Meet the Influencers: Your Guide to RI Tops

Tell us about the top you’re wearing – what do you like about it?

What I love most about this top is how diverse it is. Due to the fit you can easily style this up by tucking it into a smart trouser and layering with some tailoring, or simply just left untucked over some light denim and trainers. Truly “a one size fits all” occasion.

What are two other ways you’d style up a basic t-shirt for different occasions?

Let's say, for date night, I'd go for something like an all-black number, layering the River Island black western jacket over the oversized t-shirt, tucked into smart black chinos, all finished up with some black Chelsea boots & a black leather belt. For the weekend, if I’m heading out with the boys, I'd style this under a varsity jacket, allowing the oversized fit to drape over some light wash denim jeans, finished up with a simple white trainer for that ultimate relaxed and comfy look.

How do you decide what shoes work best with an outfit?

When it comes to shoes, the best tip I can give is to "sandwich" your outfit. Pick out a colour from your top layer, whether it's just a colour in the hem of your jacket, or it's the main solid block colour of your t-shirt and aim to match that with your shoes. For example, let's take the weekend look we spoke about before, matching the white t shirt to a pair of white trainers just gives it a more intentionally balanced feel. While I'm not one for rules, the sandwich rule is one that works every time.

Tell about us about the fit of the t-shirt you’re wearing – which is it and what do you like about it?

In this casual look, I'm donning a charcoal grey wash effect t-shirt in an oversized fit. The beauty of this fit is its forgiving nature, making it incredibly comfortable for everyday wear. The wash effect adds a touch of character to the t-shirt, making it stand out even in its simplicity.

What are two other ways you’d style up a basic t-shirt for different occasions ?

For a relaxed evening at the pub, I'd pair the charcoal grey wash effect t-shirt with some distressed denim jeans for a bit of edge. Layer it with a lightweight jacket and finish the look a pair of statement trainers. 

How do you decide what shoes work best with an outfit?

For casual outfits, comfort is paramount. However, that doesn't mean compromising on style. I usually opt for shoes that match the vibe of the outfit. With black wash jeans, for example, black or grey sneakers or boots would be a good choice. It's essential to have a variety of casual shoes in neutral colours, as they can be mixed and matched with different outfits. Always consider the occasion and the level of activity when choosing shoes for a casual look. 

What are two other ways you’d style up a basic t-shirt for different occasions?

If I was to dress up a basic t-shirt for a work event or dinner, I would wear a blazer over the top with some suit trousers, keeping it monochrome as well to keep it slick. 

For a more toned-down look on date night or a weekend out, I’d style this with a Harrington jacket or a revere collar shirt on top. I'd also add a pair of pleated trousers or some straight-leg jeans.

How do you decide what shoes work best with an outfit?

I always go with colours that will match the outfit, not compete with it. I also like to go with monochrome shoes or ones with a maximum of two muted colours as they will usually go with any outfit and can be used over and over again. 

I also always stick to the rule of three and make sure that the colour shoe I'm wearing matches another colour in the outfit. It’s also important to pick the right style of shoe for the occasion; so in a suit, wear a smart leather shoe for something more formal or an all-white trainer for something smart casual.

What are two other ways you’d style up a basic t-shirt for different occasions?

For the weekend, a plain t-shirt and joggers. For work, a t-shirt tucked into straight-leg black trousers, and a nice jacket.

How do you decide what shoes work best with an outfit – what are your tips?

Most of the time, my shoes match my top. Depending on the look I want to wear. You always have to make sure your shoes are clean too, for any occasion, because it can tell a lot about your personality.