I can't be the only one who felt reformed by last weekend's sunshine. Despite the subsequent spring showers, the languid easter break has firmly put me in the summer mood with visions of myself al fresco dining wrapped in swathes of linen and ideally holding some kind of margarita. To bring the fantasy to life (and to manifest the hot weather), I began my journey to assemble the warm-weather summer capsule, and as always, Marks & Spencer ticked off every category on my list.
The beauty of M&S is that there is always a treasure to be found. Whether you're restocking on staple pieces or taking on a new trend, the high-street brand always comes through with a wide range of sizes and lengths to choose from. What's more, M&S has managed to keep prices reasonable whilst not compromising quality, and this summer edit filled with rich cottons and breezy linens is certainly proof of that.
There are six reliable styles that always feature in my spring/summer capsule wardrobe. First up, staples are the backbone of any wardrobe that you can rely on year-round. Whether it's a classic vest or a pair of jeans, these are the pieces your outfits can be built upon. Now, we can't talk about warm weather without mentioning dresses. The ease of dresses makes them extra appealing, especially looser styles that won't cling on the hottest days. You simply need a pair of shoes to complete the look. Speaking of shoes, sandal season is just around the corner, and M&S has a selection of expensive-looking styles that you can rely on at every turn. It should come as no surprise that linen features in this capsule. The airy fabric is a no-brainer when temperatures rise, but often comes in sleek tailored silhouettes that appeal throughout the seasons depending on how you style them.
As much as I wish I could manifest hot, sunny days for your future, the reality is that we live in Britain, so a light jacket should always be kept within reach for sudden weather changes. Last but not least, there's an array of accessories that will make each outfit formula feel completely different from the last.
With summer a mere heartbeat away, there's no time like the present to begin assembling our capsules for the season ahead. Keep scrolling to explore.
1. Elevated Basics
Vests are so versatile that investing in one will unlock so many outfit combinations. This one also comes in 10 colour variations.
A classic striped shirt features in all my capsule wardrobes. They're easy to style whether you want to dress them up or down.
A jumpsuit might not be your first idea of a staple, but since they're such an easy way to get dressed, I've made them a staple in my wardrobe.
As a denim devotee all year round, my trick to wearing jeans for summer is finding a comfortable wide-leg style in a light wash.
2. Summer Dresses
A cotton dress is a true wardrobe classic, and this broderie design adds an extra layer of intricacy to the overall look.
The square neck and playful florals makes this dress suitable for day or evening. I'll be spending the entire summer in it.
This is the season to have a beautiful occasion dress to hand, and I think this satin style is incredibly special.
Is there anything more summery than a floral tea dress?
3. Keep-Cool Linen
A linen shirt is my most worn item every summer. I wear it open over dresses, tied up with shorts, loose over swimsuits and paired with smart linen trousers for dinners out.
Just like dresses, jumpsuits provide a ready-made outfit in just one piece. Add loafers for the office, sandals for the park, or mules for a chic evening look.
We regularly pull out our blazers from autumn to spring, but this linen version will be the perfect blend of airy fabrication and sleek tailoring to see you through the summer months.
As someone who wears trousers no matter the weather, I'm a big fan of this chic neutral pair.
4. Stand-Out Sandals
This is just one of the many designer-looking pairs of sandals that M&S has to offer this season.
These flip-flops were a favourite amongst the fashion set last year and have returned for anyone who didn't snap them up last time.
We're predicting another summer of fisherman styles reigning supreme, but M&S has already caught on to the more minimalist silhouette for 2023.
This pair also comes in a vibrant green and noteworthy silver.
5. Light Layers
The soft structure of this jacket makes it particularly appealing. Style with everything from floaty summer dresses to linen tailoring.
A jacket-shirt hybrid known as the shacket is the perfect in-between piece for summertime.
No matter the season, a denim jacket is a wise investment as they truly go with everything from dresses to tailoring. You'll be hard-pressed to find a look this denim jacket doesn't suit.
If you don't fancy carrying around a jacket, a light cardigan can be thrown over your shoulders or tied around your waist for emergencies (e.g. rain).
6. Finishing Touches
The bamboo handle and intricate weaving could easily convince you that this is more expensive than it is.
Sunglasses are a must all year round, but in the summer months, they're particularly prevalent. This modern square pair went straight on my wish list.
Every year around this time, basket bags re-emerge as the bag to carry. The straps make this one feel so expensive, and the drawstring insert will keep all your posessions safe.
In my opinion, an outfit isn't complete without some jewellery, and you can keep this waterproof necklace on all summer.
Up next: Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See
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