M&S's new partywear collection has fashion editors talking - these are the 9 pieces to snap up before they sell out
Marks & Spencer has long been the place to head for sensible trousers or a multi-pack of knickers, but at the press show this spring it was the brand's occasionwear that had many fashion editors talking. For many years, the high street stalwart has offered little in the way of summer party outfits, but for 2025 there are plenty of options for those heading to weddings, the races or any sort of outdoor bash.
'I am really here for M&S 's new foray into partywear' says You magazine's fashion editor Hannah Skelley. 'The amount of occasionwear outlets on our shopping streets has dwindled, so this could represent a new hotspot. Known for fabulous basics and sell-out trend-led pieces, M&S's occasion collection is of the same quality - but it's elevated, contemporary and very affordable.'
Here, the fashion team reveal their top picks from Marks & Spencer's occasionwear line-up...
Hannah Skelley, fashion editor
'Butter yellow has taken over the high street this spring and this sleek lace button down tea dress is the exact shade of sunshine you should be looking for. It will work with ballet pumps and a suede roomy tote for al fresco dining occasions and with metallic kitten heels and a baguette bag during wedding season.'
Lace Button Through Midi Tea Dress With Cotton
£119 Shop
Lila Flint Roberts, senior bookings editor
'If you're looking to update your party wardrobe, turn to accessories first – they give a new lease of life to all outfits! I've always been an avid supporter of Marks & Spencer's accessories – and they just keep getting better. This woven clutch is a brilliant size and is a style that has been extremely popular for at least three years now owing to Bottega Veneta – so it'll be money well spent.
'The suede stilettos are unreal and would cost a lot more if bought from any other high street store. Wear with jeans and a crisp white shirt, or pair with your favourite wedding guest dress. Cost per wear (and the material used) will justify the slightly higher price point.'
Jessica Carroll, junior style editor
'I love a mini for summer occasions, and I know I would be able to re-wear this LBD again and again for just about any event. With a square neckline and fit and flare silhouette, it has a subtle vintage feel that makes it look very expensive. My advice would be to lean into this and pair with slingback kitten heels, a delicate top-handle bag and chunky gold earrings. Alternatively, I'd dress it down with woven raffia ballet flats, black sunnies, and a slouchy tote bag.
'M&S' partywear options are some of the best on the high street at the moment. They have got it spot on in terms of making stylish pieces that don't rely too heavily on obvious trends, meaning they are more timeless than other high street stores. My favourite thing, however, has got to be their accessories. Their shoes and jewellery are perfect for elevating an otherwise plain special occasion look.'
Square Neck Waisted Mini Dress
£39.50 Shop
Hope Palmer, fashion assistant
'Occasionwear can be tricky — I never want to buy something just to wear it once and have it sat in the back of the wardrobe forevermore. That's why I love this dress, the fresh colour and floral print feel like something special without being too in your face. The print also helps distract from what could be a clingy fabric, making it flattering without the fuss and the puff sleeves creates a lovely silhouette. It's easy to dress it up with these chunky raffia heels, great jewellery and bag for a chic occasion look. And just as easily, you can tone it down for everyday wear — think loafers, socks, and chunky gold jewellery. That makes it the perfect occasionwear dress for me.'
Floral Round Neck Midaxi Tea Dress
£45 Shop
Plus, here are 4 more pieces we love...
