As a fashion writer it can be difficult to admit when you’re stuck in a style rut, finding myself sticking to tried-and-true fashion formulas when I really want to have more fun and experiment with trends. So when I was trying on some pieces in the Next changing rooms earlier this week and noticed a sign that mentioned free personal stylist sessions, I abandoned my basket and immediately went home and booked a slot for later in the week.
While I was aware that John Lewis and Selfridges offer personal shopping, I had no idea that Next offered this service in selected stores, so I was excited to see what it would be like. I arrived for my appointment at the Arndale Centre store in Manchester and was greeted by Keira – a customer assistant who is studying fashion at university – who seemed just as thrilled to put her expertise to work as I was to receive it.
The style enthusiast asked me a couple of questions about what I wanted out of the service, whether it was an outfit for a special occasion or specific event, or something more casual. I explained that I was looking to refresh my wardrobe for spring, and was looking for some inspiration on how to get the most out of individual items in my wardrobe. And with that, we were off.
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As we browsed through the rails, Keira talked me through what she was picking and explained why, and I have to say, it felt like I was shopping with brand new eyes. I was seeing style combinations I’d never have thought of, and was open minded when the sales assistant picked out pieces I’d have normally skimmed past without a second glance.
After delivering the selection to the fitting room, I was left to try on the outfits. While some stylist sessions will see the expert remain with you for further tips or advice, Next allow you the space to try them on in your own time under no pressure. It also means you don’t feel quite as much pressure to make a purchase, should you not find anything you love – however, more than one item from this haul came home with me. Here’s what I tried on:
Brown/Cream printed co-ord – from £32
The first outfit Keira picked was one I’d never have considered for myself previously. This co-ord, consisting of the retailer’s Brown/Cream Elasticated Back Wide Leg Lyocell Printed Trousers (£42) and Brown/Cream Lyocell Print Square Neck Top (£32) is a stunning summer pick and ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to versatility.
Light, breezy, and effortlessly stylish, the wide-leg trousers drape beautifully, while the elasticated back ensures a comfortable fit that’s perfect if, like me, you suffer from bloating. The square-neck top complements the trousers, making for an easy yet put-together look, with the mosaic print makes it perfect for holidays or casual outings.
I love that you can wear this together as a set, giving the illusion of a jumpsuit, or you can pair the trousers with a vest and tan leather sandals for a daytime look, or dress the top up with jeans and heels for an evening ensemble. I definitely preferred the trousers over the top as I don’t think the cut was particularly flattering on me and I’d have loved a bit more stretch for movement – that said, it is undeniably chic and definitely made me consider branching out when I come to shop for summer.
Khaki Green Woven Jersey Mix Sleeveless Racer Ribbed Midi Dress – £32
As soon as I tried on this Khaki Green Woven Jersey Mix Sleeveless Racer Ribbed Midi Dress, I knew it was coming home with me. The £32 racer-style midi dress is a great transitional piece, and will work really hard in my wardrobe. And if khaki isn’t for you, the dress also comes in black and red.
The ribbed bodice hugs the figure, while the flowy cotton skirt keeps things light and airy. The khaki shade is universally flattering, and the side pockets are a major bonus. On its own, the dress can be styled with chunky trainers for a casual day look, or add heeled mules for a dressier vibe. I also like that you could layer over a jumper or a cardigan to give a top and skirt illusion without it being too bulky, which is something I’ll definitely be doing while it’s still a bit chilly.
Leopard Print Denim Mini Skirt – £36 and Oasis T-shirt – £28
I am obsessed with leopard print so naturally gravitate towards pieces in the pattern so I loved that Keira selected this Leopard Print Mini Denim 100% Cotton Skirt (£36) from the rail. Totally timeless, this mini skirt can be worn in so many ways, from a head-to-toe leopard look with the matching jacket, to a baggy band t-shirt, like this White/Black 90s Graphic Oasis Band Relaxed Fit T-Shirt (£28).
