Skip to main contentSkip to footer

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

High street shopping: 10 things from River Island that look expensive

Shop luxe for less with our top high-street picks from River Island

Navy Satin Animal Print Slip Maxi Dress
Chloe Gallacher
Style Writer
Share this:

As we all know, the fashion world seems to be playing on fast-forward at the moment -  new trends are coined almost weekly and designer brands are dropping exclusive collections left, right and centre. To be honest, it’s hard to keep up, but the hardest part is trying to keep up without putting yourself into financial ruin. 

Luckily for us who don’t have the luxury of shopping designer every month, the high street is full of gems that look expensive but actually sit in the more affordable sphere. 

Each week we round up 10 things from the high street that look like the real deal, this week's spotlight is River Island.

  1. 1/10

    Beige Button Front Waistcoat

    Beige Button Front Waistcoat

    River Island

    Sleek tailored pieces are an essential for any capsule wardrobe. Style this waistcoat with white jeans for a casual look, the matching trousers for an instant put-together look or a black satin midi skirt for a night out with the girls.

  2. 2/10

    Red Textured Stripe T-Shirt

    Red Textured Stripe T-Shirt

    River Island

    With its textured fabric and boxy shape, this tee will easily slot into your everyday wardrobe. The styling options are so versatile with a piece like this: jeans, tailored trousers, denim skirt - what would you choose?

  3. 3/10

    Brown Gladiator Flatform Sandals

    Brown Gladiator Flatform Sandals

    River Island

    Gladiator sandals are having their comeback moment. Spotted on the runways of Tom Ford, Dior and Alberta Ferretti, they will definitely be donning our summer wardrobes.

  4. 4/10

    Orange Flower Stud Earrings

    Orange Flower Stud Earrings

    River Island

    A statement earring is a quick way to instantly elevate an outfit. Also a trend for the maximalists: the bigger and bolder, the better.

  5. 5/10

    Blue Stitched Denim Shift Mini Dress

    Blue Stitched Denim Shift Mini Dress

    River Island

    Denim is a cult fashion favourite, and the denim dress is really having it's moment this year. We're loving its revival and will definitely be adding one to our summer wardrobe.

  6. 6/10

    Khaki Embroidered Waistcoat

    Khaki Embroidered Waistcoat

    River Island

    This embroidered waistcoat is ticking off two trends in one: cowgirl-core meets boho-chic. Add a denim short and wear over a white tee, throw on some gladiator sandals (or cowboy boots to really embrace the western edge) and you're ready.

  7. 7/10

    Navy Satin Animal Print Slip Maxi Dress

    Navy Satin Animal Print Slip Maxi Dress

    River Island

    This is one of those dresses that will be the hardest working piece in your summer wardrobe and you'll bring it out year after year. You can wear something like this to any occasion: your friends garden party, a fancy dinner, a casual summer stroll, it ticks every box.

  8. 8/10

    Black Mesh Studded Mary Jane Ballet Pumps

    Black Mesh Studded Mary Jane Ballet Pumps

    River Island

    The mesh ballet pump trend shows no signs of slowing down any time soon, so if you haven't yet jumped on the bandwagon, get yourself on it. These give the Alaïa pair a run for their money.

  9. 9/10

    Brown Textured Midi Skirt

    Brown Textured Midi Skirt

    River Island

    A neutral-toned midi skirt is such a versatile piece in a summer wardrobe. Take it on your summer getaway to throw on over a bikini, pair it with the matching top or with a white tee, its chic design makes it appropriate for any occasion.

  10. 10/10

    Cream Embellished Square Sunglasses

    Cream Embellished Square Sunglasses

    River Island

    With the grey clouds disappearing and the sun creeping back in, we've already got our sunnies out. We love the marble finish on this pair.

How we chose the pieces:

Aesthetic: Each week, we choose one particular high street retailer and comb through their website to find pieces that look categorically luxe. This could range from trending colourways, classically tailored silhouettes or something that gives off an unexplainable je ne sais quoi.

Brand: Everything on this list is from one particular retailer and is available to shop now.

Why you should trust me:

I am Hello! Fashion’s Fashion Assistant, with seven years of experience within the fashion journalism industry. I have a love for fashion and spotting upcoming trends, coveted pieces and scouring online for irresistible new-in finds.

More The Wish List

See more