If there's one print I can always rely on to return every autumn, it's the humble polka dot. The timeless pattern has become a permanent fixture in everyday fashion, appearing year after year on everything from floaty midi dresses to chic blouses. And while the classic spotted dress will never go out of style, this season it's getting a noticeably more modern update - all thanks to one elegant, contemporary detail, the funnel neckline.
Case in point? M&S's new Polka Dot Funnel Neck Midi Shift Dress. Recently unveiled as part of the high street retailer's London Fashion Week collection celebrating 100 years of fashion, the dress gives polka dots a new lease of life, and I was instantly intrigued.
Polka Dot Funnel Neck Midi Shift Dress
Cut in a sleek, slim fitting silhouette with practical long sleeves, a midi hem and a sleek funnel neck, it feels considerably more polished than the tea and shirt dresses we're used to seeing in the classic pattern. Not only that, but the higher neckline adds structure and and a touch of sophistication, making the playful pattern feel instantly more refined.
M&S's dress is living proof that sometimes the smallest design tweaks can make the biggest impact on our wardrobes. Rather than leaning into the charming vintage feel often associated with polka dots, the funnel neck gives the dress a cleaner, more fashion forward edge that wouldn't look out of place alongside luxury designer collections - much like the brand's chic blouse from the same London Fashion Week collection, which resembles Chloé styles.
When it comes to styling, I'd keep the rest of your outfit relatively pared back and let the dress take centre stage. Chocolate brown suede knee high boots would pair perfectly with the monochromatic motif, while a cropped wool blazer would complement the dress's clean lines.
Finish with gold jewellery and a burgundy handbag for a subtle nod to one of autumn's biggest colour trends, and you've got an outfit that works for everything from the office to weekend plans, making the cost per wear brilliant too.