Embellished Cutwork Midaxi Column Skirt
£89 Shop
Polka Dot V-Neck Lace Detail Midaxi Tea Dress
£49.50 Shop
Floral Halterneck Maxi Tiered Dress
Lyocell Rich Polka Dot Sweetheart Neckline Maxi Waisted Dress
£79 Shop
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
5 hours ago
- The Independent
Marks & Spencer is back online – these are my favourite fashion picks for summer
I spend a lot of time covering M&S, but the retail giant has been in the news for other reasons this year. Over the Easter weekend, M&S was forced to stop taking orders on its website after days of disruption in stores caused by a cyberattack. With deliveries paused and products in short supply, it's cost the retailer more than £300 million in sales. But, the good news is that online orders have now been resumed. As investigations into the cyber attack continue, stock is set to slowly return online for deliveries and click-and-collect orders. An M&S spokesperson told me: 'We're offering our bestselling products, along with newness and this makes up the majority of our range which is available online today (10 June).' 'More of our fashion, home and beauty ranges will be added every day. For products that are not available online, customers can add them to their 'wish list' and when they come back into stock we will let them know.' Customer loyalty will be key to M&S's survival, with analysts commenting that the retailer has been losing out to rivals. Indeed, the shutdown of online operations coincided with a spring heatwave in the UK, when many people were in the market for summer clothes. I spend much of my time browsing, trying on and reviewing the quality of clothes, particularly on the high street. Whether it's wedding guest dresses or sandals, M&S constantly impresses me with its comfortable and well-crafted clothes, low prices and on-trend styles. While its homeware easily rivals designer brands (see its Tekla-style towels or Pooky-inspired lamps), it's the retailer's fashion that really stands out. It's always been a go-to for well-fitted but feminine bras and soft pyjamas and dressing gowns that will last you years, but M&S used to have a reputation for dowdy clothing. Maddy Evans, director of womenswear at M&S, has led the charge to reinvigorate the brand's clothing offering. Former Topshop fashion director Evans has helped M&S shake those frumpy associations, targeting women who have one eye on the latest designed collections on the catwalk, and another on purse-friendly value. Its fashion takes runway trends and make them wearable day-to-day, all at affordable price points. So, with summer officially here and a heatwave predicted for this weekend, M&S online orders couldn't have resumed at a better time. Here's everything I'm bagging for this season. Giving the designer look for less, this pair of pumps earned a spot in our round-up of the best ballet flats for 2025. Combining the comfort we've come to expect from the high street stalwart with newly elevated style, the dainty style is available in white, black or red and features a slim sole, square toe and flat heel. The delicate self-tie bow fastening and ruched detailing elevate the simple silhouette. Trust me, they're the comfiest flats I own. Swap your florals for polka dot this season. The classic print is having a comeback and this sweet blouse is the perfect everyday style. Characterised by a round neckline and three bow-tie fastenings at the front, the top is cut into a peplum hem with puffed sleeves for extra impact. Finished in all-over polka dot, there's flower-jacquard embellishment for texture. Leopard print is perennially cool (it's a neutral, in my opinion), but the style is back in a big way this summer. M&S's playful take featured in my round-up of the best summer dresses for 2025. Boasting a body-skimming cut that flatters your silhouette, it runs true to size. Complete with a laidback crew neckline and mini hemline, the polyester fabric has a soft jersey feel. M&S also helpfully offers petite, regular and tall lengths, so you can find the perfect fit. An investment for your everyday wardrobe, this M&S style is designed with a fitted bodice and round neckline. The A-line skirt flows out from the waist for a midi hemline cut. Simple but sophisticated, style it with ballet flats and trainers day-to-day before jazzing it up with jewellery and kitten heels in the evening. M&S's linen rich skirt is finished in one of this season's hottest hues, tomato red. Distinguished by its A-line shape and ankle-grazing hem, the shirring on the waistband adds flattering detail. Tone down the bold red hue with a simple white Tee. An effortless way to look put-together, every wardrobe can benefit from a denim dress. This M&S style features a mid hemline and milk-maid style puffed sleeves, while the three bow tie fastenings in the body nod to Ganni. Better yet, there's side pockets. A great choice for Wimbledon or summer occasions, this pure cotton cami dress is finished in a timeless polka dot. Complete with a midaxi-length and flattering sweetheart neckline, the dress has subtle ruched detailing on the bodice to enhance your silhouette.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
