Our We Try Before You Buy series is all about making shopping that bit easier—testing out new-season drops and styling ideas so you don’t have to second-guess your basket. This month, we turned to Next’s latest spring collection, trying on key pieces to see what really earns a place in our wardrobes as the weather finally starts to shift.
THE TRENCH
Out of Office
There’s something about the first properly warm day of the year that makes working from home feel like a treat rather than a routine. This was exactly what I reached for when the sun came out—a look that feels relaxed enough for a day in the garden but still put-together if I decide to head out afterwards.
I’ve always leaned into ‘90s references in my wardrobe, especially over winter, so carrying that into spring felt like a natural step. The dungarees here do the heavy lifting, it’s easy, slightly oversized, and has that throw-on appeal that doesn’t require much thought. What I like most is how it feels casual without tipping into lazy. The layers are light enough to work with the changing temperature, and the accessories give it just enough intention to take it beyond the house.
It’s the kind of outfit that works across the small, everyday moments, answering emails outside, popping to the shops, or meeting a friend without needing to change.
SHOP NOW
Blue/Brown Stripe Short Sleeve Collared Rugby Polo Top
£19.00
SHOP NOW
£65.00
Light Blue Denim Barrel Dungaree Jumpsuit
SHOP NOW
£28.00
Blue Forever Comfort® Round Toe Mesh Ballerina Flats
SHOP NOW
£28.00
Bone Croc Structured
Shoulder Bag
We Tried Next’s Spring Collection—6 Outfits We’re Actually Wearing Now the Sun’s Out
Sponsor Content Created with Next
Social Butterfly
Homebody Energy
BY Humaa Hussain
I
t’s officially been spring for a couple of weeks now, but if we’re being honest, this past week is when it’s actually felt like it—and it’s had us thinking about everything from last-minute park plans to what we actually want to wear for them. Naturally, that shift in mindset led us straight to browsing the new-in section at Next, looking for pieces that feel right for this in-between moment.
This is one of those outfits that doesn’t need overthinking. It’s simple, but every element works hard enough that it still feels styled. There’s a familiarity to it—a reliable combination you can wear on repeat without it ever feeling boring. As Emily puts it, “For me, it’s all about everyday comfort, but I still want it to feel styled—this look has that easy feel, with just enough of a playful pop to keep it interesting.”
What makes it stand out is how easy it is to shift between settings. It works just as well for a day in the office as it does for a relaxed brunch or even an afternoon at home. The proportions are what pull it together—the slight structure of the denim paired with something softer on top creates a look that feels intentional without trying too hard.
The accessories bring in a subtle seasonal shift too. There’s a lightness to them that signals spring without needing bold colour or obvious trends.
If there’s one thing I always come back to for spring and summer, it’s a two-piece set. It takes the effort out of getting dressed but still looks intentional, which is exactly what you want when you’re packing light for a short trip.
This look feels especially suited to a quick getaway, the kind where your days aren’t overly planned but you still want to feel pulled together. What I like is how adaptable it is. Worn together, it feels elevated enough for dinners or drinks, but each piece can easily be styled separately back at home.
The textures here do a lot of the work. There’s a natural ease to them that makes the whole outfit feel right for warmer weather, while the accessories tie it together in a way that feels cohesive rather than overdone.
L
BEFORE
SHOP NOW
£26.00
Black Textured Short Sleeve
Shirt with Linen
LOOK
SHOP THE
SHOP NOW
£26.00
Black Textured Wide Leg Trousers with Linen
SHOP NOW
£48.00
Chocolate Brown Sparkle
Hand Held Bag
SHOP NOW
£50.00
Chocolate Brown Forever Comfort® Square Toe Woven Maryjanes Shoes
DARK
ACE
HUMAA HUSSAIN
SHOP NOW
£16.00
White Croissant Graphic Short Sleeve T-Shirt
SHOP NOW
£42.00
Dark Blue Patch
Pocket Wide Leg Jeans
SHOP NOW
£15.00
Tortoiseshell Blue
Square Sunglasses
SHOP NOW
£28.00
Navy Raffia Effect
Shoulder Bag
LOOK 04 / 04
SOPHIE WATSON
LOOK 02 / 04
Next’s spring collection hits that exact note, pieces that feel considered but not overthought, with enough versatility to carry you through whatever your calendar throws at you. So, Who What Wear UK’s graphic designer, Emily, and I decided to spend some time properly living in the collection—trying out six outfits across different spring scenarios to see what genuinely works.
