Getting dressed for spring and summer can often prove a challenge. From weddings to picnics, it tends to be a busy season for many of us. One wardrobe staple that will see you through many events is, of course, a cute, lightweight dress .
No matter how you chose to wear one, a floaty frock can make your life so much easier during the warmer months. With so many styles to choose from, it can be hard to know what to spend your money. Do you prefer something fitted or loose? Are you into floaty midaxi lengths, or maybe a mini dress is more to your liking.
Read more: 'I tried wedding guest dresses you can buy for under £50 from M&S, Next, Tesco and more' Read more: Boden 'wows' shoppers by slashing 'slimming' £110 midi dress to under £50 No matter your styling preferences, there is something for everyone on the high street these days, which is exactly why I have decided to highlight a few top choices that you can wear pretty much anywhere this season. Whether you like the current milkmaid trend or you prefer something as casual as a shirt dress, then my edit below of my four top choices from H&M, New Look, Next and River Island will hopefully provide you with some inspiration - not to mention they are all affordable at under £50 each. Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
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If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Price: £35.99 The milkmaid trend is everywhere again this season and this lightweight, floaty dress from New Look fits the bill for anyone who is looking for something trendy and cute.
While it wasn't personally my style, it is adorable for a romantic picnic with your partner, or even a day out with your family and friends. The breezy cotton material and puff short sleeves are perfect for the warmer weather , while I loved the elasticated waist that was flattering. The ditsy floral pattern also added an adorable touch and I'd personally pair this with some cute sandals for a casual daytime look.
Purchase the New Look White Floral Print Milkmaid Dress here . Price: £22.99 I love a shirt dress.
They are versatile, easy to style and a fuss-free layer you can wear anywhere. Unsurprisingly, this H&M frock lives up to that reputation - not to mention its all over floral pattern adds an eye-catching touch to the otherwise casual aesthetic. Appearances aside, I was surprised at how well this frock fit, with the looser material flowing over my curves instead of clinging to them.
The tie-belt feature is also a standout for its ability to 'cinch' in the waist, while the chic turndown collar and button down front add stylish touches. Whether paired with trainers or sandals, I think this is the ultimate fuss free layer you can wear to virtually anywhere this spring and summer. Purchase H&M's Tie-Belt Shirt Dress here .
Price: £32 While it may not look like the most exciting dress, this simple option from Next is one you can wear time and time again. I loved the the fitted, ribbed bodice that flared out into a pure cotton skirt that is breathable for the warmer temperatures. Not to mention the inclusion of two handy side pockets that are actually deep enough to fit smaller essentials, which gave Next instant kudos from me.
Falling to a trendy midi-length, this made me feel a lot more stylish than I initially anticipated, and could easily see myself dressing it up or down adding to its value. Shop Next's Stone Woven Jersey Mix Sleeveless Racer Ribbed Midi Dress here . Looking for a statement wardrobe item for summer? Then we know the M&S dress you need to check out.
The high street firm only recently dropped the Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress , but it's already described as "in demand" online. Retailing at £49.50, this black frock features a sleeveless bodice that flows into a midax-length bubble skirt.
Offering a "statement silhouette", it's no wonder why other fashion fans say they get "so many compliments when wearing this dress." There's gathering in the skirt that adds extra movement, while the cut-out back detail offers an elegant touch. Crafted from a breathable pure cotton material, it's a breezy layer that won't cause you to overheat when the temperatures rise.
Finished with a back-button fastening, the dress has also been fully lined for comfort. With its eye-catching design, it's suitable for fancy events with a pair of chic kitten heels and clutch bag, but can also be worn casually with sandals during the day. Designed in petite, regular and long lengthways, this £49.
50 M&S dress is still available to buy in sizes six to 24. However, we'd advise acting fast, as some sizes are beginning to be snapped up rather quickly. Despite being a new addition, the Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress has left many shoppers impressed, as they say it is "stunning" to wear and has other women asking "where it was from.
" A pleased customer said: "So many compliments wearing this dress. The dress is beautiful , I felt really nice in it and lots and lots of women asked me where it was from." Purchase M&S' new Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress for £49.
50 here . Price: £46 I'm going to be honest, aside from its cute design that made it look way more expensive than it was, I didn't expect much from this frock and ended up floored by the way it fitted. The lightweight, knitted material skimmed over my curves perfectly, while the mini length makes it perfectly chic for summer.
The classy V-neckline, decorative pockets and contrast trims made it a standout that made me look way more fancy than I expected. Paired with a lightweight jacket and heels made me feel as though I was off to Wimbledon or the Hamptons - so much posher than I actually am. In fact, I was so taken with River Island's dress I raced to the checkout, which was a good idea seeing as the white colourway has sold out online.
However, it is available in a cute black version that is equally as stunning. Shop the black version of River Island's Knit Ribbed Mini Shift Dress here ..
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'I tried summer dresses from H&M, River Island, New Look, Next and bought one immediately'

Fashion Writer Rachel Williams picked out a selection of high street dresses you can wear anywhere this spring and summer.