I was pleasantly surpirsed to find the perfect balance between summer, holiday clothes and transitional pieces, Nisha Mal writes
On a sunny midweek afternoon, I found myself strolling into a Next store. I’ve been a devoted online shopper for the past two years, but when I walked into the shop, I felt a rush of sheer joy that buying virtually can’t match.
Next has perfectly nailed the transitional period. Although it’s the height of summer in the real world, in the fashion hemisphere, it’s time to look ahead to the new season – autumn. The retailer has perfected the balance.
Most of the store I visited was made up of summer/holiday pieces but with the odd autumnal piece splattered here and there. It was noticeable but not too in-your-face, which I think appeals to the mass shopper.
While browsing online, I also noticed that Roman has just unveiled its transitional collection. This £55 Stretch Crepe Scarf Dress (sizes 10-20) is a nice option for an upcoming wedding, but can just as easily be worn during the festive season for parties.
Similarly, Boden has just released a new transitional collection. This £75 Julia Darted Cotton Shirt (sizes 4-22) cinches just below the bust to enhance your shape.
Next’s floaty summer dress
This strappy jersey midi dress is an easy-to-wear beach cover-up that I will get lots of wear out of over the years.
Without further ado, here are my top Next fashion picks:
Red Shirred Strappy Jersey Midi Dress, £28
People often overlook a simple beach dress, but in my experience, I end up wearing it more than anything else. I like this frock because of the richness of the red shade, and because it is shirred, it’ll flow nicely in a gentle breeze.
In-store, I only spotted the red colour, but online shoppers can also buy it in black or olive options. I would wear this Red Shirred Strappy Jersey Midi Dress as a beach cover-up or on lazy days spent by the pool on holiday.
It’s available in sizes 6-24, and has more than 30 customer comments. One pleased fan noted: “Love this dress. It’s so comfy and does not cling, so it’s really cool. I’m going to buy it in another colour.”
“My friend came around to see me wearing this dress, and it looked gorgeous on her, so I had to order 2 for myself. The dress is very flattering and comfortable to wear, with the added bonus of pockets,” a second buyer wrote.
A third person said: “I now have this dress in all 3 colours. It’s so comfortable, versatile and washes like a ribbon. Can be dressy or casual. Would love to see it in many more colour combos.”
Not all shoppers were pleased, with an additional shopper saying: “Dress way too big and certainly at least two sizes larger.”
However, another happy shopper penned: “Lovely cool swishy dress, great for hot country holiday as brown sets off your tan and it’s loose light material and flattering low ruched waistband. Very nice and happy with my purchase.”
Yellow co-ord, from £64 (when bought together)
Yellow is such a pretty summer colour. I like this co-ord as I can see myself wearing it during UK heatwaves and hot spells. It comprises a fitted T-shirt and wide-leg trousers.
The yellow top (sizes 6-24)is priced at £20 and the matching trousers are £44 (sizes extra small-extra large). It has a soft textured material, and as it’s crinkly, it doesn’t need ironing.
Next’s co-ord also comes in blue or brown colours. The model sporting the yellow colour pairs it with black sunglasses and flip flops.
Yellow striped dress, £46
This yellow frock was another summery piece I spotted. Interestingly enough, Next has collaborated with the National Trust to design this dress.
The frock has a classic shirt collar and a button-through front for a timeless look. It also has a tie-waist detail to add some shape.
For me, it is an easy-to-style piece for holidays, UK sunny days or even as a summer dress for the office. Thanks to the pinstripe design, it won’t date like overly trendy pieces tend to. Choose from sizes 4-20.
Bardot top, £28
This sage green Bardot top has a slinky and form-fitting design that really caught my eye. I also really like the eye-catching gold hardware design on one sleeve. It’s perfect for summer nights and dates, paired with either a skirt or trousers.
For style inspiration, the model online pairs it with wide-leg jeans and kitten heels. Online, it also comes in pink, cream, and black, although I only saw the sage green shade in-store. Choose from sizes 6-24.
Reversible Gingham Quilted Jacket, £65
Moving on to the autumn pieces, one of the first things that caught my eye was this green checkered quilted jacket. It is not my usual style, but I was drawn to the colourway.
What’s more, it is reversible, so you get two for the price of one. I like this green checkered quilted jacket because it is a colourful transitional piece that feels autumnal but with a bright summer accent.
It comes in petite and regular lengths in sizes small-extra large. The model styles it with jorts and a crossbody bag.
Polka Dot Jacket, £52
Another outerwear number I came across was this white polka-dot jacket. Funnel-neck jackets are really on-trend right now, and I like that this option is fun but not as bold as my previous jacket option.
Made from denim, it has a boxy fit and it’s cropped. It’s also lovely to wear draped over summer outfits, such as dresses or paired with capri pants. Choose from sizes 6-20.
Weaved slingbacks, £52
I couldn’t leave Next without eyeing up the shoe collection. These chic slingbacks have a beautiful, unique, woven detail.
The white and chocolate brown shoes have a mid-height kitten heel and an exaggerated pointed toe. They’d be lovely paired with an all-white or all-black ensemble in the upcoming autumn season.
They also come in a nude-and-white colour combination. Choose from sizes 3–9, with half sizes also available.