This is an outfit I’d wear to a gig, though not Oasis, since I wasn’t fortunate enough to get tickets. However, if you were one of the lucky ones, you’ve got your concert ensemble sorted here. The top can also be worn with a range of bottoms, from denim to leather, and since a classic 90s band tee will never go out of style, £28 isn’t bad of an investment, either.
Blue Gingham Drop Waist Maxi Skirt – £38
Keira and I spent some time debating whether this was a dress or a skirt, but it turns out, while it is technically a skirt, you can also get away with wearing it as a strapless number. Due to the drop waist detailing and maxi length, the skirt, when pulled up beneath the armpits, is transformed into a cool and lightweight midi dress that you can throw on with a pair of black ballet flats on a sunny day.
But, should you want to wear it as intended, it is a gorgeous, voluminous skirt in a classic gingham print that makes it a year-round staple. Here I paired it with the White Pure 100% Cotton Artist Editions Spicy Margarita Oversized T-Shirt (£24), bringing out some of the colours in the tee. The only thing I found was that, due to the drop waist, the waistband is a little wider than I’m used to wearing which I wasn’t a massive fan of – especially if you’re someone who likes to tuck in their top or cardigan. I do like that you can get more than one look out of it though – I actually think I prefer it as a dress.
Orange Stripe Brushed Knitted T-Shirt – £34 and Mid Blue Hourglass Baggy Wide Leg Jeans – £45
I appreciate that this knitted tee is a bit of a marmite piece. I’d seen it in store weeks ago and liked it, but didn’t buy it as I wasn’t sure what I’d wear with it. However, Keira suggested keeping it simple with a pair of wide leg jeans in a shade that brings out the blue stripes in the top. The brushed knit is so fun and playful that it doesn’t need much to bring it to life, so these Mid Blue Hourglass Baggy Wide Leg Jeans for £45 were perfect. Personally, I prefer a bit more of a high waist with my jeans, but I still quite enjoyed the fit and silhouette of them.
As for the top, I struggled a little with the sizing. It comes in XS to 2XL and I had to try on both the medium and small to work out which I preferred, but it did eventually make it to the tills and into my wardrobe.
Leopard Print 100% Cotton Wide Leg Jeans – £46 and Olive Green Twist Shoulder Jersey Top – £28
For more of a date night look, I loved these statement leopard print jeans. Many retailers have launched similar in recent months, including M&S and Mint Velvet. Now, I already own a pair of cargo leopard jeans, but these are a much smarter shape, perfect for those occasions that feel a little more special. While they are true to size, the non-stretch denim means they require a bit of breaking in.
They’ve earned a number of five star reviews from shoppers, one of which said: “Beautiful print – the best leopard print I’ve seen in a Jean. They’ve washed and ironed well so far. 100% cotton no stretch, which is my personal preference in a Jean. Slightly snug around ‘lady bits’ if sitting for long periods of time but other than that fantastic! Dress up or down – love them.”
Another added: “Love these jeans, great wide leg fit, they’re 100% cotton, so not stretchy and will not loose shape.” However, some have found them to be on the bigger side, commenting: “The pattern was lovely but they were extremely oversized. So long and so wide I had to take back.”
Keira suggested teaming them with this Olive Green Twist Shoulder Jersey Top for £28. I love how this elevated the jeans, but how it could work just as well with a pair of khaki, denim or cream shorts on a summer holiday.
Floral Print Quilted Reversible Printed Jacket – £68
A reversible jacket is a wardrobe win, offering two looks in one (so that’s basically half price, right?) The design is gorgeous, offering a floral pink side and a darker gingham reverse. The quilting keeps it warm, though the oversized fit might not flatter every body type.
I so desperately wanted to love this jacket, but for me the sizing was off and it felt too padded. I tried on the small and felt a bit like the Michelin Man in it – though that’s not to say it wouldn’t look incredible on someone else. Plus it seems to be pretty popular with shoppers, seeing as most sizes have already sold out online.
Despite the last item being a little bit of a flop, I really enjoyed my personal styling session at Next, and it gave me some really good insight into what’s trending and what suits me. Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or just looking for some inspiration, I’d highly recommend giving Next’s styling service a go – you can book a session here.
