I have happy memories in River Island. Back in the Noughties, it was my go-to place for big belts, bug-eye glasses and jeans with diamante encrusted pockets (sidenote: when the hell are these making a comeback?) - and unlike many of our fave 2000s hangouts (Miss u, Jane Norman and La Senza), it’s still very much a thing today.
When I think of River Island, I think of sparkles and huge, huge heels. This is a good thing, obviously, and it still very much keeps to its roots (see look 4), but RI’s also something of an unexpected frontrunner in everything from party season to workwear staples. Here are our top picks.
1. I’m Not Sure If This Is Pyjamas, But I’m Still Feelin’ It
River Island, Cream Mixed Stitch Fringe Cable Knit Jumper, £45; River Island, Beige Brushed Ribbed Jersey Joggers, £30
These trousers were VERY comfy. Suspiciously comfy. Am I about to unknowingly buy pyjamas, rock up to work in them, only to be mocked for my faux pas? To be honest, they’re so comfy I don’t even care. And, it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve gone to work in my PJs.
2. It’s 2017, So If I Want To Wear A Baker Boy Hat, I’ll Wear A Baker Boy Hat
River Island, Black Chain Trim Baker Boy Hat, £18; River Island, Red Check Frill High Neck Dress, £48
I’m the sort of person who generally looks like an overgrown pea in a hat (the beanie trend was a tricky, tricky time), but I found myself almost enjoying this one. Who knew 2017 Bella Hadid meets 2010 Jenny Humphrey from Gossip Girl could be such a look?
3. THIS. COAT.
River Island, Red Colour Block Oversized Puffer Coat, £90; River Island, Black Cropped Flared Jeans, £40
What is this? A coat? A piece of material vaster than the ocean and hotter than the sun? I’ve never experienced such a warm coat, and those of you who are ALWAYS BITTERLY COLD (same) will bloody love it. The coat has the added bonus of being red, which you’ve prob noticed is very in right now. But, TBH, I’d wear this coat even if it was the colour of dirt. It’s that darn cosy.
4. PARIS HILTON VIBES
River Island, Green Mermaid Chainmail Halter Cowl Neck Top, £25; River Island, Black Molly Reform Jeggings, £40
Good Lord, would you just LOOK at this outfit? I could write a dissertation on the shoes alone. I’ve been secretly wanting to wear chainmail ever since Kendall Jenner’s 21st (I saw her Instagram pic, I wasn’t there), but have put it off for fear I’d look like a dick. My first thought was, ‘Yep! I look like a dick!’, but after a few selfies, I was feelin’ maself.
5. The Winter Workwear We All Need Lots Of
River Island, Petite Grey High Neck Cable Knit Jumper, £40; River Island, Black Cropped Flared Jeans, £40
If you don’t go to work at least three times a week in a turtleneck and plain black trousers during winter, you’re doing life very wrong (or you’re just less lazy than me). I’ll probably be wearing a variation of this outfit from now until around May next year.
Like this? Then you might also be interested in:
My Quest To Find Cute Workwear Appropriate For Even The Strictest Of Offices
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.