and a mix of colours to celebrate the brighter months.

4. SHORTS SKIRTS

Whether you're abroad or simply soaking up a sunny day at home, skirts and shorts are a must-have in your summer wardrobe. For 2023, M&S has taken on the long-denim-skirt trend with a standout slit-front version. It also has some fun printed skirts that can be dressed up or down with heels or sandals. Shorts are another summer favourite, and I've found two airy linen styles that are so chic they'd work as officewear or off-duty looks.

5. SANDALS

Pedicure season has arrived. Open-toe shoes and sandals are on the agenda whether you're throwing on a dress or trousers. I've often turned to M&S for its directional and classic shoes, and its new-in section is full of chic styles that you'll pull out year after year.

6. FINAL TOUCHES

Whether it's a light layer for those balmy summer evenings or a basket bag that goes from city trips to beachside holidays, these are the reliable extras that finish a look.

Up next, our summer issue has arrived, featuring India Amarteifio.