It was recognised this week (after a Next package for a "Mrs May" went awry) that the Prime Minister is, in fact,a fan of the high street giant.The stray parcel was picked up by a woman in Berkshire (after it landed on her doorstep), and Downing Streetconsequently confirmed that Maywasexpecting a delivery from Next.(It seems our PM is thriftier than some critics would have us believepost leather-trouser-gate).

In light of this, and thefact that yesterdayNext shares fell a significant 12%, we"veseized opportunity to look atwhywe should be shopping at this long-standing high street favourite, which, since the opening of their first womenswear store in February 1982 (followed by a whopping 70 shops by July of the same year), has since proliferated across the UK, andwhatexactly we should be buying there.

Black Geo ruffle sleeve dress, ??28,Next

Why the love-in?

Next boast a great range of productswithin asuccinct edit.If you"re an online shopper, then it will be music to your ears that scrolling through each category and scouting out the options is actually a pretty painless operation.As well as perusing pieces from Next"s own line, you can also have your pick of the various other labels stocked on the website, among which are Mango, Mint Velvet, Oasis, Hobbs, Jigsaw and Warehouse.What"s not to love?

Step hem relaxed jeans, ??32,Next; long sleeve ruffle sweater, ??28,Next; leopard print loafers,??55,Next

And while many of theirhigh street counterparts mightbe guilty of shamelessly ripping off designer piece, after designer piece, Next are not.Sure, they"ve done a step-hem jean, a tie-front shirtanda backless mule, but rather than presenting us with a series ofdirect copies of catwalk creations, their runway inspired items merge quite seamlessly with their other, more original pieces.The star buy?This berry leather trench coat.

Who should be shopping at Next?

Somewhere along the line the high street brand has left some of itskey customers feeling disillusioned.For fear thatNext errson the side offrumpy, many women in their 20s, 30s and 40s have seemingly been bypassing the shop, in favour of likes of Topshop, Zara, H&M and COS.While we love the aformentioned names, we aremissing out on great buys elsewhere.

Ironically, this is the exact demographic a modern, inexpensive retailer like Next is targeting; and a quick scan over their offerings proves their efforts aren"t futile.Ruffled knitwear, chunky Chelsea boots and animal print coats are just a few of the hidden gems sure to satisfy even the most discerning shopper.Wary of turningup to the drinks dowearing theZara dress that everyone has been lusting after?Why not try Next instead?

Animal print faux fur jacket, ??75,Next;ruffle detail cardigan, ??34,Next; chunky Chelsea boot, ??65,Next

What Next do well

Contemporary, affordable workwear is where Next really comes into its own.They do office-suitable-separates very well.Think burgundy culottes, paired with a tailored camel jacket and mules,or slouchy navy trousers with a pussy bow shirt and slingbacks.

Next alsoembracespattern - often to brilliant effect.And colour.Their every-day neutrals are punctuated by zingy striped sweaters, ditsy floral print dresses and punchy metallic accessories.

Heringbone heritage jacket, ??74,Next; burgundy wide crop culottes, ??42,Next; knot mules, ??45,Next

Searching for some much needed motivation to help kick start your January workout regime?Next wield an array of fun and flattering gym gear that might be just what you"ve be looking for.

Technical full length leggings, ??22,Next; knit look trainers, ??34,Next; lightweight sheer overhead jacket, ??46,Next; grey long-line technical zip, ??40,Next

Our top tips for shopping Next

The Next website is easy to navigate - you can shop the various sections (be itworkwear,denimorparty dressing) directly, and these are then broken down further into separate collections within.Alternatively you can go to the familiar clothing categories and shop as per usual.There are options.That, paired with the fact that eachproduct is listed with useful styling tips just below it (as well as information on when sold out items will be restocked) makes the Next website a shopper-friendly-zone.

Tie neck ruffle shirt, ??30,Next;tailored slouchy trousers, ??25,Next; pointed sling backs,Next

We"ve all experienced that feeling of mild panic, realisingthe evening before an event that you have absolutely nothing to wear and that it"s too late to do anything about it, soresign yourself tothe fact that you"re going to have to wheel out the same tired black dress or pair of high-waisted jeans you"ve sported a million times before.You willtherefore, be thrilled to learn that Next offer next day delivery if you place your order before midnight.You"re welcome.

Tie front shirt, ??36,Next; silver camera bag, ??20,Next; navy poplin skirt, ??30,Next; khaki platforms, ??40,Next

If you"re in between sizes, we suggest always going up a size - especially for high street bargains.If you"re considering buying a size down in the hope that you might squeeze into it on a good day - don"t. Things that are too tightinstantly look cheaper.Not to mention are hideously uncomfortable and usually mean you avoid wearing them at all costs.

50 great buys that are bound to cheer you up