I'm a fashion writer and this 'beautiful' £40 dress that 'doesn't crease' is perfect for summer

Nothing haunts me like the items of clothing I never asked the wearer about. Over the weekend I saw a woman wearing a dress and had she not been on the other side of the road, I’d have been begging her to tell me where to buy it.

Luckily, the regret didn’t consume me for too long, because I was actually unknowingly on my way to the store where she’d bought it. I’d nipped into Marks and Spencer with my mum as she was in need of a new pair of jeans.

I’d recommended the retailer’s Wide Leg to her after I named them Mirror Choice’s best on the high street, and after trying on a pair, we headed to the till with her choice. And right there, just behind the tills on the rail of customer returns and ‘I’ve decided I’m not actually going to get this one’s, was the dress I’d seen the stylish lady wearing just 20 minutes or so prior.

The dress in question was the high-street favourite’s Striped Round Neck Midi Column Dress, which comes in under £40. Boasting a diagonal striped pattern in shades of green and yellow, its ‘bold’ look makes it perfect for summer weddings or holiday outfits.

Designed in a regular fit, its round neckline and sleeveless shape make it perfect for warm days, while its ‘non creasing’ fabric will no doubt see it become a popular suitcase choice. Coming in at £39.50, a keyhole opening and neat button fastening at the back means you’ll be able to get into it without fear of getting makeup around the neckline, with shoppers hailing it as ‘flattering’ on the M&S website.

While it’s still a relatively new-in piece, it has earned itself a 4.8 star rating from fashion fans, one of which said it was a ‘beautiful dress, lovely colours and very flattering’. Another added: “Lovely colours in this dress, material doesn't seem to crease, flattering shape. True to size.”

Diaganol stripes are said to be 'slimming', and are bang on trend this summer

A third wrote: “I needed a dress for a wedding and was looking for something summery and different (as I usually go for darker colours). This fits well, it flows over my body shape (curvy) and ticks all the boxes. A good purchase.”

Some have had issues with the arm holes, with one saying it’s ‘slightly low cut at the arm holes’ though added that it’s a ‘beautiful colour’ and ‘washed well’, while a second added that ‘the armholes are enormous’. However, others have said it ‘fits perfectly’, with one writing: “I saw this dress in the shop but it didn't have my size. Ordered it online and it is a really good fit. It looks far more expensive than the price tag of £39.50.”

“A perfect fit and lovely quality. I'm 6'1 and usually have trouble finding the perfect dress but this fits perfectly and is a great length,”

On the website, the dress is styled with flat tan sandals, gold hoop earrings and some oversized sunglasses, but the woman I’d seen wearing it ‘in situ’ had styled it with an oversized grey blazer and trainers, which looked just as cool. The dress comes in three lengths and sizes ranging from 6-24, so you should be able to find your perfect fit.

The dress' diagonal stripes are such a refreshing alternative to vertical or horizontal, and are considered ‘slimming’ by stylists. And it could just be a huge trend this season, as we’ve also spotted this £35 Nobody’s Child dress with a similar pattern, while Oliver Bonas has also embraced diagonal stripes with their £65 Green Twist Midi Dress.

But if like me you saw it, liked it, and wanted it, you can get it here on the M&S website for less than £40.