Brand advice

Autumn/winter 2009: The perfect capsule wardrobe

Great style is all about clever editing. And this is certainly a season to update your wardrobe rather than clear out and replace. So, instead of starting from scratch, inject a few carefully chosen pieces that convey the fashion mood of the moment and give renewed life to trusty favourites.

Versatility is key – each new addition should be a multi-tasker that can deliver the greatest possible variety of fashion solutions. Well, you have to work hard, so why shouldn’t your wardrobe?

Four fabulous finds

The statement dress
Every woman needs a few go-to dresses: those flattering fail-safe staples that make her look good and feel great whatever the occasion. And this season’s key choice has to be Next's fitted shift in black and white houndstooth. Sharp and super-chic, it definitely does the business. Work it with black opaques and bow-trim pumps for elegant office sophistication. Or turn it into one of you favourite head-turning evening dresses by pairing with on-trend cobalt blue shoes, matching bright tights and a waist-cinching belt.

The maximum-mileage top
Animal prints and neon-bright colours are key this autumn. Which means an on-trend top in bright pink leopard print has a place in every modern wardrobe. For evenings out, it’s the perfect choice to partner with black skinny jeans or sequined leggings, a leather jacket and sky-high shoes. Or, for a more relaxed look, pair it up with blue denim jeans in the new slouchy ‘boyfriend’ fit and flats.

The super-cute jacket
Every woman deserves a little Gallic chic in her wardrobe. And Next's dainty, edge-to-edge jacket seems like the ultimate in what the French call nonchalance. Team it with a short black skirt or tailored trousers for a sharp modern workwear look. Better still, throw it on over skinny jeans and flat ballerina pumps for cool wear-anywhere style.

The eighties jumpsuit
Want to add some high-octane fashion fizz to your wardrobe this season? You need Next's chic black jersey jumpsuit. It’s fun, it’s absolutely on-trend and it’s surprisingly versatile too. Cleverly detailed with matte sequins circling the waist and a gentle waterfall effect at the hips, this is the most flattering all-in-one you’ll ever find. Partner with sexy silver shoes and an oversize clutch for a devastating party-time look, or dress it down by layering under cosy knits. You’ll be amazed at its wearability!