#AD – This is a paid partnership with Marks and Spencer
I love it when the Summer fashion arrives on the high street, marking that it’s time to pack the coats away, pop the boots back in the wardrobe and focus on the concept of ‘legs out toes out’. There’s something so incredibly inviting about the Summer months – the longer days, the chilled evenings in the garden, the warmth of the sun against your skin. It’s by far my favourite time of year, and everything always feels so much brighter and calmer in the sunshine. Who doesn’t love making plans of Summer holidays, barbeques, garden parties and al fresco dining with friends??
Apart from the obvious fact that the weather doesn’t seem to have got the memo (seriously, what is with the monsoon?) the biggest challenge I find about the arrival of the Summer months is that I don’t really know what my Summer style is anymore. With my body shape changing over the years, my confidence has been knocked somewhat, and it would be all too easy to fall back on the old faithfuls without embracing some of the latest seasons’ trends.
That said, I figure I do deserve a bit of a wardrobe update. A fresh new look would be a great way to boost my confidence and mix things up for Summer. When I was invited to Marks and Spencer in Solihull to check out their new High Summer Collection, the prospect of a couple of hours child free shopping was too good an opportunity to miss.
I was showed around by Rachel, one of the store managers, who very kindly highlighted some of the new Summer collection, which is pretty extensive and has styles to suit every occasion. I love the overall feel of the new collection – injections of colour, strong prints, floaty and comfortable skirts and dresses, and strong statement tees. Before I knew what was happening I had an arm draped full of hangers and headed off to the changing rooms to try them on. Doing so without the fear of my child running off in the opposite direction was the ultimate treat.
During my fairly extensive trying on session in the spacious, well lit changing rooms (mixed in with a twirling and swooping boomerang or two) I found some pieces that I instantly fell in love with. Here are just a few of my faves…
Floaty and Feminine
I absolutely love a midi skirt, with the length being the ideal compromise between a full length maxi and something a little more leg baring.
This linen blend wrap midi skirt felt super comfy and amazingly soft to the touch, with the wrap style being flexible enough to flatter my curves (whilst hiding those lumps and bumps!).
It offered the ideal balance between being smart enough for work whilst blending seamlessly into my evening wardrobe too. Little touches like the asymmetric hem and tie at the waist also made it feel just a bit more special. A lovely find!
Sticking with the midi style, this Pure Cotton A-Line Midi Skirt also caught my eye. Super lightweight and floaty with an almost bohemian vibe, this skirt has a drawstring waist and tassle to the front. It was so unbelievably comfortable and I could see myself wearing this during flip flop strolls or paired with a wedge heel and a smarter top for a Summer evening ensemble. LOVE!
Embracing my feminine side, I also developed quite a soft spot for the textured swing maxi dress which feels like an absolute Summer essential! The super stretchy material is ideal for women like me with a bigger bust – as all too often I find dresses gape or buckle at the chest, yet hang funny if I opt for a larger size. I could picture myself wearing this on holiday as the sun starts to go down, on a semi romantic (who am I kidding), stroll along the beach trying to prevent Neve from eating sand, or for an evening al fresco meal – with the gold adding a touch of sparkle to take you from day to night.
Mixing up the Work Wardrobe
I work in an office by day, and in the Summer months it’s all too easy to stick to boring basics. M&S have some great options for a twist on traditional workwear this Summer.
I absolutely love this shirred shoulder dress with its elasticated waist, which I am wearing in the office today! It is easy to dress down with flats or trainers, but can also be teamed up with heels for a smarter office feel.
The Statement Tee
The M&S range of classic statement tees is pretty extensive this year, and as a blogger, the Love Slogan Tee obviously stood out to me straight away. Not only does it embrace my love for rainbow colours, but the tagline is perfect – at times its helpful have some inspirational words to guide us! I can definitely relate to this quote, and in the words of Steve Jobs “Do the right job, and you will never have to work a day in your life”
With other classic tees including their Weekend, Oh My and Hola tees, there really is a tee for every message and occasion in M&S this season. At just £6.50 each these are a steal and great option for your basic summer essentials.
I really enjoyed getting out of my comfort zone a little and trying some new styles and looks for Summer. Whilst for now, my floaty dresses and skirts may have to be teamed up with a jacket or brolly until the sun finally graces us with its presence, I at least now feel fully prepared for when it does!!
So these are #MyMarksFaves – what are yours? Which of these seasons looks can you see yourself wearing this Summer?
