I haven’t got a summer holiday planned, but one thing’s for sure - I’ve got a wish list of summer clothes that’s tempting me to book a spontaneous trip to Ibiza. Surprisingly, they're all from none other than River Island. Yes, River Island. It was around a decade ago when the brand ruled the high street, going toe-to-toe with Topshop. After school, my friends and I would find ourselves hopping from rack to rack in the shopping centre, buying things with our eyes and stretching our pocket money as much as possible. Over the years, though, it felt like the brand lost its magic. It didn’t evolve with us, and it stopped speaking to our style.
That’s why I paused when I landed on TikTok one evening and stumbled across River Island’s latest drop. Sequins, statement colours, vintage-inspired prints, it felt like the brand I once knew and loved had finally come back, only it looked more elevated and more fun, while being undeniably on trend.
The new collection is so good in fact, that TikTokers are now calling 2025 ‘a River Island summer.’ The standout? The Atlas range, designed by Adrianne Dimitrakakis and inspired by her global travels. Think tapestry textures, bold colours, and pieces that look like they’ve come straight out of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Soleil archive. Then there’s the Del Maar collection, inspired by Peruvian folklore (chances are, you’ve already spotted that viral brown flower-print tassel maxi dress on a few influencers).
It feels like RI has undergone a quiet re-brand. The new drops feel covetable and cool - stock is flying off the shelves, and some people are even trying to gate-keep their finds. It’s too late for that, though, River Island is officially back.
If I could add every single piece to my wardrobe, I would. From the best bikinis perfect for a beach day, to easy-breezy dresses you can throw on and go, to elevated wedding-guest dresses that’ll turn heads - I want it all. Since I can’t buy the entire site, here are a few favourites that have earned a spot on my wish list...
Shop: Our Favourite Picks From River Island
www.riverisland.com
This dress is part of the brand's Del Maar collection, which brings Peruvian folklore to life through bold prints and colours.
www.riverisland.com
River Island or Casablanca? Worn alone or with the matching trousers, this top is a great statement piece.
www.riverisland.com
This design deserves to be framed, but it works even better as a dress.
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This dress has 'special occasion' written all over it.
www.riverisland.com
I advise you to click through to the site and snap up this top before it's too late.
www.riverisland.com
The vintage signage on this top reminds me of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Soleil collection.
www.riverisland.com
This two-piece is trending, so act fast.
www.riverisland.com
This midi skirt, a brown straw bag on the hip, and a clean white tank equals a trip to Ibiza.
www.riverisland.com
This year has been dubbed the sequin summer - and this skirt lives up to the name.
www.riverisland.com
This is the kind of jumpsuit that you create plans around.
www.riverisland.com
You’d have to convince me otherwise that this dress isn’t designer.
Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..
Main image credit: @bellastovey