Writer Nisha Mal has been obsessed with Rochelle Humes’ latest Next collection and highlights some of her favourite summer pieces
Next has been going big with its summer drop this season. Most notably, the retailer’s collection with Rochelle Humes has caught my eye, as it includes some classic, tailored pieces that will withstand micro-trends.
The collection consists of timeless linen fabrics, colourful fitted coats, and lightweight summer knits for the UK’s unpredictable climes. One of my favourite pieces from the collection is this Neutral Cotton Linen Blend Trophy Jacket, which can be worn throughout the year.
Priced at £64, it is great for the office or a fancy dinner on occasions when I don’t know what to wear but want to look like I’ve made an effort. The neutral colour means I can pair it with almost all of the accessories and bags I have in my wardrobe.
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It can be worn with jeans and trousers, or even a leather mini skirt and tights for wintertime looks. Linen has no give and can often feel restrictive, which one reviewer found: “Not suitable. Material stiff and thick, and the jacket too short.”
Alternatively, New Look is selling a cropped, boucle trophy jacket which is considerably cheaper at £29.99 (originally £49.99). The navy jacket has chunky gold buttons and a collarless design.
Rochelle models a new linen co-ord
Blue Linen Rich Textured Chambray Midi Skirt
In keeping with linen, Next’s stunning blue co-ord is also worth shouting about. It comprises a longline sleeveless waistcoat (£39), and then buyers have the choice between either a longline skirt (£34) or a pair of city shorts (£26).
The sky blue set is made from a textured finish material. I particularly like the waistcoat, which has a high neck, and is finished with front pockets and a button-down fastening.
However, the skirt loses points for me mostly due to its long, ankle-length. Standing at 5ft (5 ft 1 on a good day), it’s a shame it isn’t offered in petite.
If it were a midi or even knee-length, I might get away with it, but seeing as it’s so long, there’s no chance it’s going to fall right on me, unless I get it tailored (a job I will most definitely not do). For shoppers a similar height to me, the set’s city shorts are the better choice.
For a boho-inspired co-ord look to Nobody’s Child, where this Blue Tie Dye set is offered. It comprises a cami with spaghetti straps (£49) and a matching long, floaty skirt (£99). I think this set would look beautiful worn on holiday, or at a festival paired with cowboy boots.
Returning to Rochelle Humes’ summer collection, this Brown Glossy Satin Maxi co-ord is ideal for upcoming summer weddings and special occasions. It comprises a halterneck top and a long, flowy skirt.
Available in regular or petite sizing, the maxi-length skirt is decorated with a polka dot all-over print, and has a floaty pleated skirt (£50). The accompanying blouse (£32) has the exact same print. and has a tie-bow fastening at the back.
The skirt has 12 customer reviews, mostly positive; however, one shopper has a warning about the material writing: “Absolutely loved the colour and fit of the skirt but creased so badly.”
For a casual holiday-inspired set look to Boden, where shoppers can pick up a colourful set comprising a loose-fitting pair of trousers (£120) and a matching, floaty shirt (£80). The Sieena linen set is all-white and features a tropical print all over it, including little banana prints, seashells, lobsters and even a little bird.
My last Next pick is this knitted jumper, priced at £35. As we all know, British summertime is mostly a let-down, and having a jumper at hand is useful for on/off downpours. The keyhole design means I won’t get overheated, and it’s lightweight enough to pop into my handbag without taking up much space.
The ecru-white knit comes in sizes small, medium, large, extra large, and extra large. Rochelle pairs it with light-wash jeans and tousled locks, but it’d look equally stylish with denim cut-offs or city shorts. The knit is also available in a blue colourway with pink and green stripes.
In the reviews, a buyer praised its design and comfort, writing: “I love this jumper. It’s so comfortable. I wanted a jumper that hung well, and this certainly does that. A slightly off-white colour. Worth the money.”
However, another found it too short, saying: “Loved the jumper but had to return as it was too short on me – I’m only 5ft3.” Over at Roman, shoppers can snap up a Crochet Tunic Top (£40) in white, teal, black, and beige. It’s the perfect holiday piece to wear over a swimsuit or with shorts. Choose from sizes 10-20.