Best easy-to-wear summer fashion from M&S and more

The changing season has had me leafing through my wardrobe, packing away chunky knits and winter coats and pulling all my summer favourites to the front, ready for those extra sunny days and holidays that are just around the corner. But it has also brought on a few of those all-too-familiar “I have nothing to wear” moments (even though, truthfully, my wardrobe is already pretty full). Buying a whole new wardrobe every time a new season or trend rolls around just isn’t realistic, and I imagine most people feel the same. That’s why I’ve been thinking more about those hardworking pieces you can layer up, mix and match, and wear in lots of different ways.

With the summer solstice now just over a month away, loads of brands have dropped their fresh summer collections. Favourites like Marks and Spencer, New Look, Boden and H&M are filled with pretty dresses, flattering shorts, delicate cami tops and lightweight cardigans for those evenings when there’s still a little chill in the air.

And while there are plenty of bold, trend-led statement pieces that are undeniably gorgeous, there’s also a really strong selection of versatile basics that can slot effortlessly into your wardrobe, too.

A lace cami top is one of those summer pieces that somehow makes you look instantly put together with very little effort. The spaghetti straps on this Marks and Spencer cami make it perfect for hot afternoons and balmy evenings, plus the delicate lace trim adds just enough detail to dress it up or down depending on the occasion. During the day, I’d style it with light wash denim shorts, comfy sandals and a woven straw bag. Come evening, it would look lovely paired with gold jewellery, a silky black skirt and strappy heels.

Because it’s white, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to pair with almost anything already hanging in your wardrobe. And at under £30, it feels like a stylish buy that doesn’t completely blow the budget. It’s available in sizes 6 to 22.

In a review, one M&S customer said: “I am so pleased with this cami – it is beautifully made, very pretty and also very comfortable. I would certainly recommend this item.”

However, one customer said the colour wasn’t quite what they were looking for.

As we know all too well in the UK, even the warmest summer day can suddenly turn chilly, so having a lightweight layer nearby is always a good idea. This cotton V-neck cardigan from Boden feels like the perfect throw-on piece thanks to its three-quarter length sleeves, which make it ideal for layering over a cami or dress without feeling too heavy or bulky.

Yes, £75 is a bit of an investment, but it’s made from 100% cotton, so it’s the sort of timeless piece you’re likely to keep reaching for year after year. I really like the brown shade as an easy neutral that goes with almost everything, but if you prefer something brighter, there’s also a cream knit, and for a more playful pop of colour, a pink option too.

It comes in sizes XS through to XL and, according to Boden’s website, it’s already proving popular with customers.

A good pair of pull-on trousers is one of the easiest things to wear in summer. Whether you’re throwing them over a bikini on the way to the beach or pairing them with a nice top and ballet flats for work, they balance comfort with a nicely put-together look.

I really like this mink stripe pair from New Look because they have that loose, breezy shape that feels effortlessly summery. The stretchy drawstring waist gives them that almost-pyjama-level comfort while still looking polished enough for everyday wear.

They’re made from a cotton-polyester blend (70% cotton, 30% polyester) and are machine washable, making them a practical wardrobe staple too. And at £32.99, they feel like a cost-effective buy that you’ll get plenty of wear out of over the warmer months.

A classic cotton shirt is another summer essential that can take you almost anywhere – from the beach to the bar, from the office to a day spent wandering around the shops – with very little effort. This 100% cotton option from H&M is especially appealing because the breathable fabric makes it ideal for those warm days.

It has a relaxed fit that makes it easy to throw on either on its own, layered over another top or even worn open over a bikini on holiday. The classic button-up front and collar give it that timeless feel that never really goes out of style.

It also comes in three versatile shades (blue, white and black) so there’s plenty of choice depending on your style.

Uniqlo is my absolute go-to when it comes to timeless basics that don’t cost a fortune, and this season they’ve released some particularly lovely dresses. I especially like the Combination Dress, which has a flattering fitted top and a floaty skirt that looks ideal for keeping cool on hotter days.

The mixed fabric design adds a bit more texture and interest too, with a ribbed tank-style top paired with a gathered nylon taffeta skirt in a fit-and-flare shape. And as an added bonus (because we ladies love this), it also has side seam pockets.

The dress is available in sizes XXS through to XL. While I love the versatility of the black version, there’s also a crisp white option along with two bright, summery coral and lemon shades.

In a review, a shopper said it is “comfortable to wear”.

Another added: “Love this dress, I got it in white, and got so many compliments, that went back today and got it in Yellow, may not look like much on the hanger, but its simplicity makes it beautiful when on, highly recommend!”