Alison Hammond's versatile co-ord is a high street style win

Alison Hammond in check outfit — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Alison Hammond has quietly been upping her fashion game of late, and while Cat Deeley is off for the summer, I'm busy taking notes on Alison's latest looks. With a penchant for Rixo dresses, I thought her checked co-ord might be another designer find, but this beautiful transitional two-piece is actually a bargain high street find from River Island.

The British clothing brand is well-known for trend-led looks, and this elegant checked top and coordinating skirt stopped me in my tracks. With a slouchy neckline, an asymmetric skirt, and light ruching through the body, it reminded me of archive Vivienne Westwood designs, giving eclectic heritage styling on a budget.

With the skirt retailing at £42 and the top for just £34, this is a very versatile set. The top, of course, would look great as part of a white jeans outfit for summer, or with blue as we head into cooler months, while the skirt would also work with a white tee, or a cosy cashmere knit come autumn.

'This Morning' TV show, London, UKDermot O'Leary, Alison Hammond, Jason Durr By: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Exact match

River Island

Blue Check Satin Blouse

The slouchy, slightly off-the-shoulder silhouette gives this top quite a unique and customisable look, as you can tweak how the neckline sits for your level of comfort. The gentle, batwing-like ruching through the body and across the middle creates a flattering fit, while the check pattern is one that will work for late summer and through to autumn.

Exact match

River Island

Blue Satin Check Maxi Skirt

Worn with the matching top, this lovely co-ord gives a dress-like effect that is elegant and flattering. The asymmetric skirt draws the eye down, lengthening your frame, while the A-line fit balances the wider neckline on the top half. The check heritage pattern and draped silhouette delivers quite a designer-like look and feel.

Anthropologie

Damson Madder Becca Multiway Blouse

Puff sleeve, nipped in waist and peplum finish, this gorgeous, vintage-inspired top gives a nod to incoming heritage trends, while still feeling light and summery. The upper arm coverage and defined middle helps to contour your silhouette. This top is easy to style with the matching skirt, or with a host of other casual separates.

Anthropologie

Damson Madder Josie Pleated Midi Skirt

With purply hues, this flattering midi skirt uses gathered detail on a drop waistband for a tummy skimming fit. The mix of colours in the pattern make it easy to style, simply pick one of the accent hues as your accessory or top colour.

Whistles

Green Check Midi Skirt

Picking up on the lighter colourway in Alison's skirt, this swishy midi skirt is ideal for teaming with everything from sandals to sleek, leather, knee high boots. Right now, wear it with the matching shirt for a dress alternative or a casual crew neck tee. Come the autumn, this skirt will work beautifully with a cosy cashmere sweater.

Jolie Moi

Jolie Moi Mesh Check Asymmetrical Maxi Dress, Blue

I know this is for those bored of dresses, but this asymmetric, ruched through the middle checked dress is so similar in terms of silhouette that I couldn't not slip it in at the end. The elegant, figure-flattering design is one you can take into autumn with a layered cardigan or waisted jacket, too.

A co-ord always provides plenty of ways to wear, and this is one dynamic duo that can pep up your summer capsule wardrobe, before effortlessly transitioning into autumn wear. Together, this set is a great alternative to a dress, especially if you like the look of a one-piece, but need different sizes on the top and bottom. However, you can get extra wear from your co-ord by teaming each piece with other wardrobe heroes.

In a gorgeous neutral, yet still vibrant palette, the blue, white, brown and yellow pattern offers plenty of styling opportunity. For summer months, wear together for a special occasion, or dress down with the addition of a denim jacket. To add a more casual spin, team your top with white or blue jeans, or add a more polished finish by wearing it with a pair of wide-leg, tailored trousers. Similarly, the skirt can be worn with t-shirts, button-down shirts or blouses or cosy knitwear in one of the several neutral colours in the palette.

When it comes to footwear, right now, it's all about the spring/summer shoe trends for 2026, and this outfit will work with some of the heroes of the moment. Try teaming it with kitten-heeled sandals, leather flip-flops or ballet pumps. Then, as September hits, it's time to get those knee-high boots out for a warmer look.

Rivkie is a fashion editor, writer and stylist with twenty years' experience in the industry. Rivkie studied design and pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion, and fell in love with styling and journalism, and has covered fashion weeks in London, Paris and New York, as well as shooting editorial all over the world.

Specialising in plus size fashion, Rivkie has long championed that style is for everyBODY and has appeared on a host of radio stations and television shows, pushing for greater representation for plus size women and fashion throughout her career.