Autumn Styling Masterclass with New Season River Island

[Looks 1 & 2 shot by the exceptional Zeno Watson]

For me, there’s nothing better (fashionably speaking!) than when one of my favourite, high street brands creates a killer collection that I simply want to style the heck out of! I’m not just talking about buying one coat, dress or sweater - I’m talking buying the lot! Walking around the store with armfuls of clothes weighing me down, I was relieved when one of the kindly store team members came running to my rescue to hang up my selections in a changing room before my arm broke in two!

Read on to see how I styled the haul…

Pssst… there’s a mid-season sale on, so you gotta be quick with a couple of these!

Look 1: The Lovely Layers

Here I’ve styled a look that will keep you cosy on the coldest of winter days by layering piece on piece. Starting at the lowest layer, I’ve used a fine knit polo neck to form the base of the outfit. I’ve then added tonal, skinny, cargo pants - the thigh pockets and camo print of which add tonal interest to an otherwise self-colour look.

By layering a hooded gilet under this double-breasted utility coat, I’m stylistically retaining a casual feel, while practically adding warmth! Worth noting, too, that the sheen from the parka and luxe fur trim add further texture and definition.

~ Shop Look 1 ~

Look 2: Chic Shorts

When styling tonal looks, it helps to add different textures and/or patterns in order to create definition. Here I’ve used these funky, faux leather shorts against the softness of the wool coat and knit to create a textural difference. Although you may be thinking: “Shorts? in winter?!” I say, why not? With thigh high boot like these, there’s really not much flesh on show… and it’s easy to add nude or opaque tights if it’s chilly!

I’ve added a statement gold necklace to riff on the gold buttons of the coat. This is, I think, the perfect metallic to lift the deep, forrest green, especially in this autumnal shot! Similarly, red lippy packs a punch and helps brighten the complexion.

~ Shop Look 2 ~

Look 3: Urban Warrior

Ideal for autumnal shopping in the city, this look is chic, without being too ‘smart’; warm without causing you to melt once you get inside the shops, and cool enough to go for brunch or cocktails if you run into a friend in town!

Neon is the surprising trend that just won’t quit! While it’s often more associated with summertime, here, by adding this graffiti scarf, with camo print background, I’ve added a pop of colour to another tonal look and a nod to this enduring trend. The sweater dress is a comfortable, throw-on piece that will work just as well under the coat (featured in Looks 1 & 2 above) as it does with this gilet. It will also look great paired with sneakers, for a more off-duty look.

~ Shop Look 3 ~

By shopping in this tonal way, you can create a lot of mix-and-matching looks that are ideal for long weekends away, when you need a capsule wardrobe of items that will work hard for you. They can be styled together, with your favourite wardrobe staples, to create a whole series of different looks, without paying for excess baggage!

Share your thoughts on tonal dressing in the comments.

Thanks!

Nikki x

NB: For more of Zeno’s work, or to book a shoot, visit zenowatson.com.