Every New H&M Item That Made Me Question Whether It Was Designer or Not
Because I spend so much time studying runway collections, both current ones and those in the archives, it's not an easy feat to fool me into thinking a fast fashion piece could be designer. Nine times out of 10, even when I'm just looking at pictures online, I can spot the differences between a $1000 piece and a $10 one in milliseconds. On rare occasions, though, certain items will stump me, which is what happened when I scrolled through H&M this morning.
From tweed lady jackets and ribbed knit tops to draped body-con dresses and tailored separates, the contents of H&M's new-arrivals page, which I meticulously scanned for hours today, turned out to be some of the best, most elevated that I've seen in ages, especially given that fact not one of my favorites from the bunch costs more than $135 (and some start at just $15). Below, mosey through 30 pieces that genuinely had me thinking I needed glasses after looking at the prices—that is how expensive they appeared.
Saint Laurent's fall collection has me wanting to invest heavily in silky low-cut tanks.
I'm predicting a major comeback for oversize sunglasses after years of barely-there shades.
I'm obsessed with getting the Alaïa look, so while I save up for the real thing, this chic $26 alt is more than doing the trick.
I don't know about you, but I'm getting major The Row vibes from this look.
Stella McCartney's spring collection featured the chicest asymmetric skirts, and I've been in love with the trend ever since.
Please take my word for it and buy this knit cardigan before it sells out and you spend the rest of your life thinking about it.
A dress this good deserves an extra zero, though I'm more than happy to keep it off.
Feel free to wear this top and skirt together or separately.
Shop the matching Lace Skirt ($58).
Coming up next: Wealth's the Word: 42 Items That Don't Shout But Scream Expensive
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
-
Look, If I Were You, I'd Buy These 42 Upscale Nordstrom, Zara, and J.Crew Items Before Anyone Else
They're too good.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm a Plus-Size Fashion Editor—42 Stunning Styles I'm Eyeing to Refresh My Spring Wardrobe
Your spring wardrobe refresh made easy.
By Chichi Offor
-
Rich-Looking Outfits Are the Goal—31 Chic Pieces From the Amazon Big Spring Sale That Fit the Bill
These will have you doing a double take.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Stop Right There! These Gorgeous H&M and Zara New Arrivals Are Bound to Sell Out Soon
The only spring shopping list you need.
By Chichi Offor
-
This Elegant Color Is to Spring What Black Is to Winter
Tell your friends.
By Allyson Payer
-
Did Meghan Markle Really Just Share a Link to Everything in Her Closet?
Well, at least her favorite pieces.
By Eliza Huber
-
I Give This $35 Designer-Passing H&M Cardigan One Week Before It's Sold Out
Guaranteed.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
6 Fall 2025 Runway Trends I Already Found at Zara, H&M, and Mango
Affordability's never looked so good.
By Eliza Huber