Simple M&S wedding guest dress that's less than £50 had my friends shocked over where it's from
Fashion writer Eve Rowlands wore a simple black dress to a wedding recently and, with its bubble hem, elegant high neck and open back, friends couldn't believe it was from Marks and Spencer
Fashion writer Eve Rowlands wore the M&S dress to a recent wedding and received many compliments
For those who are at that age where it seems everyone they know is getting married, we're in the thick of wedding season. Personally, I have eight this year, and so naturally, in a bid to find one or two new dresses (to wear on rotation), I found myself scouring the shops for the ideal wedding guest dress. Now this dress had to be versatile enough for numerous occasions, yet sleek enough for a wedding, and comfortable during the warmer months, all while maintaining an air of sophistication.
And on a recent visit to my local M&S (Culverhouse Cross), I stumbled upon a dress that, despite its simplicity, took my breath away - and is less than £50. This black number was a somewhat last-minute buy for my third wedding of the season, but it proved to be a wise choice as it garnered plenty of compliments - and my friends were gobsmacked to learn it was from M&S.
Priced at £49.50, the Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress is a classic and simple - yet effective - design. One that may seem unremarkable on the hanger, it truly comes to life when worn.
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Although it might not be as vibrant as your typical spring wedding guest dress, this colour block version of the classic LBD is always a safe bet. Its bold hue is striking, and its high neckline and drop-waist design allow for a plethora of accessory options. However, its silhouette, which has a hint of volume at the bottom, is the real showstopper, in my view, reports Chronicle Live.
The gathered skirt features a bubble hem at the bottom, adding a delightful fullness and significant swish. An added perk is the concealed pockets - a practical feature for touching up my lippy throughout the day. Moreover, the pockets are cleverly hidden within the skirt's volume, ensuring they don't look bulky (unless overfilled...).
Shop the look
£49.50
Marks and Spencer Buy Now on Marks and Spencer Product Description
The Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress by Marks and Spencer is made from pure cotton and comes in petite, regular and tall lengths.
The dress's bodice is fitted and sleeveless, and it gracefully contours the stomach area, giving a smooth and flattering finish (covering up any lumps and bumps along the way). It also incorporates darts for a structured shape and added support.
The rear of the dress features a gorgeous cut-out detail, adding style while providing ample ventilation during hot weather. Crucially, the opening finishes just above the bra-line, meaning I could wear a bra without the straps being visible.
Available in three different lengths, the dress accommodates a variety of body shapes and sizes, ranging from size 6 to 24. However, one tip is that it tends to run slightly small - a fact I discovered alongside other shoppers - so opting for a larger size may be a bit more comfortable.
The Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress costs £49.50 from Marks & Spencer
(Image: Marks and Spencer )
Once I discovered my perfect size, I can vouch for its performance: it's comfortable while dancing, eating, sitting and strutting around all day. The dress also includes a lining which ensures it hangs well and feels comfortable due to its 100% cotton composition without allowing dreaded overheating.
This breathable fabric proved particularly effective in warm weather, keeping me cool and dry.
I recently donned this stunning dress to a black tie event, complementing it with bold red accessories like pointed court shoes and a charming red rose adorned £15 handbag from Amazon among other items. The dress was a hit. But with the right pieces, it also lends itself well to a more relaxed vibe, perfectly paired with my adored Blaire Dr Martens sandals and a denim jacket for casual days out.
For those who are fond of bubble skirts yet prefer something with more of a relaxed feel, the Albaray Black Puffball Dress, retailing at £89, is has a comfy scoop neckline and ribbed jersey on the upper half. Another great option is the Nancy Bubble Hem Midi Dress by Nobody's Child, currently a bargain at £59.50 in the sale, down from the usual price tag of £85.
As for the M&S dress, I'm not the only one who fell head over heels for it.
With a 4.2-star rating from 19 reviews, it's been well received amongst fashion fans. One person wrote: "Couldn't resist this dress despite having to try on several sizes before finding the best fit (it's on the small side). The design quality becomes apparent once on with a drop waist, great if you are tall and long in the body, and the bubble hem. It's also nicely lined, and the cut-out back still enables you to wear a bra. Please continue to provide such design quality, please, M&S."
Someone else raved: "Absolutely love this dress! Super cool look. Love it!!"
A third remarked: "I honestly felt beautiful in it as it really flattered my figure. It's a modest yet elegantly casual dress I feel I could wear both casually and formally."
Another echoed: "Stunning dress with a beautiful skirt shape and flattering bodice. Fresh summer weight cotton."
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The main gripe amongst shoppers was the sizing issue, but once sized up, for many it was the perfect fit.
The Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress can be found in Marks and Spencer for £49.50.
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