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Next was the retailer we would typically head to as a child for a school uniform, or staples when we were a child.
I fondly remember flicking through the Next catalogue circling items I loved – you can tell I was born to be in the fashion biz – though obviously I didn’t buy it, I just looked.
Let’s remember it was the 90s and tech wasn’t the distraction it was now, so we had to occupy ourselves the best we could, for me it was shopping catalogues!
Over the decades I relegated Next to the retailer for young children or the older generation. However, I am now eating my words as Next has truly upped its fashion game, and I am obsessed with the retailer.
At a recent wedding I stopped a woman to ask where her dress was from because it looked super premium, and it was none other than Next. Though she pulled the cape backwards so it looked like a neck scarf – genius! I’ve even spotted fashion influencers wearing accessories from the label and bookmarked them for myself.
I have perused Next’s virtual rails and found a long list of fashion staples I need for summer and upcoming autumn months.
So, these are the stylish pieces I am adding to my basket.
Shop Our Top Picks at Next

Black 100% Linen Shift Dress
For those enjoying the last few weeks of the British summer, or have a holiday coming up, linen is the fabric to stock up on to look chic in the heat. We particularly love this Linen Shift Dress, which is like a longline waistcoat. It’s chic, fuss-free and ultra versatile to see you from the office to your holiday and picnics in the park.
BUY NOW FOR £54
Sage Green Cape Maxi Dress
This dress is ultra chic, and perfect for any special occasions coming up. While you can wear the cape upper draped loosely over the body, it can also be worn as a neck scarf. It is also available with a mesh layer over the top.
BUY NOW FOR £72
Woven Jersey Mix Sleeveless Racer Ribbed Midi Dress
For an easy, breezy, one-and-done dress this Ribbed Midi Dress is the solution. It combines a classic ribbed tank top with a midi skirt that puffs out at the hips. We particularly love that the upper resembles a corset as the lower section features a V-shaped detail as it blends into the skirt. It also comes in a bandeau style and long sleeve version – Next really is spoiling us.
BUY NOW FOR £32
Black Faux Leather Zip Through Jacket
Short jackets are all the craze, and this Zip Through Jacket nails the brief as it skims the hips. It features a zip-front fastening, collar detail and side pockets for an elevated alternative to the classic biker jacket.
BUY NOW FOR £72
Ecru Broderie Embroidered Playsuit
Whether you are lounging at home in the heatwave, pottering in the garden, or going on holiday, this slip-on playsuit is calling your name. The embroidered detail on the V-plunge short-length playsuit is easy to style, comfortable to wear, and more versatile than you think. Pair with sandals or trainers for a casual daytime, or slip into wedges to complete your Euro Summer evening attire. Alternatively you can layer the playsuit over a T-shirt, or under a denim jacket or cardigan for extra warmth.
BUY NOW FOR £45
Red Pointed Toe High Cut Slingback Heels
These heels are giving Jil Sander – but for a fraction of the price. Style with a satin slip dress, jeans and a blazer, or barrel leg jeans and a T-shirt.
BUY NOW FOR £36
Friends Like These Ivory Sculpting Stretch Capri Trousers
We have had these capri trousers on our radar for weeks, and we are desperately waiting for our size in the black to come back in stock. Capri trousers are all the craze as they are a hybrid between smart trousers and lounge-appropriate leggings.
BUY NOW FOR £25
Mid Blue Denim Seam Front Barrel Leg Jeans
Barrel leg jeans take a variety of monikers, including balloon-leg and horseshoe jeans, though some liken them to a hybrid between a mom jean and ankle grazer. These barrel leg jeans curve from the thighs to the calves, and creates a curved silhouette, which is forgiving for all body shapes.
BUY NOW FOR £45
Pink Scoop Neck Tummy Control Swimsuit
This one piece resembles Hunza G’s iconic swimsuit, which everyone seems to own, though this design is a fraction of the price. The scoop neck, thick straps and low scoop back provide a comfortable fit for hours of wear, but it’s the built-in shaping mesh that offers the desired stomach control, which gets our vote of confidence. It comes in five colours.
BUY NOW FOR £36
Chocolate Brown Scarf Layer Crew Neck Cardigan
This two-in-one design is simply genius. The button front cardigan features a built in scarf layer that ties around the neck, which almost looks like you have tied a cardigan over your shoulders like all the French fashion influencers do.
BUY NOW FOR £35
Berry Gloss Mini Structured Shoulder Bag
Shoulder bags are the nostalgic 90s accessory that has made a revival.This patent over the shoulder bag reminds us of YSL’s Mini Le 5 À 7 in patent leather, which fetches £1,350. With an adjustable shoulder strap, zip front fastening and buckle detail that flaps over the bag's opening, you can trust your belongings will be stored safely.
BUY NOW FOR £28Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
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