Perfect Tops from Next

It seems like no time ago that I was welcoming the colder days of Autumn and joyfully pulling on boots happy in the knowledge that for the next six months or more, I would no longer have to worry about how to conceal my psoriasis during the short-sleeved days of summer.   Clearly I have a low boredom threshold, as now I’m greeting the brighter days and glimpses of sunshine with pure joy.  It may still be cold, but there is definite evidence of Spring approaching.

I think Spring is my favourite time of year.  The temperatures are still low enough that I don’t have to worry too much about what to wear. It’s warm enough to dispense with the need for puffa coats and winter woollies, yet cool enough to wear blazers, jackets and boots.  My type of season really!  So today, in this optimistic hope that Spring is on its way, I want to continue with a topic that I mentioned in my last post about the current range of tops in Next.  I should probably also mention at this juncture, that this is not a sponsored post.

Each summer I struggle to find clothes that are season appropriate yet allow me to conceal the ravages of psoriasis.  So when I was in Next last week (not a shop I enter often anymore it must be said) I was genuinely excited when I saw their current stock of tops and tee-shirts.  Honestly, it was as though their fashion buyer had been reading my mind.  The rails were awash with three-quarter length sleeves and alongside the usual black there was a range of paler colours.  Experience has taught me that if you don’t grab them now, they will be gone when you are looking for them in a few months.  And while you’re waiting for that summer sunshine, they will be perfect beneath the aforementioned blazers and jackets.  So win win all round!

Starting with a basic slub 3/4 sleeve tee shirt, I love this for a number of reasons.  Not only is the sleeve length and colour right, it also has the perfect neckline.  When the weather is warmer and you are forced to wear longer sleeves it needs to be balanced by a lower neckline, or perhaps buttons that can be opened.  The idea is to give the illusion of showing as much skin as the person in the sleeveless tank beside you.  These sleeves pulled up as much as your skin will allow, combined with a lower neckline will ensure that you won’t look out of place on a warm summer’s day.  And there’s also a stripe version.  Well hello!

 

Chiffon is playing a big role in many of the tops in Next this season.  This chiffon panel top in ecru has a chiffon panel on the sides which is an interesting detail and to be fair, is an area that is less likely to suffer from psoriasis plaques.  If your torso is an area that is affected, this would need to be tried on to ensure that it camouflages correctly, but as it comes in a range of colours chances are you will find one to suit you. 

 

The burn-out stud detail top also comes in a range of colours and is a lovely basic with an interesting twist.

For those of you who like to wear linen, this tie front top is ideal.  Quite honestly, I cannot bear the wrinkles that occur within minutes of wearing linen, particularly given how long it takes to iron the blasted fabric.  But that’s just a personal foible (for which I totally blame my mother) and as it is hailed by all as the perfect summer fabric, then you don’t need to look any further for a top that will tick all the boxes.

It doesn’t have to be all plain colours, although these are always good basics to have in your wardrobe.  For those who prefer a little pattern, there are also some tops that might be of interest.  First up is the elephant print bubble hem top which gets a big thumbs-up from me due to its forgiving shape and cute buttoned shoulder detail.

 

Finally the notch neck top comes in a range of patterns and colours.

 

 

The even better news is that these tops are not going to break the bank.  At an average price of about €22, they are very good value particularly given that clothes from Next tend to launder and last very well.

That’s my lot for today. Have you seen anything in this selection that has taken your fancy?  Or has Spring not sprung yet where you live?