When I think about the one piece of clothing I genuinely couldn't live without, jeans immediately come to mind.
No other item has been so present in my wardrobe throughout the years. My jeans have seen me through different jobs, changing trends and countless style evolutions, and still, I reach for them more than anything else. The beauty of jeans is how adaptable they are; some days they're my comfort zone, other days they're the foundation of a put-together look. And right now, with so many new shapes and washes available, denim feels like it's entering a fresh era, one where jeans aren't just a fallback, they're the whole outfit.
That's where Next comes in. Denim has always been part of the retailer's core offering, but recently, the brand has taken things up a level. What makes the new denim collection stand out is the way it caters to real people—beyond the standard "one-size-fits-most" approach. Petite, tall and in-between lengths are all accounted for, plus specialist fits designed to work with different body shapes. It's this kind of thoughtful design that makes a big difference when you're shopping for jeans, because the right fit is what separates the pairs that sit in your drawer from the ones you never want to take off. From my own browsing, it's clear that Next has been paying attention to what women want from denim now: pieces that feel trend-aware but still wearable every day.
Of course, the appeal of denim at Next doesn't stop at jeans. Whilst I'll always be a jeans devotee, I've also been drawn to how the brand has expanded the category with reworked classics like denim jackets and dresses. These are the styles that carry your wardrobe through seasons, functioning as easy layering or throw-on pieces when you need something that looks good with minimal effort. And what I particularly like about the current line-up is that it doesn't try too hard; it's about timeless pieces with subtle updates that make them feel relevant right now.
Put simply, this season's Next denim collection strikes the perfect balance: jeans that tick off all the new shapes we want to try, along with denim staples that will stay in your wardrobe for years to come. Four pieces, in particular, stand out for me as the building blocks of a modern denim wardrobe: the barrel-leg jean, the wide-leg jean, the denim jacket and the denim dress.
Ahead, I've broken down why they're worth paying attention to and how I'll be styling them this season.
Style Notes: Barrel-leg jeans are the denim shape I didn't realise I needed until I tried them on. The curved, slightly rounded leg feels modern and directional but surprisingly wearable. They have that effortless, "I just threw these on" energy, whilst still looking styled. Next's take on the silhouette comes in versatile washes—classic blue for every day, softer neutrals if you want something lighter—and the fit is spot on.
The high waist balances out the volume through the leg, which means they work just as well with simple knitwear as they do with tailored blazers. It's no surprise this shape has become a favourite amongst fashion people recently for its ability to instantly refresh an outfit without needing much else. I'd wear them with the Crew Neck Cardigan (£36) and some Square Toe Loafers (£49) for the upcoming season.
Style Notes: The denim jacket doesn't really need much of an introduction. It's one of those rare pieces that always feels relevant. That said, the new-season styles at Next are worth paying attention to. What I love is how they play with different cuts: cropped shapes that layer neatly over dresses, oversized styles that feel effortlessly cool and more structured designs that nod to workwear. These are jackets you can reach for all year round, whether thrown over a summer dress or layered under a coat in colder months. Unlike a leather jacket (which can sometimes feel a bit too statement), denim versions strike the balance of casual but intentional, just the kind of throw-on layer that makes an outfit feel complete.
Style Notes: If there's one denim shape dominating right now, it's the wide leg. I've been holding out to find the perfect pair for me, and I just might have found them at Next. The proportions are just right; not overly exaggerated but still with enough drama to make an outfit feel fresh. They're the perfect update if you've been living in straight-leg jeans for years and want something that feels new without being too trend-led. I've already pictured them with these Chisel Toe Heeled Ankle Boots (£69) with the Stripe Crew Neck Jumper (£34) tucked in, but equally, they'll look great with sandals for the last few weeks of summer. There's something about a wide leg that just elevates denim into more "outfit" territory, and that's exactly why they're top of my list this season.
Style Notes: Denim dresses have been quietly gaining momentum, and it's easy to see why. Practical yet stylish, they're a ready-made outfit and so easy to layer. The ones I've seen at Next tick all the right boxes; think midi lengths, belted waists and button-through designs that feel effortless but still considered. I've already spotted them styled with trainers for now, and I can easily imagine wearing them with knee-high boots later in the year. A denim dress is the kind of piece you don't realise you need until you own it, and then suddenly, you're reaching for it constantly. Next makes a strong case for investing in one this season.
Denim has always been a constant in my wardrobe, but what excites me is the way it keeps evolving. From editor-loved barrel-leg jeans to easy denim dresses, Next has built a collection that genuinely covers every base. These are pieces that feel modern but not fleeting, and that's the kind of denim worth investing in. Whether you're refreshing your everyday jeans or adding something unexpected like a wide-leg cut or maxi dress, these are the four pieces that will make getting dressed next season that much easier.
Shop the Next Denim collection here.
