The 21 Best Marks and Spencer Dresses of 2023, Hands Down

last updated 11 August 2023

When it comes to shopping for dresses, there are a few brands I regularly rely upon. I trust Reformation to cater to my fuller bust, & Other Stories to deliver pretty options to suit my budget and Ghost to create the easiest throw-ons to elevate my daily wares. These are a few of the labels I love and make a beeline for whenever I'm looking to up my dress game. However, recently, I've found that many of the best dresses I see on social media come from another store: Marks and Spencer.

If you're an avid Who What Wear UK reader, then you'll know our editors have a serious soft spot for M&S. From its lingerie to its cashmere, its jeans to its various clothing collections, the high-street hot spot never lets us down when we need a sartorial pick-me-up or a basics refresh. And right now, Marks and Spencer is serving up some of the best dresses that work for this transitional time, as we head into the last days of summer and crossover into the new autumn season.

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This was my favourite summer dress for 2023, and I found it at M&S. Now I'm looking for something as reliable for autumn!

I'm keen to update my dress roster right now and, naturally, I've turned to M&S to pinpoint its best new-in styles. So, let's turn our attention to the dresses that truly impressed me. Some tap into my penchant for neutral tones, while others, well, I was surprised at just how much I loved them. Scroll on to read my honest reviews of the best Marks & Spencer dresses to buy now.

Shop the Best M&S Dresses

M&S Collection

Textured Tie Neck Midi Relaxed Smock Dress

Brown is the chicest alternative to black for autumn 2023.

M&S Collection

Pure Cotton V-Neck Midi Waisted Dress

Such an easy dress to throw on with flats (how cute are these metallic ballet pumps?!), trainers and boots.

M&S Collection

V-Neck Midi Dress

So simple and stunning. You just know this would fit beautifully.

M&S Collection

Pure Cotton Printed V-Neck Midi Wrap Dress

I'm honestly blown away by the designer-looking detailing on this dress. The scalloped edges, puff-sleeves... and just wait until you see the pretty back!

M&S Collection

Collared Midi Shirt Dress

Hello, shirtdress of dreams. Perfect for the office.

M&S Collection

Printed Sweetheart Neckline Midi Tea Dress

This style is so easy to dress up or down!

M&S Collection

Pure Cotton Square Neck Midi Waisted Dress

I loved this in white for summer and now I'll be investing in the black for autumn.

Autograph

Merino Wool Rich Knitted Dress With Cashmere

You can't go wrong with a ribbed knitted dress. Pair with knee-high boots comes winter.

M&S Collection

Pure Cotton Round Neck Midi Tiered Dress

I can imagine this easy throw-on dress looking chic with a cosy cardigan over it.

M&S Collection

Pure Cotton Broderie Midi Tiered Dress

If I saw this on the street I'd honestly think it was from Net-A-Porter.

M&S Collection

Textured Square Neck Midi Tiered Dress

I LOVE the squared off neck on this easy dress.

M&S Collection

Knitted Ribbed Crew Neck Midi Dress

A timeless wardrobe staple, for under £30. You can't argue with that.

M&S Collection

Sweetheart Neckline Tie Detail Midi Tea Dress

The ruching and waist belt on this style are not only flattering but add a pretty touch to a simple black dress.

M&S Collection

Checked Textured V-Neck Midaxi Tea Dress

Maxi hems are a big trend for autumn 2023, and this style feels really elevated thanks to the shoe-skimming length.

M&S Collection

Pure Cotton Printed Midi Tiered Dress

A print that really feels unique is hard to find on the high street, but M&S always seems to nail it.

M&S Collection

Printed Tie Waist Midi Shirt Dress

Great for work, weekends and even autumn weddings.

Per Una

Pure Cotton Printed V-Neck Midi Smock Dress

I'm a minimalist, but this makes me want to try out the folky aesthetic for autumn—pair with tan suede knee-high boots for a Chloé-esque look.

M&S Collection

Pure Cotton Embroidered Midi Waisted Dress

This is a great buy for any September or October weddings you may have.

M&S Collection

Textured Square Neck Shirred Midaxi Dress

I love this dress with cowboy boots!

M&S Collection

Pure Cotton Printed Midaxi Waisted Dress

Such a lovely neckline.

M&S Collection

Jersey Square Neck Midi Waisted Dress

Another easy winner you'll be grateful for on busy mornings!

Per Una

Pure Cotton Embroidered Midaxi Smock Dress

The embroidery on this is so pretty.

Autograph

Zip Neck Tie Waist Midaxi Smock Dress

You know you can always count on M&S for excellent quality—this is a classic style you'll have in your wardrobe for years.

Next Up: The 9 New-In Pieces I'm Adding to My Wish List This Week

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.