Dress of the day: The under £40 midi 'perfect for all occasions'

midi dress for summer
The flattering wrap dress for all summer occasions. (Marks & Spencer / Yahoo Life UK)

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If invest in new clothes, each piece has to be seriously hard-working. Most of us these days are after staples with longevity that can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion, whether it's work, a wedding, or a BBQ.

Naturally, Marks & Spencer is passing the wardrobe staple test with flying colours and is constantly presenting us with quality pieces that are versatile, and have classic appeal, while remaining extremely affordable.

Take this Floral V-Neck Tie Waist Midi Wrap Dress, £39.50 - yet another example of a staple piece done extremely well, which will be an amazing 'all occasion' addition to anyone's wardrobe.

Plus, M&S' 2022 Summer Beauty Bag just launched, packed with £160 worth of products from big-name brands such as Clinique, Aveda and This Works. You can get the beauty bundle for a bargain £25 when you spend £30 on clothes, home, or beauty buys online. So, why not treat yourself to a new dress and some beauty bargains. Win-Win!

Why we rate it

The gorgeous dress comes in two beautiful print iterations - a summery and feminine white and pink floral number and a more muted black version.

The black print version is available in sizes 6-24 in regular and long lengths, and the white print version comes in sizes 6-16 in regular length.

This is an 'all occasion' dress that'll last you for years. (Marks & Spencer)
This is an 'all occasion' dress that'll last you for years. (Marks & Spencer)
The fluttery sleeves are pretty and flattering. (Marks & Spencer)
The fluttery sleeves are pretty and flattering. (Marks & Spencer)

£39.50 at M&S

Add M&S' Summer Beauty Bag to your basket

The V-neck is flattering for most bust sizes, but if you want an even more modest look, you can wear a little lace-trimmed camisole underneath.

And if you don't like to show your arms, the short, fluttery, sleeves are pretty and flattering and come to just above the elbow.

The wrap dress nips you in at the waist with a drawstring and the hemline that hits that most flattering point - the mid-calf.

The dress comes in two, classic, pretty print iterations. (Marks & Spencer)
The dress comes in two, classic, pretty print iterations. (Marks & Spencer)
The wrap dress ties at the waist for a flattering silhouette. (Marks & Spencer)
The wrap dress ties at the waist for a flattering silhouette. (Marks & Spencer)

£39.50 at M&S

Add M&S' Summer Beauty Bag to your basket

We'd style both colourways with a white blazer for a wedding or cocktail party. Both could also be worn with high white or silver strappy sandals, or even kitten-heeled mules for a dressy occasion.

For a perfect, office-friendly look, simply swap the heels for nude court shoes or flat ballet pumps.

For a more casual vibe, it's all about flat tan sandals or a pair of slides. Or, our regular go-to, a pair of crisp, white trainers or high tops.

Another little tip? If the weather is a bit chilly but you don't want to put tights on, simply wear a pair of 3/4 length leggings underneath the dress. Nobody will know...

What the reviews say

Shoppers rate the M&S Floral V-Neck Tie Waist Midi Wrap Dress for its fit, flattering silhouette, the fact it looks more expensive than it is, and its versatility. One customer loves it so much, that she waited a month for her size to come back in stock online.

  • "This dress is very flattering on perfect for any occasion. I'm considering buying another one before there's none left as this is a dress that won't date."

  • "Beautiful, feminine and perfect for all occasions."

  • "Beautiful dress! Easy to wear & soo flattering. Fab choice."

  • "Lovely pretty and floral dress. Feels comfortable on and looks and feels a lot more expensive than it is. Doesn’t crease. I would highly recommend."

  • "Love this. V neck and a proper fitting wrap dress - hurray!! Been waiting for it to be in stock online for a month."

Buy it: Floral V-Neck Tie Waist Midi Wrap Dress | £39.50 from M&S

£39.50 at M&S

Buy it: Floral V-Neck Tie Waist Midi Wrap Dress | £39.50 from M&S

£39.50 at M&S