Fashion collaborations always manage to pique my interest. There's something about a brand inviting something new into its world that can make even the most familiar silhouettes feel refreshed. It's that perfect meeting point between credibility and curiosity, a moment where design perspectives collide to create something unexpected yet completely wearable. When a collaboration works, it doesn't just offer a few new pieces; it redefines how we think about getting dressed. And in a season where our wardrobes call for a reset—think layering, textures and transitional staples—a thoughtful collaboration can make all the difference.
That's what drew me straight to Next's latest launch. The British brand has quietly become synonymous with dependable dressing as the kind of place you turn to when you need something timeless but still current. Since 1982, the retailer has created pieces that form the backbone of so many of our wardrobes: impeccable tailoring, knitwear that actually lasts, and coats that carry you through countless seasons. What's particularly exciting about Next right now is how confidently it's curating its design partnerships. This isn’t about throwaway trend drops, but refining what the brand already does so well: classic, well-made clothes that work for real life, and giving them a modern, design-led twist.
Enter Tabitha Simmons. A name that carries serious fashion credibility, she has spent years behind the scenes shaping the wardrobes of some of the world's most stylish women, from her time as a fashion editor to building her own successful shoe brand, which is loved by insiders for its craftspersonship and elegance. Her approach has always been rooted in creating pieces that feel luxurious but liveable, that you can move in, not just admire. I remember the first pair of Tabitha Simmons shoes I ever bought, a pair of suede Mary Jane flats that have since softened with age but somehow look even better now. So, it's easy to see why she makes such a smart match for Next: both believe in quality, longevity and design that fits into the rhythm of real life.
The autumn/winter 2025 Next X Tabitha Simmons collection brings those worlds together beautifully. It's full of timeless staples refreshed for right now, like heritage checks, soft tailoring and tactile fabrics in rich autumnal tones. There's an ease to the pieces that makes them feel immediately wearable, yet each one has that little extra something: a refined cut, a thoughtful detail, a fabric that feels just that bit more elevated. From a Yorkshire-woven blazer to the kind of oversized coat you'll live in all winter, these are clothes built to last beyond the season. Below, I've highlighted the four key categories that really capture what this collaboration is all about.
Style Notes: There's no denying that British style lives and dies by great outerwear. We know the drill: one minute it's crisp and sunny, the next it's drizzling, so having coats that can handle every possible scenario isn't optional, but essential. The outerwear in this collection genuinely feels like it's for this exact reality. The oversized faux fur coat is the sort of piece you dream of pulling on when the temperature dips. It's luxuriously soft, cocooning and with just enough volume to layer over a chunky knit without losing its shape.
Then there's the heritage houndstooth blazer, crafted from British wool woven in Yorkshire, that's giving me serious "London in winter" energy. It has that easy, slightly boxy cut that looks as good slung over a dress as it does paired with tailored trousers. Both pieces nod to Next's long-standing British roots but through a fresh, fashion-editor lens. The overall effect? Outerwear that feels considered, tactile and, crucially, prepared for a British winter in all its unpredictable glory.
Style Notes: If you've ever opened your wardrobe and sighed at the lack of truly good basics, this section of the collection will be an instant remedy. These are the pieces you'll build entire outfits around (ahem, a great LBD), refined enough to wear to an evening occasion and relaxed enough to wear anywhere else. The silk-blend blouse, for instance, has that barely-there sheen that makes even jeans look elevated. It's cut with just the right amount of ease through the body, creating a soft drape that moves with you rather than sitting stiffly.
Then there's the knitwear, which is easily one of the collection's highlights. The texture of the cashmere-blend jumper is rich without feeling heavy, whilst the neutral colour palette is right up my alley. What's clever is how the silhouettes are designed to mix and match; everything layers well, so you can create new combinations as the season evolves. These aren't fleeting staples, but investment pieces disguised as everyday essentials.
Style Notes: You can always tell when a collection has been shaped by someone who really understands shoes, and here, that's clear in every detail. Tabitha Simmons's footwear legacy runs deep, and it shines through in the craftspersonship and proportion of each design. The glossy black loafers are the perfect hybrid: structured but not stiff, with a subtle platform that gives them presence without compromising comfort.
Then there are the Mary Jane flats—a style having a serious moment right now—reimagined here with a sleek, minimal strap and a touch of nostalgia that still feels distinctly modern. The classic courts are equally timeless, shaped with a slightly softer point that flatters the leg but doesn't pinch the toes. Together, these styles form a small but mighty footwear capsule that hits that sweet spot between practicality and polish.
Style Notes: If outerwear and tailoring anchor a look, accessories are what bring it to life, and this collection's offering proves that Next has truly elevated its game. The handbags strike the perfect balance between texture and tone: structured leather totes, brown suede shoulder bags and compact velvet clutches that will add depth to any outfit. They're tactile, yes, but they also feel inherently wearable and will quietly work hard in your wardrobe for years.
Then there's the jewellery, which plays with shape and scale in a very elegant way. Sculptural floral drop earrings, modern cuff bracelets and statement chain necklaces all add just enough interest without tipping into fussiness. They're conversation pieces in the most subtle sense, communicating your style without needing to shout. The accessories complete the story perfectly: grounded in quality, with a touch of personality that feels utterly right for now.
There's a confidence to Next X Tabitha Simmons collection that doesn't rely on trends or fanfare. It's about getting the essentials exactly right: the perfect coat, the forever knit, the shoes you'll wear on repeat. What really stands out is how the collection captures both brands' strengths: Next's British heritage and Simmons's instinctive eye for detail. Together, they've created pieces that don't just look beautiful on the hanger but feel effortless to wear day after day. It's a collaboration that understands the pace of modern life, and the simple truth that great style starts with clothes you actually want to wear.