M&S is officially back – here's the 10 fashion editor approved buys you need to add to your basket before they sell out
GREAT news, Marks & Spencer is back selling online. After two months of troubles with a cyber attack the retail giant revealed to fans this week that their website check out would be up and running this week. 18 But good news, the website is allowing shoppers to check out from today. However, M&S have warned that standard deliveries will take up to 10 days whilst they get up and running again. But you need to act fast. After its short but what feels like a lifetime hiatus eager M&S fans will be hitting that checkout button in their thousands with stock expected to vanish online. Here, Fabulous ' fashion editor, Clemmie Fieldsend, reveals what you need to be buying now before they sell out. THE DO-EVERYTHING DRESS This dress is nearly all but sold out in Petite and Tall, sorry ladies, however it is available in Regular. With a sleek and stylish square neckline, in lightweight linen this white dress with pale blue floral dress is a must have for summer. You can dress it up with silver heels and jewellery or just sling on your go-to flip-flops or trainers for a casual look. And the best bit, it's got sleeves that cover the top of your arms. 18 Dress, £59 THE WOW BAG Beaded bags are awash on the high street but this new style from M&S wins the contest for the best. Fabulous Fashion teams sneak preview of new season M&S It's just beautiful with all over beading in cream with florals and fringing it will go with everything. The bag measures at 21 cm in height so yes you can fit your phone, keys, lippy and powder all in their with room for more. It's fully lined with a magnet fastening so it has a sleek finish even when it's full to the brim. Bag, £59 THE STATEMENT SHOE A shoe can dress up or dress down any outfit, and these shoes will dress up even a tracksuit. Already hugely popular you need to get them now before they're completely gone. With delicate organza flower detailing and wrap around ankle straps they'll give any look the wow factor. With a chunky block, low heel they are the shoe that you can wear all day and feel comfortable and you won't sink into grass. Shoes, £35 THE SLIMMING SPOT PRINT TOP Jeans and a nice top is the millennial clothing combination that will just never die, and if you need a summery statement top this season this is it. In light organza fabric, must have black and white polka dot print and features a huge flower in the centre of the chest. Nipped in at the waist it's going to give you an hourglass shape with a slightly fluted peplum that will allow you to leave the Spanx at home and still look flattering. It's timeless and a statement all at the same time, a real must-have to be paired with jeans, trousers or its matching skirt. Top, £69 THE SHAPEWEAR SWIMSUIT M&S is the nation's go-to for bras, so when it comes to swimwear you know you're getting the same care and support in their swimsuits as you do their underwear. This scalloped edge cossie comes in white, black, red and blue, however the blue has now gone, but is supportive on the bust and made with thick neoprene so gives you an ultra smooth silhouette. I have this in black and it's amazing, I've been dying to get hold of it in white but my size, 10, never seems to be in stores. So act fast because it's very popular. Swimsuit, £35 THE VIRAL FLATS These bow-tied ballet pumps went viral earlier on in the season for their designer look. They're almost sold out in red and cream with some sizes still available, but the black is wide open. With M&S you know you're getting a comfortable shoe with longevity so they're an investment even if they are under £30. Paired with jeans, light dresses of skirts, their tie and ruched detailing make them standout from the rest of the pumps on the high street. Shoes, £29.50 This stunning dress wouldn't look out of place hanging on the rails of a designer shop. In pretty pastel pink with intricate sequin and bead detailing and Broderie Anglaise it's a statement dress without a loud colour or garish print. It also has a peek-a-boo back tied with a statin ribbon for the perfect luxury finish and a knee high slit makes it a must have for summer. Suitable for sipping cocktails at sundown on holiday or for weddings its one of those dresses you'll wear year after year. Dress, £129 THE BEYONCE BAG Beyonce landed on UK soil last week for her Cowboy Carter tour and has send the demand for all things cowboy soaring. Cowhide inspired accessories have been a huge trend this year and aren't going anywhere. This stylish shoulder bag ticks all the boxes with a faux-hair finish and leather adjustable strap which means you can have it sitting on your shoulder or across your