If you’re looking for a dress to be your warm-weather go-to for summer, whether it’s for your next holiday, brunch date or the days when the office air con simply isn’t hitting the spot – I’ve just found it for you . And after the dress sold out almost immediately last summer, I wouldn’t hang around to get your hands on it.
The Cotton Rich Striped Knitted Midi Dress became a social media sensation last summer after it appeared on the M&S Instagram account. In the blink of an eye, it became the must-have dress of the year, adored by fashion editors, social media influencers and shoppers alike.
But if you missed out on the gold-dust dress last year, you’re in luck, because it’s recently relaunched in two dreamy new colourways for 2024 . And since it’s yet to appear on the brand’s social media pages, it’s currently in stock in all sizes, but I’m sure that won’t be the case for long.
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Knitted and crochet dresses are predicted to be a major trend this summer, and this £35 dress is perfect for nailing the look. Made from a blend of cotton, this affordable high street dress boasts a crew neck and sleeveless design, offering a breezy feel ideal for warm days.
Now available in a mocha and cream variation, as well as a white on black number, It drops to an elegant midi length complemented by a side slit, ensuring a regular fit that’s forgiving without clinging, The Mirror reports.
I managed to get the cream and black version last year and wore it throughout the summer for various occasions, including on my annual summer holiday and for date nights. I liked to wear mine with trainers and a light blazer, but it works just as well on its own paired with some Dr Marten sandals. It really is the ultimate throw-on-and-go piece that’s perfect for keeping cool. You’d be forgiven for thinking it might be a little bit transparent, but it’s not at all – I just advise wearing neutral underwear over anything bright or patterned.
The latest colourways of the summer-ready dress are so new that there aren’t many online reviews yet, but one read: “I bought these in last year’s colour ways and absolutely loved them so when I saw they had been brought back this year I had to have them both. I am a size 10-12 and bought the small. These are just the best dresses. Love them and can’t wait to wear them on holiday very shortly. Thank you M&S!”
Another added: “Beautiful dress that fits well and is flattering on the body . It feels lovely quality material and can be dressed up or down.”
Cotton Rich Striped Knitted Midi Dress
Made from cotton-rich material, this knitted dress is a comfy addition to your warm-weather wardrobe. It comes in a regular fit, with an easy crew neck and a sleeveless design to provide an airy feel. The all-over striped pattern gives an eye-catching look. It features a midi length for a timeless finish.
“I love this style of dress and now I’ve lost weight I can wear them with pride! Bought both the navy and green stripe in medium and the fit is just how I wanted it to be, not too clingy. Beautiful cotton knit. Highly highly recommend,” wrote a third, with another commenting: “Absolutely love this dress . Looks expensive and is lovely quality.”
Last year, the dress received numerous five-star reviews, however, one shopper was less impressed, commenting: “The stripes made me seem wider than I am and the neck slightly too high.”
Other high street retailers clearly took note at the popularity of the piece last year, and have released similar styles for 2024, including this Navy Crochet Stripe Bodycon Midi Dress at River Island .
I tried the dress on in store and loved its flattering fit, which created a lovely shape without being clingy, and really gave off those summer vibes. Having worn and loved the M&S version, too, the main difference with the River Island dress is that it has a tie back, giving a bit of an open back design, while M&S’s is fully closed.
Also adding their twist on the trend is New Look, whose Green Stripe Knit Sleeveless Bodycon Maxi Dress has a wavier pattern and is easy-breezy to style, though slightly more expensive than M&S at £35.99.
So, whether you missed out last year or are only just discovering the viral dress, you can pick up the £35 Cotton Rich Striped Knitted Midi Dress here.
