The Princess of Wales has the dreamiest midi dress collection. She's stepped out in countless beautiful floral dresses over the years, from statement designer pieces with exaggerated puff sleeves to more low-key high street numbers.
Kate's entire wardrobe lives in my mind rent-free, and I've found a dress in Marks & Spencer's new-in section that reminds me of one I know she has hanging in her closet.
The chic dark floral midi from M&S is similar to a style she wore by Orla Kiely in 2018. Kate stepped out in the gorgeous 'Margaret' dress at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
M&S Floral Midaxi Tea Dress
Marks & Spencer's timeless tea dress is adorned in a delicate ditsy floral print. It has a figure-skimming cut with short sleeves, a flattering round neckline, and a delicate tie detail at the back. The midi skirt is the perfect length for spring and the tiered hem adds movement. It retails for £45 and is available in UK sizes 6-24, as well as three different lengths.
Kate's dress had a similar feminine dark floral print and also fell to a midi length. It was part of a capsule collection called L’Orla by Irish fashion designer Orla Kiely and stylist Leith Clark.
Made from a viscose fabric, it had a high, round neckline with a soft velvet band trim, as well as velvet cuffs, and featured a smock front panel with ruched detailing.
The M&S dress is slightly more casual than Kate's. I have a few midi dresses from the brand in the same price range and the fits are always so flattering. They feel great quality for the price too, which explains why they fly off the shelves so quickly. This one also comes in cornflower blue if you prefer a more spring-ready shade for the new season.
I predict it will sell out soon, but if you do manage to get your hands on one, the styling options are endless. Wear it with black strappy sandals à la M&S - a print always works well with barely-there accessories, and these hit the sweet spot between comfortable and stylish.
Or for a royal-worthy look, add elegant nude heels like Princess Kate. I'd also wear it in the daytime with a pair of sleek white trainers.
So far customer reviews have awarded it 4/5 stars and say it fits true to size although it comes up a little short.
"I love this dress! Fits beautifully," wrote one. While another said: "Really impressed with this pretty dress, great for the coming months, can be dressed up or down. Quality feels good, zip a nice touch. I sized up as I am between sizes, so it feels very comfortable."