This outfit feels like it belongs somewhere warm—even if you’re just imagining it for now. It’s the kind of look that works for a day that starts slow and ends with dinner somewhere overlooking the sea. As Emily says, “This is my ideal garden party dress—it’s easy to wear in the day, but you can take it straight into the evening with statement earrings and a suede jacket.”
There’s a simplicity to it that makes it easy to wear, but the combination of textures and shapes keeps it interesting. The longer silhouette gives it a sense of ease, while the added layer brings just enough contrast to stop it feeling too minimal.
It also pairs naturally with my look—both have that same laid-back, holiday-ready feel, but interpreted in slightly different ways. Together, they show how you can approach the same setting with completely different outfits and still feel in sync.
SHOP NOW
£48.00
White Seamed Sleeveless
Denim Maxi Dress
SHOP NOW
£220.00
Tan Brown N. Premium Real Zip Through Jacket
SHOP NOW
£26.00
Multicolour Stripe
Snap Clutch Bag
SHOP NOW
£22.00
Red Jelly Toe Thong Sandals
There’s something about eating outside that makes getting dressed feel a bit more exciting. It’s not about going over the top, but more about leaning into pieces that feel a bit more considered.
This outfit sits right in that space. It’s easy enough to wear during the day, but with a few small tweaks, it can shift into something more evening-appropriate. The mix of textures gives it that extra dimension, while the overall shape keeps it relaxed.
What I like most is how adaptable it is. Swap the heeled sandals for something slightly more paired-back or add jewellery, and it changes the feel instantly. It’s one of those looks that doesn’t lock you into a single moment.
SHOP NOW
£12.00
White Oversized Boxy Fit Heavyweight Crew Neck T-Shirt
LOOK
SHOP THE
SHOP NOW
£42.00
Cream/Black Polka Dot Satin Maxi Skirt With Lace
SHOP NOW
£26.00
Natural Raffia-Effect Top Handle Bag
SHOP NOW
£34.00
Bone Standard/Wide Fit Forever Comfort® Cross Strap Block Heel Shoes
At first glance, this feels like a casual outfit—but the more you look at it, the more it makes sense for a spring event. It’s understated, but the way the pieces come together gives it a bit more presence. Emily sums it up as, “I love a relaxed-fit jean, but it’s the details—especially through the jacket—that make it feel more elevated and right for something beyond everyday.”
The colour palette plays a big part here. It keeps everything feeling cohesive without relying on anything too bold, while the layering adds enough interest to elevate it beyond everyday wear.
Next to my look, it shows how differently you can approach the same kind of occasion. Where mine leans slightly more dressed up, this takes a more relaxed route—but both feel right for the setting. It’s really about what feels most like you.
SHOP NOW
£36.00
Ecru Cotton 2 Pocket Jacket
SHOP NOW
£46.00
Khaki Green Utility Wide Leg Jeans
SHOP NOW
£20.00
White Logo Soft Touch Slinky Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt
SHOP NOW
£46.00
Black/Cream Forever Comfort® Raffia Bow Ballet Shoes
“I’ve always loved a ‘90s reference—this just feels like the spring version of what I already wear.”
“This is exactly what I want to wear when I don’t know what the day will turn into.”
“A good co-ord is the backbone of my spring wardrobe—this is exactly why.”
“This is what I’d pack first for a spring trip, no second thoughts.”
“This is my version of dressing up when the weather’s good, still easy, just a bit more thought behind it.”
“It looks simple, but it’s one of those outfits that just works when you put it on.”
SHOP
THE LOOK
