Our high streets might be stuffed with brands all competing for our hard-earned cash, but a really great dress remains a rare thing. Think: a piece that transcends the churn of the trend cycle, flatters every body, and feels formal without leaning into corporate territory.

So, when Marie-France van Heel accompanied her husband, incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, on the steps of Downing Street last month in an undeniably excellent midi (by queen of the contemporary dress, Victoria Beckham), we all paid close attention. The dress promptly sold out.

It seems Marks & Spencer, the current darling of the Great British high street, was tuned in too. The retailer has just released a calf-skimming tea dress in that same shade of cornflower blue that van Heel wore so beautifully. From the retailer’s premium Autograph line, it’s cut with a clever draped silhouette that covers your shoulders and defines your waist while remaining sleek and fluid. In other words, it looks both effortless and polished.

M&S's Cornflower-Blue Dress Is The Style Of The Season

BUY NOW

Marks & Spencer Autograph V-Neck Midi Waisted Dress

marksandspencer

£95.00

Now you’ll need to click quickly, as we aren’t the only ones that have spotted what a brilliant buy this trend-defying dress is. But if you’re after a little inspiration before hitting the checkout, we have styling ideas aplenty.

Black leather sandals and sleek sunglasses will work perfectly for summer office days (stick a grey blazer on top once the wear turns), while knee-high boots will similarly look great come Autumn. For those late-summer weddings, team it with heels in cream, silver or nude to keep the look light and fresh. And for a curveball that actually looks completely classic? Throw on a red lipstick and slick your hair back – proof that cornflower-blue really works with anything.

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