January is your time to shine, after the chaos of Christmas it’s time to settle into the slower pace of life while planning the rollercoaster of a year to come. The craziness is over, it’s now time to focus on yourself whether that is spending Christmas gift cards for that wardrobe refresh, making that scary but thrilling career change, or planning the family summer holiday, the time is now.
The same goes for your wardrobe. Treat yourself to wonderful pieces that can be worn all year round or start investing in that capsule wardrobe you have promised yourself for years. From navy stripes and cropped jackets to throw-on-and-go dresses, you can transform your everyday with perfect pieces to brighten up the greyest of days.
Rosa and Amelia from River Island take us through some of the trending pieces available at River Island this season.
1. Parisian Dressing – Navy is the new black
Sidestep a spenny trip on the Eurostar for a stroll through the new-in section to find Parisian-inspired pieces for your wardrobe. From seafaring stripes to très chic navy cardigans and coats that scream “Un pain au chocolat, s’il vous plaît”, you’ll look (and feel) effortlessly gorgeous whether you’re an Emily in Glasgow or Paris.
For daytime denim, we dare you to try the ecru straight leg and for after-dark, commit to being the coolest in the room in a laid-back slouchy style. Swish your way to parents’ evening in a Bridgette-Bardot-worthy long sleeve slinky dress – where you’re going afterwards is for you to know and them to find out. Thank goodness for child-care.
2. Back to Boho – Easy, breezy, beautiful
Who cares if the car won’t start when your outfit looks this good? Transform your everyday with a brand-new bohemian wardrobe. From floor-sweeping prairie dresses , to crafty crochet tops paired with patchwork denim and embroidered waistcoats, this season River Island is paying extra attention to detail.
A simple jean and jumper combination has been transformed with appliqué sleeves and a pair ballet pumps. More is more even on boring Tuesdays in January, especially on boring Tuesdays in January.
3. 24/7 Tailoring – Smart suits you
Smart suits you so why limit yourself to the 9-5 window? Quiet luxury has made 24/7 tailoring seem possible. Expand your style horizons and aim to look polished and put together for yourself, not your boss.
Tuck a crisp Oxford shirt into relaxed straight denim, swap a basic tee for a timeless white waistcoat and your bomber for a blazer with a power-shoulder. Invest in statement pieces that will stand the test of time thanks to their strong silhouettes and minimalist nature.
It’s nice to look like you’ve got your life together sometimes, so a threepiece suit has never been a more obvious purchase. Buy now to wear at the office, drinks with the girls or separately in a thousand and one different combinations.
4. Sunshine Styles – Sunny shades for not-so-sunny days.
This winter. We’re turning to dopamine dressing. Because the forecast might be grey, but your wardrobe doesn’t have to be. We ‘re dressing like the exact thing we miss the most: the sun.
Think soft, buttery yellow knitwear and golden-girl dresses that pair perfectly with everything in your wardrobe and calendar. Call it optimism, manifestation or dressing for your mood, everyone’ll be swapping out their go-to beiges and blacks for sunshine shades – including you. Just you watch.
5. Sleek Sets – Getting dressed just got more comfortable.
Some things just make sense together: like these two-piece sets. But they’re not just any sets, they’re posh sets. Expect to see knitted maxi skirts with co-ordinating cardigans, textured trousers with matching tops and wide leg trousers with sleek shirting. The options are endless.
They’re designed to be worn everywhere: school running in outfits that feel like PJs, cosy but considered WFH days, stocking up at the airport’s duty free and weekend strolls with the family. This is pyjama dressing, at its most stylish. You. Are. Welcome.
6. Get Preppy – Put some prep in your step.
It’s time to polish your loafers, dig out your baseball caps and stock up on graphic sweatshirts: preppy style is cool again. This year, we’re doing it a bit differently: ditch the prim and proper vibe for something a bit cooler – think slouchy, oversized and 10x chicer.
Pair loafers with socks, layer sweatshirts over shirts and finish every look with a cropped bomber jacket. It’s basically a grown-up take on Gossip Girl.
7. The Leather Look – The forever-cool staple.
Ah faux leather: the not-so-secret to looking cool, edgy and on-trend. It makes a comeback time and time again, and this year is no different. A forever-classic that’s even more on-trend this season, it’s time to stock up on all things faux leather: from outerwear classics (think trench coats, cropped bombers and biker jackets) to trending maxiskirts and straight-leg trousers.
Perfect for looking like that effortless chic woman with her life fully together – even if in reality, your kid spilt their juice box and you’re cleaning it off your new jacket (yes, it’s wipe-clean).
Feeling inspired? Make that shopping trip to River Island, spend those Christmas vouchers to make yourself feel the best version of you.
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