'I'm a fashion writer and M&S' £30 slimming dress will be the ultimate summer staple'

With three Bank Holiday weekends coming up, warmer weather on the way and some of us even jetting off to sunnier climes, many shoppers will be on the hunt for cooling summer outfits to see them through their plans. And I think I’ve found the ultimate summer staple and everywhere in between for under £30.

Marks and Spencer’s and has been praised by shoppers for its ‘slimming’ silhouette and versatility. Made from , the lightweight and breathable fabric is ideal for keeping cool in the warm weather.

The dress boasts a shirred waist which accentuates shoppers’ figures for a ‘flattering’ look. Cool and comfortable, it’s got short sleeves and a round neck, with a midi-length skirt that pairs well with both flats or heels.

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Available in sizes ranging from 6 to 24, it also comes in petite, regular and tall fits so fashion fans can find their perfect length. But perhaps the best thing about this dress is that it’s essentially a blank canvas when it comes to styling.

This versatile number can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. A blazer, smart shoe and jewellery gives this dress an instantly elevated look, while a straw bag and sandals makes for the ultimate holiday look. In the cooler months, it can be paired with a jumper or cardigan to give the illusion of a skirt, while spring styling calls for pops of colour with a crossbody bag and trainers.

Elsewhere, we love the , which costs £32, is also made from 100% cotton and has the added bonus of side pockets. Meanwhile, this at Very comes in at £35 and has white stitching at the waist which draws attention.

The M&S dress has earned a 4.8 star rating on the website, with satisfied shoppers having lavished praise on this staple piece, with one commenting: "This is a great dress, very simple and super comfortable. It can be dressed down to very casual or dressed up to smart casual. So, . I expect it will be excellent for travelling as well.”

Another added: "I love this gathered waistline to hide my too large waist. I prefer the shorter sleeves as I have the longer sleeved version. I feel cooler in this dress and black is always slimming. I look forward to wear it on the concert stage when the weather will be much warmer.”

Complaints about the dress are few and far between, with even the lowest score being three stars. Nonetheless, some purchasers noted issues with the fit: "The dress arrived quite creased, it's just a T-shirt material, but would be good for the summer. The fit was a bit large and I felt it was not worth the price."

“Really great dress. Very comfortable and good for work or on holiday,” wrote a fourth, with another penning: “Lovely dress. It’s a great fit and love the elasticated middle, which is very flattering,”

Now all shoppers want is for it to become available in more colours, with one adding: “Love this dress, looks great on. Would be great in other colours.” In the meantime, though, you can get the black version of the .