Florals for spring and summer aren't exactly groundbreaking, as Miranda Priestly infamously said, but they could be considered so when they're a revitalisation of a once loved motif that perhaps got lost in time. No, we're not talking about the psychedelic floral motifs of the '60s and '70s. We're going even further back to the 1940s, when painterly florals were everywhere.
For 2026, however, they've had a subtle modern makeover, and it's all thanks to M&S. Still grounded in vintage roots, the retailer has just dropped a new midaxi dress (a frock length the high street hero helped popularise) complete with a romantic botanical print in muted colours. This type of soft, elegant charm was commonly found on tea and day dresses, but this version incorporates present day trends for a contemporary touch.
M&S Satin Floral Midaxi Column Dress
The straight column silhouette is the best example of current style, elongating the frame rather than nipping in at the waist as you'd expect from dresses in the '40s. Its crew neckline also feels very current, lending the floral design a slightly more relaxed edge.
As for the motif, it's slightly more oversized than the smaller floral clusters typically found on vintage styles. This, in turn, makes it feel more fashion forward and relevant today - plenty of my favourite dresses of 2026 feature bold botanical prints.
Last, but certainly not least, the long sleeves are another nod to contemporary dressing, despite them perhaps seeming unusual given the UK's recent 30 degree temperatures. They're practical, too. While it may be summer, autumn is fast approaching, making this a brilliant choice if you're already shopping ahead for transitional staples.
