If there's one thing I took away from my recent holiday to Crete it's that every stylish woman has a knitted style dress in her summer holiday wardrobe. Whether that be a beachy cover-up or a chic evening style, crochet-inspired weaves are the texture of choice.
While I was on holiday, I remembered a dress I bookmarked at M&S back in April. I made the rookie error of waiting too long, and my size sold out. I've been kicking myself ever since — but today I spotted it back on the M&S website, fully restocked. Hooray!
Though undeniably chic, knitted dresses can be tricky so wear. The fabric can sometimes feel a little weighty and, if you're anything like me and have a fuller bust, it doesn't drape quite as you'd hope. That's why I love this M&S's design, with a knitted top half, and a cotton skirt, it offers a lighter and easier to wear take on the while trend.
Cotton Blend Ruffle Midaxi Knitted Dress
What makes this dress worth buying is the textured knitted bodice which gently hugs the body and defines the waist before falling into a flowing cotton skirt, which is also tiered, another trend I've spotted time and again on stylish women this summer.
Placed together, it creates a beautifully balanced and comfortable shape.
Look a little closer and you'll notice delicate vintage-inspired embroidery, giving the dress a far more expensive look than its £65 price tag suggests. A playful ruffle hem provides the perfect finishing touch.
Available in a soft white shade, it's the kind of piece you'll reach for all summer long. For me, nothing feels quite as easy as a white dress in warm weather, taking you from beachside strolls on holiday to weekend brunches in the British sun.
For styling try pairing it with strappy suede sandals, a raffia bag and and a silk scarf tied in your hair. Or, for a more everyday feel, it would look just as chic styled with your favourite sneakerinas for contrast. No need to overthink it.
Safe to say, I've learnt from my mistake. This time, it’s going straight into my basket.
