Us Who What Wear UK editors have quite a few things in common— and one is our shared love of Marks and Spencer. Of course, we all have our own different personal styles, but we’re 100% united on how great M&S’s wardrobe staples are. They're the kind of pieces you know you're going to wear over and over again for years to come so the fact that you can rely on the quality as well as the design is key, with an affordable price tag to boot.
From cashmere to pretty lingerie, and all the classics in between, each of us has at least one favourite thing we turn to M&S for, and I think I may have just found my newest crush. I’d heard about how great the high street hero’s linen pieces were on the grapevine, but in order to report back in earnest I wanted to try them out for myself. Put it this way— I wasn’t disappointed. As a minimalist with classic taste I wear linen a lot in summer, and I have pieces from across the price spectrum— but honestly M&S’s pieces matched the best of them, and I wanted to add them all to my summer rotation immediately.
From classic shirting (there are standard and oversized options) to perfect wide-leg trousers, easy shorts and throw-on dresses, this edit is basically a shortcut to looking chic in the heat. The neutral colour palette and relaxed silhouettes were giving me all kinds of coastal-grandmother energy (if you don't know, now you know), and who wouldn't want to look like a polished character from a Nancy Meyers movie?
Keep scrolling to find out about the 10 pieces I loved the most along with tips on fit in case you're thinking of joining the M&S linen fan club with me.
1. Oversized Linen Shirt + Wide-Leg Trousers
Shirt: Size 10
Trousers: Size 10 (short)
This shirt was my favourite piece. It's perfectly oversized, so take your usual size to get just the right amount of slouch, and it's such a gorgeous shade of blue. The trousers feel like an elevated way to wear linen, as they've got tailored features, plus they have a matching blazer. Since I'm 5'2", I've gone for the short length, and they sit perfectly on top of sandals without dragging.
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2. Oversized Linen Shirt + Drawstring Shorts
Shirt: Size 10
Shorts: Size 8
These shorts are super comfy and lightweight, and I know I'd wear them on repeat all summer. Linen pieces can be a little see-through, but these are nice and opaque, which keeps the whole outfit looking polished, especially with a tucked-in shirt. Usually, I size down in M&S trousers, as they can come up big, but I'd say these are actually true to size.
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3. Linen Shirt + Drawstring Trousers
Shirt: Size 10
Trousers: Size 10
Honestly, I've been searching for the perfect white linen shirt for so long, and I think I've finally found it. It's not oversized, so it doesn't overwhelm me and feels a little smarter than other slouchier ones. Plus, it works really well for tucking in and layering. The quality is also excellent, I must say. Oh, and I won't be taking these chic-but-comfy trousers off all summer—just so you know.
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4. Striped Shirt + Belted Shorts
Shirt: Size 10
Shorts: Size 8
These shorts feel a little smarter than the others thanks to the belted waist. They'd look really cute with a simple white tank top, but I couldn't resist pairing them with this oversized striped shirt—it's giving coastal grandmother goes on safari, don't you think? I'd size up in the shorts, as despite the stretchy back, they do come up a little smaller than the drawstring ones.
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5. Belted Wide-Leg Trousers + Striped Shirt
Shirt: Size 10
Trousers: Size 10 (short)
These versatile belted linen trousers feel like a piece I'll have in my wardrobe for a very long time. They come in four classic colours—white, beige, navy and black—and honestly, I'd be tempted to stock up on one of each. I've paired them with the slouchy shirt and tank for a relaxed weekend outfit, but if you tucked in the white shirt above, they'd also be a great summer-office option.
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6. Linen Shirt Dress
Size: 8
This is such an easy throw-on piece I can imagine coming in very handy during heatwaves. I'd also wear it on holiday, unbuttoned over swimwear as a beach cover up. Just add a basket bag and cute sandals and you're set.
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7. Linen Wrap Dress
Size 8
In the market for a dependable summer dress you can wear for picnics, barbecues and all those casual warm-weather events in-between? This floaty style is ideal, and the neutral beige keeps the gingham from being too 'cutesy'.
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