The £36 Next dress hides my tummy with style is perfect for holiday

High street fashion brand Next has released a series of new collections, inspiring shoppers with holiday wear in summer-ready colours. I recently tried on one dress and fell in love with it in seconds. It’s the perfect piece for many occasions. 

The Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress in Bright Red is a flattering midi number that flows nicely to just above the ankle. It has a gathered waist with an elasticated band to keep the silhouette in a desirable hourglass shape. The dress retails at £36, but the smooth fabric and elegant cut made me think it was more expensive.

The short puff sleeves sit comfortably at mid-length on my arms, perfect to hide any arm concerns without the elasticated cuffs digging into the skin. With the gathered drapes sitting high at the waist, it creates an illusion that I look taller than 5ft3in.

The bright red stood out to me when I was browsing in the shop. After a try-on, I fell in love with it, and I could see shoppers wearing it to fancy luncheons or attending special events. 

Unlike many premium clothing brands, the Next dress does not have any zip fastening and the elasticated waist gives a flexibility to the wearer. But one thing that I found uncomfortable with is the missing pockets, how convenient would that be if there were side pockets for a lippy or tissue.

Red dresses are popular in summer and this Finery Camille Red Chiffon Midi Dress (£59) is nearly sold out and Boden’s Cressida Jersey Shirt Dress, £64.50 with code 7N7G, features a polo shirt bodice and flowy skirt hem.

What makes the Next dress stands out is the possiblility to maximise the value of a dress for its number of wears. I could see shoppers at different age to wear the piece and they can dress up or down. It goes well with a nice pair of kitten heels and a clutch bag for a dinner date; but it also looks nice with sandals as Lorraine Kelly showed us how she kept her cool with the M&S sandals with the pink Forever New dress.

This Sunny Emma sandals, £65, would be a perfect match with the Next dress along with a Natural Jute Shoulder Bag, £42. The Puff Sleeve Midi Dress is available from UK6 to UK26 in regular length and UK10 to UK20 in tall. If red is not the go-to colour, there is also Navy Blue Floral as alternative.