M&S has officially become the high street’s worst-kept secret for affordable, trend-led style. Under the direction of womenswear director Maddy Evans, the retailer continues to deliver elevated yet accessible fashion, and the latest M&S summer collection is one of its strongest to date. From breezy linen dresses to low faff occasion wear, the M&S holiday shop is filled with versatile pieces that make building a chic summer capsule wardrobe feel effortless, with many styles coming in at around the £30 mark.To discover which pieces are actually worth buying, I headed in store to try on the latest M&S summer clothing collection for myself. The edit proves the brand has mastered translating runway trends into wearable everyday staples, with elegant drop-waist skirts, puff-sleeve tops and relaxed linen-blend jorts leading the way. Elsewhere, dainty floral prints, lightweight tailoring and floaty boho-inspired dresses make getting dressed for holidays, garden parties and weddings refreshingly easy.The accessories deserve just as much attention. Alongside stylish swimwear and packable sun hats, the sunglasses collection is a particular highlight, featuring oversized aviators and sleek cat-eye frames that channel Bella Hadid energy without the luxury price tag. If you're shopping for the best M&S summer clothes this season, these are the standout buys I'd add to your basket and quickly, as many styles are already selling out.Read more: Best white T-shirts, testedWhat to buy from M&S’s 2026 summer collectionM&S piping waistcoat & skirt set(Alice Reynolds/The Independent)If 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. Buy nowM&S striped button through shirt(Alice Reynolds/The Independent)This striped 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.Buy nowM&S mesh checked midi A-line skirt(Alice Reynolds/The Independent)I’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.Buy nowM&S floral ruffle hem midi tiered skirt(Alice Reynolds/The Independent)A 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.Buy nowM&S acetate oval sunglasses(Alice Reynolds/The Independent)These 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.Buy nowM&S linen rich puff sleeve mini smock dress(Alice Reynolds/The Independent)A 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 puffed sleeves. I’d recommend sizing down on this one.Buy nowM&S beaded square neck strappy midi column dress(Alice Reynolds/The Independent)If you’re searching for a chic but laid-back evening dress for your next holiday, I’ve found it at M&S. Available in black and white colourways, this column dress is effortlessly flattering with a subtle, figure hugging silhouette. The beaded ties add a stylish detail, while the material feels lightweight and breezy. Buy nowM&S pure cotton printed wrap mini beach skirt(Alice Reynolds/The Independent)A wrap skirt is my most hard working piece of clothing on holiday – utterly practical, easy to style and stylish. This one from M&S ticks all the boxes with its wrap front and adjustable tie waist making for low faff wear. The red shell design also complements a tan nicely.Buy nowM&S pure cotton printed midaxi kaftan dress(Alice Reynolds/The Independent)Earthy tones are dominating M&S’s holiday shop this year and this dress was the standout pick for me in this style. Perfect for throwing on after the beach, the dress is super light and floaty with wide kimono-style sleeves and tied cuffs, while the empire waist seam creates some shape. The print holds its own as a statement piece, with its vibrant and rich geometric pattern. Pair with some brown sandals and this will take you from day to night.Buy nowRead more: This £39 Uniqlo dress is a summer staple