With prominent brands such as M&S, Zara, Mango, and Uniqlo on many high streets, it can be easy to forget about other reliable retailers like Next. One particular shopping enthusiast who admits to neglecting Next over the years in favour of other clothing stores is fashion and shopping writer, Bethan Shufflebotham.
However, she says all that changed recently after she discovered the “perfect spring dress” at Next for only £32. Now she writes that she can’t add the store’s new spring pieces to her basket quick enough.
Writing for the Liverpool Echo, Bethan raved about the Woven Jersey Mix Sleeveless Racer Ribbed Midi Dress, in Khaki green, which she says she knew instantly she would have to buy after trying it on in the changing rooms.
She wrote: “During a recent fitting room session, as soon as I tried on this Khaki Green dress, I knew it was coming home with me. The £32 racer-style midi dress is a great transitional piece, and strikes a great balance between affordability, quality and versatility. Give me a few weeks and the cost-per-wear will be down to pence – mark my words.”
The midi-length dress is crafted from a super-soft cotton blend, with stitched detailing down the front of the ribbed bodice, as well as a bit of elastane for a stretchy, comfortable fit.
The racer-shape dress, cut in either a regular or petite fit, falls to an elegant midi length of 50″, or 127cm, with two handy side pockets in the pure cotton skirting.
As well as the Khaki green, it also comes in black and red, and is sold in sizes 4-20 Petite, sizes 6-26 in Regular fit, and sizes 10-20 in Tall. Best of all, the dress costs £32 – meaning you could even purchase all three colours without breaking the bank.
The dress does not yet have any reviews or ratings on the Next website, but Bethan said one of the best things about the garment is how it can easily be dressed up or down.
She wrote: “One of the best things about the dress is how it can be styled in so many ways. Pair it with chunky trainers for a casual day look, or add heeled mules and gold accessories 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. And in autumn, it can be toughened up with biker boots and a leather jacket.
“The khaki shade is really flattering, suiting most people, particularly those with warmer complexions. But if khaki isn’t for you, the dress also comes in classic black and a vibrant red shade.
“And my favourite feature, aside from the stretchy bodice, has to be the two side pockets. They’re always a welcome feature in women’s fashion, and they’re discreet enough not to cause bulging around the hips, but are big enough to slot your phone or bank card in.”
The dress is available now from the Next website. Alternatively, if you do prefer to stick to other high-street brands, Nobody’s Child has slashed the price of its Green Colorado Midi Skater Dress from £65 down to £45, and you can get it now in sizes 6-16. Meanwhile, Mango has this A-Line dress in Khaki or black, available in sizes 6-14, for £29.99.