Fish and chips

Coffee and cake.  Tea and biscuits.  Obviously gin and tonic.... But no I'm not doing a food blog.  It's nothing edible (all that's done is make me hungry) but they're two things, in my book, that go together perfectly. 

In fact - possibly my favourite outfit combo.  

Dress and boots.  I will acquiesce it doesn't "entirely slip" off the tongue (some PR work needed there!) but ignoring the semantics - the two of them are perfect together.

And what better to write about for my new collaboration with Marks and Spencer (speaking of two names that go perfectly together..!) than my favourite picks from their new season dresses and boots.  Which also coincides perfectly with their 20% off Sparks weekend.

Why do I love this combo?  Easy.  Comfortable, versatile, a no brainer of an outfit.  Take one dress, take one pair of boots and go.  Depending on the boots - a lower pair of ankle boots and a biker and you're set for every day.  Heeled boots and your evening outfit is sorted.  I'm also partial to a dress with a pair of trainers and a trench. 

But for the purposes of today's blog, I've tried on a selection of new season dresses with heeled boots.  Hopefully this will give you an idea of how to dress them up and I can run through the sizes too. 

I will say that I fear I may have been slightly too gung ho with the baguettes and the rose in the holidays (combined with ZERO exercise) as I am now a 12 in dresses at M&S.   I'd love to say their sizing has changed.. and maybe it has?  But I fear it's gravity and carbs that are to blame.  All feedback on sizing very very welcome.

Starting with one that really doesn't look that much on the hangar.  But team with the most wearable velvet ankle boots and a belt and you're in business.

Floral Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress £49.50

Wearing a 12 and a Medium belt.


Black Stiletto Heel Stretch Ankle Boots £39.50 - size wise, I sized down to a 6, which M&S say is a 39.5.  I am usually a 39.5, sometimes a 40.  So always a 6 or a 6.5 - never a 7 (which I am elsewhere)



And velvet belt in black to tie it all together.

Velvet Round Buckle Belt £12.50




Floaty again.  I would also wear the above belt with this.  Not sure why I didn't try it.  Or any waist belt.  Perhaps ring the changes with a western style one (yes, if you read the blog yesterday, I am OBSESSED!).

Floral Print Hanky Hem £49.50




In the 12.




This time teamed with the navy velvet boots. 

Stiletto Heel Side Zip Ankle Boots £39.50




So this isn't in my comfort zone.  I'll be honest, I thought it was going to be longer and on lovely normal people, this will be a fabulous midi length.  The ruched sleeves are the most amazing detail - very Marant meets Jonathan Saunders at DVF.  Perfect for work.

Printed Ruched Sleeve Wrap Dress £39.50



I have the 12 on here and the boots in the 6.5 (so a 40).




And why not add a red boot (I LOVE these boots - I am definitely going to get my hands on the white ones).

Leather Stiletto Heel Toe Cap Ankle Boots £79



Another version.  These are the most superb buys if they suit you.  I would buy them in every colour.

Printed Tie Side Wrap Midi Dress £39.50



Unusual, on trend and simply gorgeous.  Again, I wore the 12.  I'm thinking about styling this over jeans. 

Floral Print Velvet Short Sleeve Dress £59



But a more traditional look (with boots obvs...).





And then onto longer - the perfect navy dress.  If I opt for this, I will wear with a belt as being tall, the high waist line is even higher on me.  But a belt will sit under the little frill perfectly.  Again I wore the 12.

Printed Mesh Flared Sleeve Dress £45





Then there a couple of two pieces that can work as dresses.

Wool Blend Ribbed A-Line Skirt £59



And the jumper £45 - which obviously will look amazing with any print skirt, black leather skirt, black trousers, jeans... super versatile.




So... the top is in fact an 8.  And it fits.  I would probably go for a 10 though as I would like it a smidge roomier.  The skirt is a 12 and there is no way I could go any smaller at all!




And this print, which I am all the obsessed with.

Printed V-neck Flared Sleeved Shell Top £29.50 




Printed A-Line midi Skirt £45



Here I am in them worn together - although obviously they'll be just as fabulous separate. 

Top here is a 10 (and actually it's plenty plenty big), the skirt is a 12.  I could possibly do a 10 in the skirt, it was on the loose side on the waist. 




And then finally the one I came home with and am wearing out tonight.  The weather has turned though, so I also got a polo neck to layer with.  These sell out like hotcakes so buy them as soon as you see them in your size.  I have the 14 and it's still spray on!