I tried four festive power suits from River Island that tick all the trend boxes

10 December 2023 , 10:00

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The grey diamante set would set you back £180

This week I was a woman on a mission. A fashion fan on a quest to find the ultimate Christmas party suit that would not only make a statement this festive season, but see me through the year for a whole host of events, too.

And I succeeded in my quest, having travelled an 18-mile round trip to M&S, H&M, New Look and Primark before finally finding the ultimate Christmas-coded co-ord that’s chic, festive, well fitting and has a secret elastic waistband (for the extra pigs in blankets). That’s why I named as part of our Mirror Choice fashion series.

However, not only did River Island have the best festive high street suit (celeb-approved, too, having been seen on Frankie Bridge), they had LOADS. If you’re in the market for a new two-piece this December, it’s undoubtedly the place to go.

I picked out four of my favourites and love how much versatility and choice there is. River Island has seemingly spotted a gap in the market and have not only filled it with gorgeous tailoring-inspired pieces, but done it so, so well and at a reasonable price point, too. Here are my top picks.

For me, my absolute favourite and Mirror Choice pick was this that’s a total knockout. The while the , which is on the higher end of the high street price scale, however, the cost more - and I’d get a lot more wear out of the red because it’s a classic colour that never goes out of style.

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One reason it may be popular among shoppers was because it’s been . The former The Saturdays singer described it as ‘the , adding: “The fabric is amazing and it’s the perfect fit. It sits so nicely, slightly oversized, and looks so much more expensive in real life than it does online.”

I tried the suit on in a size 10 and found everything to be true to size and the cut does make it look really elevated. The thing for me that makes this co-ord really stand out is the finer details. Its slightly makes it look as though it would have a much higher price tag, while the fabric covered button gives a really seamless and cohesive look. .

This red River Island suit is our top pick for party season

But there’s one feature that makes the River Island suits superior to most and that’s in their trousers. Each pair I tried on have got a hidden , which means they look smart and tailored from the front, but are comfortable to wear and have a secret bit of stretch at the back which makes them perfect for Christmas Day, too, because there’s nothing worse than having to undo your top button after a roast.

For me the red suit screams Christmas, but if it’s not your favourite it’s also available in blue, yellow, black and cream, which a . You can buy the and

For those wanting to tick that velvet Christmas box, the comes in a little higher at £85, and adds a touch of sparkle to your Christmas party look. The , with petite and plus lines offering greater choice for shoppers. A it’s one of the reasons their suits have been so popular this year, telling me: “The suit is one of our bestsellers because we stock it in petite so it gives shoppers more choice.it also comes in black and red and the cut of them is really nice - they look great on.”

The Black Velvet Sparkle Tux Blazer and Trousers

The velvet is gorgeously festive, and the sparkle looks incredible when it catches the light. It’s actually quite subtle and will show up more in some photos than others. The and would look great on their own with a silver blouse, while the would really glam up a black satin slip dress - mini or maxi.

It also comes in , however I do worry that you’re restricted a little more to how often you could wear these pieces as they really do lend themselves to more glam events, whereas the red co-ord could be worn to work year-round, as well as for events.

Blazer not your bag? That’s okay because River Island has also launched a range of that pair up with the , and it’s a cheaper way to get the matching look. The while the , so you can get a coordinating outfit for less than £80.

The green waistcoat and trousers that cost under £80

I actually have the black and beige version of this on my Christmas wish list because I don’t think the quiet luxury aesthetic is going away any time soon and they are a real wardrobe essential. Not only are they great for wearing formally with the matching trousers, but they’re amazing for layering up over midi dresses, too.

Again, the trousers have that - frankly, I won’t buy bottoms without one post-pandemic. And again with the green colour I think it nails that festive-but-not-in-your-face-Christmas kind of party look, which is proving to be a bit of a theme with shoppers this year looking to get more out of the pieces in their wardrobe.

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Finally, if you really want to go all out (like, spending £180 all out) there’s the option to go for a three-piece set in the form of the - or you could mix and match the separates to save a little bit of money.

The grey diamante set would set you back £180

I feel like the sparkle in this one is subtle enough to get away with the pinstriped pieces for everyday - especially the - while still bringing the glam to the festive season. However, I do find this to be on the higher end of the price scale, with other suits in the lineup looking more expensive - like the red suit.

Other suits I tried on the high street this week include a cream set from H&M that came in under £90, however, they were slim fit trousers and I much prefer River Island’s wide leg fit. Meanwhile, those looking for ultimate glam can find the , with a choice of skirt or trousers to match.

Whichever is your favourite, they’re sure to elevate your festive fashion game, tick all the trend boxes and promise to make you the star of every festive gathering this December. You can

Bethan Shufflebotham