River Island Wedding Guest Looks, and How to Wear Them in Autumn
River Island is not where most people start a wedding-guest search, and that's a mistake. The brand has always been more night out than garden party, which is...
River Island is not where most people start a wedding-guest search, and that's a mistake. The brand has always been more night out than garden party, which is exactly why it works for an autumn wedding. October and November invites want darker colours, a bit of shine and something that still looks right at 10pm when the DJ starts. That's River Island's whole personality.
We've just added River Island's new collection to SO-ME, so here's the edit: what to buy, what to put over it, and what to leave in the basket.
What River Island does well for weddings
Satin. The occasion range leans hard on satin midis in proper colours (deep red, forest green, chocolate brown), which is exactly what you want for an autumn wedding. The cuts are trend-led rather than mother-of-the-bride: twist fronts, cowl necks, asymmetric hems. If your usual wedding-guest dress is a floral tea dress, this is a step up in drama without being a costume.
The River Island satin midi
Find your River Island wedding guest outfit by shape
Pick the shape first, then the colour. Midis are the safe bet for a church ceremony. Maxis earn their keep at an evening reception. If you hate dresses, River Island's jumpsuits are some of the better ones on the high street, with satin and jacquard versions that look as dressed-up as anything with a skirt. My verdict on colour: go red or green. They photograph well against autumn leaves and nobody will mistake you for the bride.
Blazers, shoes and bags for a cold wedding
Autumn weddings have one design flaw: the photos are outside and it's cold. Skip the pashmina and wear a blazer over your dress. A black one goes over everything; a cream or red one makes it look planned. Then the shoes. If there's grass, go kitten heel or a slingback rather than a stiletto. River Island's clutches are where it gets fun, with beaded, gold and embellished styles that do the jewellery's job for you.
If you want to spend more: Coast, Phase Eight and Hobbs London
River Island is the trend pick. If it's a wedding you really care about, or you want something you'll wear to three more, Coast, Phase Eight and Hobbs London do the same satin midi with more structure and a more classic finish. Different job, different budget. Both are fine answers.
How to wear River Island to a wedding
Check the colour before you check out
Some of the best satin midis come in cream and ivory. Lovely dresses, wrong event. Pick the red, the green or the brown version instead.
Satin needs the right underwear
Satin shows every line. Seamless underwear, or a slip under anything thin, saves you checking your reflection all day.
Tights are allowed
Sheer black or nude tights are completely fine at an autumn wedding, and with a dark satin dress black ones look deliberate.
One statement only
If the clutch is beaded and gold, keep the jewellery small. River Island's accessories are loud enough to carry an outfit on their own.
Verdict: River Island is a strong yes for autumn weddings if you like a bit of drama and don't want to look like everyone else at the table. Sizes in the popular colours go quickly, and prices and stock on the rails above change all the time, so if something works, don't wait.