It’s fair to say M&S’s in-house collection, Per Una, has enjoyed a fluctuating relationship with fashion.
Once the territory of dodgy prints and dated designs, it’s in the midst of a revival to rival its M&S stablemate – Holly Willoughby’s best-selling curated range.
Masterminded by design directors Lisa Illis and Jill Stanton, looking to the simpler, chicer cuts of high street rivals perhaps, the Per Una summer range is designed to make getting dressed that bit breezier.
You’ll find contemporary shapes, earth-toned midis, soft tailoring, utility outerwear and cool co-ords, in fabrics such as linen, pure cotton and modal. We’re not surprised it’s sold an impressive 30,000 pieces in its first week.
With prices starting from £12.50, there are 80 pieces to shop in sizes six to 24, but we’ve narrowed it down to our best bits, from the ‘shacket’ – yes, it’s a word – to more midi and maxi dresses than you could ever need.
Pure Cotton Patch Pocket Military Shacket, £39.50
This cotton khaki shacket (that’s a short jacket to you and me) nails the utility trend. For an effortless off-duty look, it’s perfect to throw on when its gets cool in the evenings, or paired with your favourite jeans.
Shirt dresses are universally flattering and this maxi dress is an office appropriate design that won’t look out of place at brunch either. We’ll be wearing ours with our favourite pair of white trainers and a cross body bag.
Geometric Print Wide Leg Trousers, £39.50 & Geometric Print Sleeveless Wrap Blouse, £45
Earn some style points with this chic co-ord. The wrap-style top means you can wear it as relaxed or as fitted as you like and the wide leg trousers wouldn’t go amiss with a white tee and pair of mules on days you don’t feel like matching.
Pure Cotton Floral Print Swing Midi Dress, £39.50
A dress that makes us want to book a holiday, Throw-on-and-go with this wing maxi and team with tan sandals and dainty gold jewellery for dinner, drinks and flights. Fingers crossed we get a heatwave at home to wear it sooner though.
This grecian, off-the-shoulder midi is a summer must-have. The tasselled waist tie and puffed shoulders add a touch of texture and it’s made from responsibly sourced cotton. Throw on your shacket from earlier and you’ve got yourself an outfit.
You can’t go wrong with a floral maxi. Dressy enough for formal occasions, we’ll be wearing ours for every wedding, date night and holiday we can get away with. Dress up with barely-there heels or dress down with a pair of mules.
Floral Print Pleated Midi Skirt, £29.50
A midi skirt can be the most versatile piece in your closet. Worn with heels and a tailored blazer, it’s a workwear go-to. Pair with a loose fitted white t-shirt and sandals and you’ve got your weekend wardrobe sorted.
Linen Blend Striped Casual Shorts, £19.50
Not a fan of teeny tiny denim shorts? Us either. This summer we’re ditching the denim and embracing the linen in the shorts department. Lightweight and breathable for those sweaty tube journeys, they’re smart casual and then some.
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