#AddtoCart: The 15 H&M Staples We're Stocking Up on Before Fall
We love this time of year for all of its wonderful weather-appropriate activities, from rooftop happy hours with our girlfriends to summer Fridays at the office. We’re also rather fond of the effortless yet on-trend styling associated with these warmer months, given that most days it’s too warm to wear much more than a minidress and sandals. But lately we’ve felt a bit stuck while scouring our favorite shopping sites. We don’t really need another one-piece bathing suit, but it just feels wrong to start investing in fall fashion when it’s 90° outside.
Since you won’t find us taking a shopping break just because we’re in between seasons, we’re instead focusing our fashion efforts on transitional closet classics. Staples like comfortable skinny jeans and lightweight trousers can be paired with simple tanks now and chunky knit sweaters later. Think of your purchases like back-to-school shopping (sans Trapper Keeper), and get your essentials set for the year ahead. See our favorite transitional wardrobe must-haves from H&M that will take you from summer to fall with ease.
We can’t think of any outfit more comfortable than a T-shirt and sweatpants. Since we usually have to venture outside of our homes in something a little more presentable (sigh), this jersey dress is exactly what you need to keep up your sleeve.
Off-the-shoulder tops aren’t going anywhere, and why would they? Their shoulder-highlighting and awkward-tan-line-preventing appeal make for a winning choice. This cropped version is perfect with all of your high-waisted shorts and jeans.
An oversize denim jacket is a must-have styling solution for cooler nights. It goes with absolutely everything, from floral dresses to your favorite dark skinny jeans for a cool denim-on-denim pairing.
We love floral dresses when we’re in the mood to feel romantic and when we want something feminine to juxtapose boyish footwear or an oversize blazer. Wear yours under the aforementioned denim jacket for an adorable look that you can transition from day to night with a quick shoe swap.
Black skinny jeans are relentlessly flattering thanks to their dark color and tapered fit, which is why we always pick up a fresh pair or two (or three) each year. You simply can’t go wrong with styling these; they work with just about everything in your closet.
We still can’t get enough of pink. This flirty top is perfect for date nights, whether they’re with your significant other or your best girlfriends. Pair with faded high-waist denim and black accessories to give it some edge.
We’re major fans of minidresses, although some feel a bit risqué. We love this relaxed fit and high neckline to balance out the length, making it a more appropriate pick for afternoon barbecues with the fam. Pair with fresh white sneakers for the ultimate weekend look.
This adorable sweater tank can be worn by itself now and over a T-shirt as temperatures drop. Also on trend: the sweet appliqué details.
Let’s be real: Relaxed-fit trousers like this pair are our secret love. Essentially, the cool woven fabric and elasticated waist means they’re the pajamas we’re allowed to wear to work (and they’re perfect on planes).
Weekends were made for simple graphic tees, and this one gets bonus points for the cute front tie. We love it with black denim cutoffs to get us through summer and then wide-leg trousers as we get closer to fall.
We love LBDs for the mental holiday they provide us when we’re getting ready for anything from from a first date to dinner with our parents, not to mention all those miscellaneous events where we have no idea of the dress code. Owning at least one casual version ensures you’ll be able to create no-brainer looks during the daytime too.
High-waist skinny jeans are always in style, no matter the time of year or the forecast. Update your wardrobe with a fresh pair in a classic blue wash before fall, and give new life to all your tops as you experiment with tucking them in.
Style hack: Stripes work with other patterns just as well as any solid tops, including (our favorite) teaming these with trousers or a skirt in a wider striped print.
Crop tops are constantly on rotation in our closets, usually paired with our endless collection of high-waist bottoms in everything from denim to leggings to skirts. The pro-women slogan on this cute T-shirt definitely has us clicking “add to cart” ASAP.
Distressed skinny jeans are an easy cool-girl upgrade to your everyday denim. The subtle tears and uneven hem make this pair street style–approved, especially when teamed with classic sneakers and an oversize bomber.
Ready to transition your wardrobe for fall? See more closet staples from H&M.
Michaela Bushkin is the fashion director on the branded content team, leading the strategy for our fashion and luxury partners. She specializes in content creation and styling for photo and video shoots, specifically across Who What Wear and Marie Claire. She spends her free time online shopping (or "researching" as she likes to call it), reading at the beach, and trying as many new restaurants in L.A. as possible.
-
Romantic Lace! '80s Leather! H&M Studio's Holiday Drop Has 2025's Most Anticipated Trends
See Amelia Gray's handpicked edit.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
The Cyber Monday Sales Are Here—This Is Everything I'm Loving From Madewell, Revolve, and H&M
Don't sleep on these discounts.
By Chichi Offor
-
I Just Found the Perfect $20 Alt for Kaia Gerber's Chic French-Girl Flats
Hurry—they're selling quickly.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
The Words "Sold" and "Out" Are Coming for These 36 Zara, H&M, and J.Crew Items
Don't hesitate.
By Eliza Huber
-
30 Incredibly Chic Finds I Regret Not Buying This Week From Nordstrom, H&M, and Zara
So many gems. So little time.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The $55 H&M Bag I'm Buying Instead of The Row's Margaux
At least while I save up.
By Eliza Huber
-
I'm Telling All My Friends to Try These 5 Winter Staples, and They're at H&M, Nordstrom, and COS
Dreamy pieces ahead.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
I Find the Best Shoes at Nordstrom, H&M, and Zara—28 Fall-Ready Styles I Love Right Now
Thank me later.
By Nikki Chwatt