M&S has officially become the high street’s worst-kept secret for affordable, trend-led style. Thanks to womenswear director Maddy Evans, every new drop seems to top the last, and this summer’s collection is no exception. It’s packed with effortlessly cool, throw-on pieces that make building a capsule wardrobe a breeze, and with plenty of price tags hovering around the £30 mark, your bank account won't suffer either. To see what’s actually worth buying, I headed in-store to shop the collection for everything from weddings to picnics in the park.Some of the season’s biggest trends have made it onto the shelves, including drop-waist skirts, puff-sleeve tops, and jorts re-imagined in a breezy linen blend. I was immediately drawn to the dainty floral prints and soft, lightweight tailoring, both of which are perfect if you're hunting for a fuss-free outfit for summer events or a day at the races.The accessories department also deserves a shoutout, particularly the swimwear, sun hats, and eyewear. The sunglasses are a massive standout this year, featuring cool-girl aviators and sleek cat-eye frames that give off major Bella Hadid energy without the designer price tag. If you’re looking to build a dream summer wardrobe that checks every box, here is my honest verdict on what to add to your basket this season.Read more: Best white T-shirts, testedWhat to buy from M&S summer collectionM&S piping waistcoat & skirt setIf I was going to Wimbledon, this is what I would wear. A matching A-line skirt and sleeveless waistcoat, the 60s-inspired co-ord looks effortlessly chic with the strip of contrast buttons and piping. As it’s made from a linen-blend, it feels lightweight and soft to the skin, especially as the waist coat has added stretch for comfort. M&S denim high waisted jorts with linenJorts are a summer staple, taking you from picnics to smart events and this pair from M&S are utterly versatile. In a rich indigo, the jorts are made from blended denim with linen for a lighter feel and have a flattering high-waisted cut. I love that the length of these jorts (that sit just above my knee) make them a purposeful fashion statement. M&S striped button through shirtThis stripped button shirt hits the nail on the head for smart summer events (which are notoriously difficult to dress for). The blue striped design is perfect for summer, while there’s some drama provided by the puffed sleeves, which are bang on trend. It feels well-made, lightweight and easy to style.M&S mesh checked midi A-line skirtI’m a sucker for a drop-waist skirt, so I couldn’t wait to try this piece on. While it’s a maxi skirt, there’s plenty of breathability with the mesh fabric and flared A-line design which has a high-waisted cut. I love the check print which feels different to anything else in my summer wardrobe. Searching for a throw on maxi skirt? I’ve found it here.M&S floral ruffle hem midi tiered skirtA dainty floral print is the most effortless summer look and this skirt from M&S is a beautiful take on the style. In a rich ivory dotted with pink flowers, the skirt has a gorgeous appeal for both night and day. The ruffled tier adds structure and gives it a romantic feel, while the midi length and boxier fit is easy to style. I’d recommending sizing down.M&S acetate oval sunglassesThese oval sunglasses stood out in M&S’s collection. They bring an instant elegance to an outfit as the oval lenses draw up on the end, while the chunky rims feel on trend.M&S linen rich puff sleeve mini smock dressA chuck-on dress is a staple for me come the hotter months, so I was drawn to this linen one from M&S. It’s slightly heavier than I imagined so would better suit an evening or slightly cooler summer day. That being said, the white linen-blend dress makes for effortless styling with its flattering scoop-neck and the puffed sleeves. I’d recommend sizing down on this one.Read more: This £39 Uniqlo dress is a summer staple