I tried on M&S’s three viral autumn dresses – here’s my verdict

There’s no denying M&S‘s fashion team have been churning out endless gorgeous dresses recently. In the past few months, there’s been the sell-out denim midi, the gorgeous two-tone slip (part of Sienna Miller‘s collab) and the £39 leopard number with serious Ganni energy.

But, whisper it, I think M&S’s autumn dresses are its best yet. If you’re on TikTok, there are three you’ll have seen all over your FYP: a deep red textured maxi, a tiered Per Una maxi, and a vibrant leopard print maxi. 

Given most of the time it’s influencers with perfect lighting and make-up showing off the styles, it can be tricky to tell what the pieces look like in the flesh. So I went to try on all three and see if they were as flattering and wearable as everyone’s been saying. Here’s my honest verdict (including the one I’ve already added to basket)…

Jersey Midaxi Skater Dress 

This jersey midaxi has been all over my Instagram, and hence was the style I was most excited to try. It’s available in black and a beautiful merlot red, perfect for the winter months. 

It comes up small: I’m usually an 8 but when I tried it on, it was a snug fit. It’s not particularly forgiving so I’d suggest shapewear underneath; while it looked okay when I tried it in the morning, I’m a little worried the stretchy fabric would grab on to my tummy after lunch.

At just £29.50, it’s an easy option for an autumn work outfit, and would look very chic with a leather jacket or teddy coat. Despite being polyester it’s not itchy (even around the high neck) and we all appreciate having something you can quickly tumble dry when the weather cools.

I’d buy it based on the price – but if you’re taking pics, remember the Spanx.

Textured Round Neck Midi Column Dress, £29.50, M&S 

Per Una Cupro High Neck Ruffle Midaxi Tiered Dress 

Sometimes you see something on the hanger and just know it’s going to look great. That’s how I felt about this tiered maxi. After a bit of a struggle to get it on (there’s an attached slip underneath, which protects your modesty but is a bit tricky to manoeuver), as soon as I was in it, I felt so chic.

The cupro fabric is soft and drapes so prettily, making it the perfect frock to continue boho-chic into autumn. It’s also super versatile: wear for winter with a chunky boot (mine and Grenson), then in summer, switch for wedges and you’re good to go. 

It’s a tiny bit pricier at £89, but for such a stellar dress, I’m not complaining! I’m definitely eyeing this up as one of my Christmas party outfits. 

Per Una Cupro High Neck Ruffle Midaxi Tiered Dress, £89, M&S

Animal Print Tie Neck Midaxi Waisted Dress 

Everyone needs a good leopard print dress for winter, and it’s easy to see why this one is consistently selling out. It’s the perfect midaxi length, insanely cozy, and I love the three-quarter length sleeves for a little bit more coverage.

They only had a 12 in store, so this was a little baggier than I’d usually go for. I’d stick to your usual size, and accessorise it with black sling backs and a black sweeper coat. 

It’s viscose, so there’s no issue chucking it in your washes, but it doesn’t feel cheap when you put it on (and I’m quite fussy about materials). For £39.50, this’ll be one of the hardest working pieces in your winter wardrobe.

Animal Print Midi Waisted Tiered Dress, £39.50, M&S