M&S Has All My Summer Event Outfits Sorted

last updated 14 June 2023

I think we can all agree that summer is the busiest time of year. There are holidays, garden parties, weddings, graduations and much more filling up our calendars and allowing us the opportunity to get dressed up in the sunshine. And with so much on the horizon, it's essential to get ahead in your wardrobe planning. I've learnt the hard way that it pays to plan out your event outfits ahead of time. (More than once, I've been left calling friends to borrow something last-minute and ending up in an ill-fitting look that doesn't feel very me.) On a recent shopping trip, I popped into M&S and immediately spotted so many chic options for the upcoming season. To save you the last-minute panic and the time hunting for your standout summer style, I've compiled the chicest Marks & Spencer pieces to build out occasionwear looks that will cover any event on your social calendar and ensure you feel your best this summer.

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No matter the season, I always find myself turning to M&S for high-quality but reasonably priced pieces from cashmere sweaters to summer sandals. The high-street hero offers up chic styles all year round that WWW editors constantly praise. And for summer 2023, the brand has nailed relaxed summer looks and all the occasionwear styles we need for the busy months.

To take the stress out of dressing up and maximise having fun, I've broken down the staple occasionwear categories so you can easily build your dream look. There are floaty dresses that easily work for daytime with sandals, or explore the shoe section for heels to quickly elevate any dress. Despite the sunshine, I always find it handy to consider a light layer, as we all know about the unpredictable weather and cooler summer evenings. There's an array of sleek tailoring if dresses aren't your personal style or you're simply looking to try something new. Finally, I've included sleek bags and some finishing touches to pull your occasion looks together.

Ready to dress up? Keep scrolling to shop M&S's best occasionwear pieces.

DRESSES

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Satin Round Neck Midi Tea Dress

The back is just as beautiful.

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Embroidered Belted Waisted Midi Dress

The perfect garden party dress.

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Floral V-Neck Midaxi Tiered Dress

I had to show off the back.

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Jersey Printed Mini Dress

This cute minidress can go from picnics in the park to a wedding with the addition of a heel.

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Linen Rich V-Neck Midi Wrap Dress

Bold and beautiful.

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Satin Polka Dot Tie Midaxi Column Dress

I see this as a great races day look.

TAILORING

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Linen Blend High Waisted Shorts

Summer is a great time to tailored shorts.

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Tapered Ankle Grazer Trousers

The tapering adds to the expensive feel of this pair.

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Pure Linen Belted Balloon Trousers

This colour immediately caught my eye.

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Linen Rich Belted Utility Shorts

White tailoring is always a statement.

LIGHT LAYERS

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Ruched Sleeve Blazer

The ruched sleeves are perfect for summer styling.

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Pure Cotton Tweed Collarless Short Jacket

Tweed is a smart-looking alternative to a blazer.

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Slim Checked Single Breasted Blazer

If you're going monochrome with your dress, add a pop of print through this checked blazer.

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Linen Blend Ruched Sleeve Blazer

This linen version is sure to fly.

SHOES

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Leather Strappy Statement Sandals

I constantly rave about Marks & Spencer's footwear.

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Leather Knot Strappy Stiletto Heel Sandals

If you thought these were designer, same.

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Ankle Strap Kitten Heel Sandals

A kitten heel will keep you dancing all night long.

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Leather Ankle Strap Platform Court Shoes

Go bold with a striking platform heel.

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Buckle Flat Pointed Slingback Shoes

If you might end up sinking into grass, there are many chic flats to choose from.

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Wide Fit Leather Kitten Heel Mules

This designer-passing pair went straight in my basket.

BAGS

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Leather Shoulder Bag

The intricate design adds to the expensive feel of this bag.

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Foldover Clutch

I'm also a big fan of the zesty-orange version.

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Faux Leather Crossbody Bag

M&S's viral bag comes in five colourways.

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Chain Strap Clutch Bag

The detachable chain lets you wear this as a clutch, too.

FINISHING TOUCHES

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Gold Tone Swirl Mini Drop Earrings

A very summery earring you'll wear all season long.

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14ct Gold Plated Moon and Star Ring

This is so pretty.

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Gold Tone Knot Style Stud Earrings

Bold studs were a clear winner at Fashion Week.

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Organic Pebble Necklace

The organic shapes add a point of difference to this standout necklace.
Plus, pick up the new M&S summer beauty bag (worth £155) for £25 when you spend £30 or more online!

Up next: Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See

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Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.