EDITOR’S PICKS: EMMA ROSSI
Need some inspiration for how to dress this year? River Island’s Design Director is here to explain the hottest new trends to try.
2026 trends: decoded by our Design Director
Look 1
Colourblocking is key this season. Influenced by the catwalk, we’ve made it easy to mix statement block colours. I love the bold red against the biscuit shade for a really fresh and wearable colour combination. A key investment for this year is a bomber jacket, and why not keep things interesting by choosing one in a bold statement colour? You won’t regret it.
Look 2
What I love about this look is.. absolutely everything. It’s all about sporty fabrics in tailored shapes, and those famous three rules: layer, layer, layer.
Here we’ve styled grey marl colour drench dressing with a blazer and a lemon knit thrown around the shoulders – it’s the ultimate understated luxe look.
And all topped off with a zebra print shoe. Because why not?
Look 3
New season tailoring doesn’t have to be boring. If you try one new thing, let it be a new jacket shape. We are obsessed with feminine dandy styling for spring, and this shorter length jacket may surprise you. This is perfection as a full suit, or you could mix up the jacket with a jean to give you a whole new look.
Look 4
Lace and satin aren’t just one-season wonders. Expect to see new colours and silhouettes for spring. I’m loving these lingerie-inspired pieces which work so well with a soft bomber or suede jacket. A note on slouch boots: they will be everywhere this year. Try tucking in a soft balloon into yours if you want to be the ultimate style icon.
Look 5
Do you want a look that will always serve? I’ll call it: a barrel-leg trouser worn with white tee and leather jacket. Invest in this trouser shape across denim, tailoring and jersey for your new spring uniform and they won’t let you down.