Fashionistas race to M&S for bloat-friendly linen dress that ‘doesn't cling' & is ‘designed for a perfect summer's day'

The Sun

05-05-2025

THE weather might be very up-and-down at the moment, but warmer temperatures are definitely creeping in.
So, fashionistas are getting their summer wardrobes ready - and have unearthed a bloat-friendly dress from Marks & Spencer that will be 'perfect' for when mercury rises.
The M&S Collection Linen Rich V-Neck Strappy Midaxi Dress, which has spaghetti straps and a tiered skirt, is receiving rave reviews.
It is available from sizes 6 to 24 in a regular length - and some shoppers are even speculating that the British retail giant might release 'petite' and 'tall' renditions too.
One fashionista said that the linen-rich frock is 'designed for the perfect summer's day'.
They added that it is 'well made in a cool fabric with pretty stitched detail'.
Another buyer reviewed: 'I'm very happy with this dress as it isn't see through.
'It has a nice feel to the material and fits well with just enough looseness, so it doesn't cling in hot weather.
'It will be nice for my holidays on the beach.'
The dress, which is available in white, will set you back £49.50.
A blurb on it reads: 'This linen-rich dress is a timeless style for sunny days.
'It's designed in a regular fit, with a flattering v-neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps.
'The swing silhouette and tiered midaxi-length skirt create a breezy feel.'
However, you won't be able to purchase it online for a while, so you'll need to head to your local store to find it.
M&S has been forced to suspend online orders and freeze recruitment due to a severe cyber hack.
The upmarket high street brand was plunged into "pure chaos" last week, with staff having to use their personal devices for work.
Hottest fashion trends of 2025
Fabulous' Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street.
The East/West Bag
Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s' shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber.
In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder.
They've been on runway models' arms at nearly ever designer show - think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta - and are hitting the high street now, too.
Powder pink
Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025.
Pantone may say that it's the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own.
If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour.
The shell jacket
The '80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025.
We all know we're likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket.
Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in '80s windbreakers'.
Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion!
The turn-up jeans
While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we're styling them is different.
This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups.
For this look, size doesn't matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good - but only as it's just one single fold.
Peep-toe shoe
Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event.
After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style.
From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street.
Sheer blouses
See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life - until now.
Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S '25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season.
Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks.
Employees have no idea whether hackers are still inside the M&S system, it's been claimed.
Sources are even speculating that M&S had no plan for how to deal with a cyber attack and it could be months before it fully recovers.
"We are working day and night to manage the current cyber incident and get things back to normal for you as quickly as possible," chief executive Stuart Machin said in a statement.
"Thank you from me and everyone at M&S for all the support you have shown us. We do not take it for granted and we are incredibly grateful.
"Our teams are doing the very best they can, and are ready to welcome you into our stores - whether you are shopping for food or for fashion, home and beauty this bank holiday weekend.
"Thank you for your support and thank you for shopping with us. We will continue to keep you updated."