4 RIVER ISLAND PIECES THAT LOOK DESIGNER

High end looks for a fraction of the price? Yes please! There are a few key things to look out for if you want to make a purchase of a high street item, but want it to look more premium than it is:

• Stitching: Check that the hems & seams have aligned stitching, nothing zigzag or out of place.
• Fabrics: Look for natural fabric compositions (linens, cottons, silks) rather than synthetic (polyester.)
• Details: Beading, pleating, embellishment, sequins and fringing done in the right way, can all make something look more expensive. Check the sequins go all around the piece of clothing, for example, if there are sequins on a skirt (see below) they go the full way around, not the just the front.)

THE RED DRESS

The pleated detail, and smooth cross over ‘belt’ help this look super chic, with the added bonus of the folded neckline.

Keep accessories to a minimum, think simple statement rather than stand out.

THE SEQUIN SKIRT

The shape & length of this skirt help this skirt look like you could’ve snapped it up in Harvey Nichols, and the longer length & shape of the sequins take it to another level! Absolutely love this shade of bottle green. No need to overthink what to wear with it – keep it fresh & simple with a basic t, tonal accessories and some black leather thong sandals.

THE EMBELLISHED TOP

A bit of a wild card here, but the embellishment detail here is not like anything you’d normally see on the high street. So much intricate detail all over this top, from the sequinned flowers, to the trim around the arm holes. I’d wear a low cut, thin strap brown vest under it to pull out all the neutral tones on it. Wear it with leather trousers, or flared jeans for a ‘jeans & nice top’ outfit.

THE BOWLING BAG

Versions of this bag has been doing the rounds for a while, inspired by The Row and some of the high street dupes have looked quite cheap – but this one is an exception. The perfect shade of tan, the rounded edges, the suede fabric, the solid zip & the barely there stitching around the handle – definitely worth nabbing if you are in the market for a new neutral toned bag.