35 H&M Summer Basics That Make It Easy to Be On-Trend

last updated 28 May 2021

Do you ever scroll through H&M after not doing so for a while and realize you've really been missing out? ("A while" could be as short as a week since H&M gets new arrivals constantly.) That's what I did today, and it was a real treat. My number one observation is that the holy-grail affordable retailer has tons of basics in stock that are also trendy—but not "over-the-top pieces that will probably be out of style next season" trendy. They're just subtle items that make you look like a fashion girl with a knack for finding the best stuff on H&M.

Instead of making you scroll through thousands of H&M items to see what I mean, I went ahead and found the most on-trend basics on offer, with options to be worn for travel, evenings out, beach days, picnics, and everything in between. Keep scrolling to get the goods, and feel free to thank me later.

H&M

Ribbed Modal Tank Top

This curved-seam tank is so good that I'd buy it in multiples.

H&M

Quilted-Look Pool Shoes

Destined to sell out immediately.

H&M

Suit Vest

Kendall Jenner would approve.

H&M

Wide-Cut Cotton Shirt

Style this exactly as is or wear it as a swimsuit cover-up.

H&M

Denim Shorts

Pleats are still going strong.

H&M

Slides

Chicer for a beach day than flip-flops, in my opinion.

H&M

Crop Top

The ideal amount of cropped.

H&M

Shoulder-Pad Shirt

So good.

H&M

Slip-On Sandals

Don't think—just order.

H&M

Cotton Paper-Bag Shorts

I love a contrasting drawstring.

H&M

Wide-Cut Long Dress

For those 90-degree days to come.

H&M

Flounce-Trimmed Crop Top

I have a collection of cute black tops for summer, and I wear them all.

H&M

Linen-Blend Skirt

Here for the minimal '90s vibes.

H&M

Tennis Dress

The color may not be all that basic, but you'll wear it a ton regardless.

H&M

Linen-Blend Crop Pants

Cuter than your average linen pants.

H&M

Linen-Blend Dress

Every summer wardrobe needs one.

H&M

Oversized Cotton Shirt

You might as well order this in several colors.

H&M

Braided Slides

These would look chic with pretty much every item in this roundup.

H&M

Ribbed Cardigan

Future It color coming at ya.

H&M

Eyelet Embroidery Dress

I'm a sucker for anything eyelet.

H&M

Bikini Bottoms

I don't see why a bikini can't be a basic.
Shop the matching Padded Bikini Top ($20).

H&M

Short Nylon Jacket

Just in case you're one of those people who brings a jacket everywhere in the summer (like me).

H&M

Shorts With a Sheen

You know you want the matching shirt, too.

H&M

Poplin Beach Dress

I liked that this is called a beach dress.

H&M

Ribbed Dress

Just add a slouchy blazer.

H&M

Fitted Jacket

For wearing with the aforementioned dress.

H&M

Denim Shorts

Perfect length, perfect fit.

H&M

A-Line Satin Dress

Something for that summer vacation you just booked.

H&M

Linen-Blend Bermuda Shorts

In case you were wondering, long shorts are still cool.

H&M

Eyelet Embroidery Pants

I'm intrigued.

H&M

Pleated Skirt

The box-pleat skirt trend was all over the fall runways.

H&M

Dress With Smocking

Just lovely.

H&M

Long Skirt

This looks really expensive.

H&M

Mom High Ankle Jeans

Perfectly placed rips.

H&M

Swimsuit

Everyone needs a black one-piece.

Next up, these are the best under-$50 items from H&M of the season.

Opening image: H&M

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Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.