With this week’s wave of warm weather, all I’ve been thinking about is my spring dress rotation. Perfect for sunny days and endlessly versatile, there’s nothing quite like slipping on a minimal-effort, maximum-impact piece that does oodles of heavy lifting for you, style-wise. After a few days back-to-back in the office, I noticed that one new dress in particular kept jumping from one of my fellow editors to another: Marks and Spencer’s Pure Cotton Drop Waist Midi Waisted Dress (£40) had quietly become a fan favourite.
To the naked eye, the construction of this dress feels deceptively simple. In soft cotton, the square-neck dress features a form-fitting bodice that cascades down to the hips, gently flaring out into a floaty, draped skirt. It’s finished with drama-infused voluminous puffy sleeves and a contrast stitch running throughout. On the website, I didn’t think to take a second look, but on the body, this M&S dress comes to life. With discreet pintucks placed around the skirt, creating a soft, natural drape and adding movement and dimension, it becomes utterly divine.
On Tuesday, when our SEO writer, Ava Gilchrist, wore the dress with a pair of fashion-forward rope sandals, it looked chic, sophisticated and quietly directional. Come Wednesday, it was shopping editor Florrie Alexander’s turn to take the dress for a spin. Paired with a statement red stone necklace, oxblood ballet flats and the sweetest puffed scrunchie, it was infused with playful energy; looking entirely different yet just as compelling. But it was on Thursday, when fashion editor Remy Farrell stepped out in the dress, that I finally decided to buy it. Styling her with the now-iconic JW Anderson backless mules and a raffia tote, the dress was given an edgier lease of life; it wasn’t just pretty, it was cool.
(Image credit: @florriealexander)
I love a dress that adapts to the wearer’s style and is versatile enough to work hard in a capsule wardrobe. Scroll on to shop it, along with a few other new-in pieces from M&S I adore.
Shop the M&S Pure Cotton Drop Waist Midi Waisted Dress
M&S
Pure Cotton Drop Waist Midi Waisted Dress
This dress deserves its flowers.
Shop Other New-In M&S Pieces I Adore
M&S
Satin Lace Insert Mini Skater Dress
This dress would look perfect with strappy sandals and a tote bag on a warm summer’s day or beach holiday.
M&S
Cotton Blend Ruffle Midaxi Knitted Dress
Midaxi dresses offer a versatile length.
M&S
Stormwear Lightweight Funnel Neck Gathered Jacket
M&S
Pure Cotton Cropped Palazzo Trousers
I would size down in these ankle-grazing palazzo trousers as they tend to fit a tad big.
M&S
Cotton Rich Sheer Panel T-Shirt Dress
Style with a chunky belt and sandals.
M&S
V-Neck Button Through Slim Fit Cardigan
The delicate pearl buttons are a nice touch.
M&S
Cotton Rich Side Stripe Shorts
These sports shorts also come in green and red.
M&S
Linen Rich Seam Detail Waisted Top
Such a pretty shade of pink.
M&S
Pure Cotton Pleated Midi A-Line Skirt
If you’re not a fan of dresses, this pleated midi skirt gives the same vibe.









