CAST yourself back to the glory days of 2019.
Before the pandemic, before Megxit and before the passing of The Queen there was the Zara polka dot dress.
A £39.99 dress became a uniform for women up and down the country who wanted something to just throw on with a pair of trainers for a barbecue, wedding, drinks, dinner - you name it it was the do-everything-frock.
The white dress with black polka dot print, in midi loose length with three-quarter sleeve sold out many times and was so popular it had its own Instagram account called “Hot 4 the Spot” that had an army of 25K followers at its peak.
The account wearers out and about in the dress, or sometimes multiples of the dress in one snap.
I love flaunting my curves & it's not for the likes from men
It took over the high street, and the UK, with other brands itching to create the same magic or their down polka-dupe.
The dresses popularity was down to the fact it looked good on everyone.
Loose in shape was perfect for hot summer days and nights, its modest length and sleeves meant everyone could get involved, its perennial print meant it wasn’t garish or too trendy but wearable.
But looking back now it seems so dated which is probably why you don’t see them in every pub garden or at the school gates anymore.
This year, it seems Marks & Spencer may have recreated that same magic.
- Floral Round Neck Midi Tea Dress, £39.50, Marks & Spencer - Buy Now
They’re selling a new dress that ticks every box, still with the same demure detailing, but with an updated silhouette from Zara's sack-like style.
Plus its already shifting hundred's already.
The M&S Collection Floral Round Neck Midi Tea Dress at the brand's willing price of £39.50 has the perfect formula for the dress of the summer.
Sold in three print ways, two flower patterned (hence the “floral” in its title) and black on white polka dot the dress gives off an air of a spotty number Kate Middleton wore to Ascot in 2022 that honoured Princess Diana.
The brand says the “tea dress is crafted from a lightweight and breathable fabric for a breezy feel.
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“It's cut to a regular fit with breezy three-quarter length sleeves.
“The midi-length skirt comes complete with a swishy hem.”
The dress has tons more attention to detail than the Zara dress, for the same price.
Currently the number one best selling dress style at Marks & Spencer, the high street giant told us that a staggering one dress is being sold every seven minuets.
With a sleeve is slightly puffed and at the shoulder and stops just below the elbow and is tapered which makes it feel more elegant.
There's also darting at the bust which gives a fitted and more tailored appearance, plus it's softly nipped in at the waist which the Zara number wasn’t.
Flowing out from the waistline is an A-line shaped skirt which flatters bums, tums and hips as well as accentuating the look of a smaller middle.
M&S have styled it with knee high black leather boots with a slight heel and matching black bag, which is perfect for any occasion at this time of year.
And in the warmer months it will be a winner with small heels.
Despite being so new the dress is already getting rave reviews online.
One shopper commented: “Beautiful dress, I bought size 14 petite I just love it, can't wait for summer to wear it although you could wear this dress anytime.”
Whilst another said: “Beautiful floaty dress- felt very elegant when wearing it.”
But you’ll need to act fast.
The dress is already sold out in some sizes across Petite, Regular and Long.
Other prints of the dress in its floral style are selling out fast too.
- Floral Round Neck Midi Tea Dress, £39.50, Marks & Spencer - Buy Now
