'New Look's latest collection is stunning - these 7 pieces are bursting with summer potential'

The high street is absolutely teeming with new styles to mark the beginning of the spring season, and I, for one, am here for it. Store windows have ditched chunky knits and outerwear for lighter layers and breezy silhouettes as the days get longer, warmer and brighter.

This week, I headed out to , having already been impressed with . And I must admit, there were some seriously impressive styles to choose from.

Ranging from chic milkmaid style dresses (with pockets!) to cotton skirts and shirred detail tops, there’s something for everyone. And the prices aren’t half bad either, with my top picks and going no higher than £45.99.

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After an hour in the fitting rooms and a couple of quid lighter, here's everything I tried on—and exactly what I thought of each.

Red Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, £29.99

The internet is obsessed with milkmaid dresses, and instantly gives that sun-ready, “out-for-lunch-in-the-city” feel. The puff sleeves and flattering ruching at the bodice create a beautiful shape, while the floaty midi length keeps it easy and elegant.

Also available in black, white, blue, and beige, it , and one shopper has already hailed it as a ‘beautiful quality dress’ in the reviews section. The fact that it has pockets is a massive selling point, and the overall cut and feel made it appear more premium than its price tag.

Red Shirred Peplum Top, £18 and White Pleated Midi Skirt, £29.99

Next recently launched in a similar silhouette to this, and much to my dismay, I missed out on bagging my size. But this is filling the hole left behind by my former shopping regret. The top comes in red or black for a more minimalist approach, coming in sizes 6-22.

A gem for casual dressing, this figure-hugging peplum top is just so easy to style. The shirred bodice offers a flattering fit, and the textured jersey finish adds depth. I paired it with the , which also comes in black. The pleats give it a tennis skirt aesthetic with a longer hemline, toeing the line between sporty and chic. One shopper said ‘it was not white’ in the reviews, but I’d argue that it is, having tried it on. It’s certainly not leaning into cream or ivory territory like my

Black Striped Crew Neck Waistcoat, £22.99 and Black Crinkle Textured Striped Wide Leg Trousers, £29.99

This was such a fun twist on the trend. The subtle crinkled texture and classic stripes make it easy to style up for smart casual moments and reduce the need for ironing. It buttons neatly and works especially well with denim or the matching trousers.

The wide-leg are soft, flowy, and can be styled up or down. The elasticated drawstring waistband is a dream for all-day wear. However, I did find the fit slightly on the smaller side, so consider sizing up if you're between sizes.

Another shopper echoed this in the reviews, commenting: “Lovely trousers, nice fabric. Can style up or down. Seems slightly on the smaller side, though.”

Burgundy Creased Faux Leather Jacket, £45.99

This one’s a showstopper. The stands out in the best way, and the creased effect gives it an edgier feel. It's fully lined and hangs beautifully. Shoppers say they get ‘so many compliments’ wearing it.

It’s the perfect transitional layer that’ll elevate even the simplest outfit. And at , it’s much cheaper than opting for a real leather option, like this , which is on sale at ASOS for £120.

Blue Denim Tunic Dress, £39.99

Denim dresses can be tricky, but this gets it just right. Relaxed in fit with a collared V-neck and chest pocket, it’s cool, casual, and ideal for warm days. Add sandals and sunnies, and you’re good to go. At , I thought it was a little pricey compared to , which is available for £35, but actually, for how much I liked it on, I’d be happy to pay the full price.

I think all of these pieces are easy to wear, balancing affordability with quality and bursting with summer potential. If you’re building up your warm-weather wardrobe or looking for style inspiration, New Look is certainly a place to visit.