It’s party season and River Island knows how to rock, as Gayle Ritchie discovers
Winter at River Island sees a fusion of trends and styles for a fresh and unique approach for the season.
Classic styling is reinvented where laid-back sportswear is paired with feminine separates. Victoriana meets structured military and punk fuses with seventies vintage. Decadent fabrics feature throughout whilst the autumnal palette is lifted with glittering metallics and rich earthy tones.
From sequins, sparkle and underwear worn as outerwear, to glittery handbags, metallic trousers, hybrid parka bombers and decadent, enchanting eveningwear, check out these exciting looks…
ARISTO PUNK
Aristo Punk fuses retro and grunge for a good girl gone bad vibe. With a more masculine approach than Autumn/Winter this trend takes on a darker palette of black, cream and grey with slices of oxblood, khaki and rust. With boucle, shearling, tweed and brushed finishes adding texture, badges, brooches and studs create a 3d element. Checks in different guises and chunky hiking boots in patent give an urban heritage feel. Statement outerwear is key with hybrid parka bombers, capes and oversized urban coats featuring throughout. Elements of geek chic are still visible with quirky mismatch dressing and an infusion of bright block colours in raspberry, orange and cobalt adding further dimension to dressing with lavish statement jewellery.
Try: Team black faux fur waterfall jacket, £85, blue quilted velvet stud mini tote bag, £50, black embroidered panel utility boots, £60, bright pink knit grazer top, £30, with black Amelie ripped stud super skinny jeans, £50.
PRETTY WESTERN
Pretty Western is fresh and feminine, where a romantic wild west meets nouveau Victoriana. Conversational prints are finished with classic western piping whilst embellishment and embroidery adorns trousers and dresses. Suedes in rich tans and burgundy add flashes of colour, whilst blush pink is teamed with earthy hues with splashes of metallic adding Christmas sparkle. Accessorising is key, outfits are styled with printed neck scarves, hiking boots and knitted pom-pom hats.
Try: Team black and gold tone patchwork velvet clutch, £40, black tassel cape, £45, black western plunge stud mini dress. £42 with black stud buckle western heeled boots, £60.
NINETIES
Influenced by sportswear, 90s is youthful with a luxe twist. Championing checks and tweeds for a heritage feel, 90s is a modern approach to smart casual dressing. Knitwear, tapered trousers and hero outerwear become wardrobe staples and the muted palette of black and navy is lifted with autumnal honey and khaki. The juxtaposition of slinky slip dresses worn with camo bombers or chunky knits teamed with figure hugging metallic trousers and bejewelled trainers make the collection sporty with a risqué undertone.
Team: Silver tubes pants, £28, grey diamante panel hi tops, £45, pink cable knit panel turtleneck jumper, £28 with silver glitter mini backpack, £26.
DECADENCE
Decadence contrasts opulence with understated classics offering smart casual pieces in winter darks with pops of forest and bottle greens. Drummer boy influences with a nod to sharp and tailored silhouettes are juxtaposed against softer Victoriana details. Hybrid knitwear, patchwork textures and embroidery add depth and interest whilst hemlines become longer with new length blazers and waistcoats and over the knee boots.
Try: Team pink plunge wrap sparkly dress, £50, with black choker, £8 and block stilettos, £50.
HIGH OCTANE
Sexy meets glamorous to create High Octane. Sequins, sparkle and underwear as outerwear combine to offer high voltage party dressing. A melange of textures and fabrics are scattered amongst the collection with sumptuous velvets, super soft furs, cameo lace and glitter lurex creating an air of opulence, whilst intricate detailing from embroidery and embellishment add a River Island twist to create decadent and enchanting eveningwear. A base palette of sultry black is highlighted with silver and gold metallic and slices of forest green and navy.
Try: Team blue/green sequin dress, £45, blue sequin stilettos, £35 with green sequin mini tote, £12.
For more details, see www.riverisland.com