body for raving away at festivals hands free this summer. This is bound to sell out as M&S have already tagged it online as 'popular' so act fast. Bag, £89 THE ESSENTIAL SHIRT I don't know about you but for summer I want a shirt that can be worn over swimwear for when I'm away as well as one that can be worn in the evenings on holiday and in the UK. This shirt does all of that. It's already sold out in four sizes but with its shell embroidered print in white sticking on black cotton it's easy to see why. This would look so stylish sipping some rose pool side, or even with a baggy pair of jeans a slip-ons in the UK. For £55 in breathable linen, I'm sold. Shirt, £55 THE TRAVEL TROUSERS 18 Looking for the perfect travel trousers? Look no further. This striped pair of linen trousers are as comfortable as they are stylish. Even though their linen they look like they're cotton trousers with all the same detailing such as back pockets and tie waist with a wide leg silhouette. M&S did have another pair of linen trousers from earlier in the season that are now sold out in every size, but personally, I prefer this elevated style that you can wear everywhere. 18 Trousers, £45 Why Everyone Is Loving M&S Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale revealed to Fabulous why M&S is the shop of the moment. She explained: 'M&S has really pulled it out of the bag this season, there is so much good product to be excited about. 'A brand once known for its 'frumpy fashion' that notion is long gone with it now being one of the leading high street stores for womenswear. 'Its handbag range in particular is super strong with them selling 170% vs plan, with lots more designer dupes for just a fraction of the price. 'The brand is now also the #1 for style perceptions, compared to the #3 spot it had last year, this comes from a really strong design team focused on modernising the brand, not only taking into consideration how the pieces look, but how easy they are to wear also. 'Price is also a big factor with you being able to get many good quality pieces all for under £30. 'After having a sneak peak of the upcoming collection there are so many more amazing pieces that are dropping over the next few months to keep your eyes on. 'Think leopard print dresses, colourful co-ords, embroidered boho jackets, plus lots of swimwear and amazing accessories, as well as great wardrobe staples that will last year on year.'
Glasgow Times
10 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Mars confirms White Maltesers returning after 'huge demand'
White Maltesers, which left the shelves 11 years ago, are officially coming back. They have recently been seen by shoppers, with some wondering if it was leading to an official return. Now Mars Wrigley, which is also responsible for M&Ms, Snickers, Skittles and, of course, Mars bars, has confirmed the news. A packet of the returning White Maltesers (Image: Mars Wrigley) Mars confirms White Maltesers returning after 'huge demand' White Maltesers were launched by Mars in 2003 in the UK. However, the chocolates were discontinued in 2014 due to "low sales". Since then, fans have been demanding the treat make a return, with multiple petitions even appearing online. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) said: "@MaltesersUK bring back the white chocolate Maltesers please." Another person posted: "Had a dream last night that white chocolate maltesers were back and I bought a whole crate of them." Discontinued UK Sweets/Chocolates Now, after what Mars Wrigley has said was "huge public demand", the popular snack is making its "long-awaited comeback". The new product combines the "classic Maltesers crunchy centre with a "thin layer of white chocolate". A spokesperson from Mars Wrigley said: 'We're delighted to bring Maltesers White Chocolate back for the passionate fans who have been anticipating their return for years. "Maltesers is all about encouraging people to look on the light side of life and so definitely try them if you've not done so before.' Fans excited for return of "all time favourite" White Maltesers White Maltesers have been spotted in some UK stores and shared on social media. Facebook account Newfoodsuk posted a picture of a packet with the caption: "Trying the new White Chocolate Maltesers, and yes they are as good as we remember." Fans rushed to the comments with excitement. One said: "I need them right this instant. They are my all-time favourite snack and wanted them back so much." Another said: "Ahhhh these are one of my favourite chocolates everrrrrr, where can I get these! I've been waiting years!!" A third joked: "Waited my whole life for these to come back." Recommended reading: Morrisons is already advertising white Maltesers in three different size packs on its website. Starting at a 30g pack for £1.05, there is also a 74g pack for £2.50 or a 126g sharing bag for £2.95. Maltesers White Chocolate will be widely available from June 16, Mars Wrigley said.
