With spring in full swing, many of us will likely have a host of fun events marked in our calendar whether it's a wedding, a birthday bash or a tropical holiday destination. And if you need to prepare your wardrobe with a new frock or two - Marks and Spencer has got you covered.
The high-street giant has recently unveiled the second part of its spring collection and there's a plethora of pieces to pick from, whether you love a block colour - like this lovely black dress shopping writer Eve snapped up for a recent wedding - or are mad for a print.
If you're more enamoured with the latter, one dress that's proving popular with fashion fans (myself included) is the Lyocell Rich Polka Dot Sweetheart Neckline Maxi Waisted Dress.
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Priced at £79, the polka dot dress has such a luxury feel that exceeds its actual price tag. In fact, it mirrors and takes inspiration from styles spotted all over the latest spring and summer catwalks, with luxe brands like Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera, and Dolce and Gabbana all adopting the timeless pattern.
A bandeau style, the dress will be great in the warmer weather and its black and white polka dot pattern makes it versatile for virtually any event. While it is crafted in a regular fit, the sizing of the dress comes up a little small so it's best to go up a size if you want a comfortable fit.
Once you've got that, though, the silhouette of the dress is gorgeously flattering thanks to its dropped waist - which is adjustable with straps at the side to make it looser or tighter - and shape-defining lining.
With a curvy sweetheart neckline and ruching on the bodice, it cinches in at the waist without being too stiff. Shoppers can snag the dress in petite, regular and tall lengths in sizes 10 to 24, reports the Manchester Evening News, with sizes 6 and 8 out of stock.
From the draping, ruched bodice, which meets in the middle, the skirt is A-line and floats into a versatile midi length. These types of dresses are ideal if you're keen to get your dance moves flowing easier thanks to its swishy skirt, and they can be styled for both laid-back and more formal occasions. Just swap out heels, red lippy and statement jewellery for sandals and a denim jacket.
Being brand new, the Lyocell Rich Polka Dot Sweetheart Neckline Maxi Waisted Dress hasn't received many reviews on the website, although those that have left comments have been pleased, with their only qualm being its sizing issue as previously mention.
One said: "Stunning dress, looks amazing on and the fabric is lovely quality and drapes beautifully." They added: "But size up, I normally wear an 8 but couldn’t zip the top of the bodice and had to exchange for a 10. I’m 5ft9 and the long length is perfect."
Our very own Eve Rowlands tried on the dress during her hunt for a wedding guest ensemble and said: "I loved its timeless, classic pattern and romantic ruching, which was really quite flattering. The floaty, spin-worthy skirt was glorious too.
"While the sizing issue caused me to put it back on the rail in favour of the Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress, I'm still dreaming of its swish, style and sassiness and may have to go back for my next wedding of the season." Get it from Marks and Spencer here.
If the bandeau style isn't to your liking and you're after a polka dot dress with more arm and décolletage coverage, Nobody's Child's Black Polka Dot Anya Midi Dress may be just the ticket. It's priced at £150, but new customers can enjoy a 15% discount with the code HELLO15 at checkout, reducing the price to £132.50.
For a more budget-friendly option, River Island's Cream Asymmetric Polka Dot Wrap Midi Dress is available in sizes from XS to XL. It will set you back £46.
