Okay I will admit it, I shop online a lot. It comes as part of the territory as Who What Wear UK's shopping editor (the clue is in the title). Every day, I scour the internet to unearth the best new-season fashion finds that are trendy, cool and worthy of your money, and while most of my days are spent scrolling through shopping picks on my computer, I still love going into physical stores to browse, feel and try on clothes firsthand.
Luckily for me, I'm a stone's throw away from many of the big brands and retailers, so this week—with a burning desire to stock up on some new spring/summer finds—I decided to sneak into H&M on my lunch break to see which pieces were calling my name. And believe me when I say, this was not an excuse to spend hours was wandering around the store, this was a quick, targeted approach to specifically find items that look luxe and feel on-trend this season. Not too much of an ask, right?
Of course, the one drawback of shopping in-store is that the full online selection isn't on the racks, but below, I'm sharing some of my favourite finds that I tried and loved and that made it home with me just in time for the warmer months.
FLOUNCE TRIM DRESS
Style Notes: Okay, how chic is this dress? According to the high street, it's all about ruffled, chiffon dresses this season, and this fits the bill perfectly. The flow and fit is beautiful, and looks way more expensive IRL than it's price tag (under £50!). I usually size up in H&M since the brand's pieces tend to run small, but I ended up going a size down as a 14 wasn't available, and I was surprised by the fact that it didn't cling. It also scored bonus points for this universally flattering shade of yellow–we called it...buttermilk is the quiet- luxury colour of the season.
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THE PRINTED MAXI DRESS
Style Notes: Continuing in the theme of excellent dresses, this puff-sleeved maxi number is another great find. I already have a tonne of summer dresses that I've been wearing for years, but this fit feels so fresh for this spring/summer, and is the kind of shape that will suit every body. It's brand new to the store and the site, but trust me, it's worth heading into store to try on IRL and see how good the fit is.
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THE LINEN SHIRT AND LINEN TROUSERS
Style Notes: Nothing puts me in a sunny mood quite like a pop of colour, and this time it's bright cobalt blue. Unlike a heavy cotton or clingy satin, this light linen is the perfect piece for summer in the city or lounging on the beach, and it happens to go perfectly with one of H&M's bestsellers, the wide, linen-blend trouser. I can see myself wearing this easy combo on repeat as soon as the temperatures rise. Just imagine how good this would look over a bikini straight out of the sea... A girl can dream.
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THE DOUBLE BREASTED LINEN SUIT
Style Notes: A suit is always a solid investment. Whether you wear the full co-ord or break it up into separates, you can always get dozens of outfit options out of a suit, and this is no exception. Sure, yellow feels like a statement, but the cool toned, pastel shade is surprisingly versatile, and manages to feel both modern and cool. Wear the trousers with a white tee or tank top, the boxy blazer open over a black maxi dress, or together as a bright and sunny two-piece that's guaranteed to get attention for all of the right reasons. It's intentionally relaxed, so stick to your normal size and you're sorted.
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THE PLEATED DRESS
Style Notes: I have a feeling this might be a polarising one, as when it comes to dresses we trend to fall into two different camps. Some love slinky, figure hugging dresses, others prefer loose, throw-on-and-go styles (I happen to love both), but this is a dress that's relaxed in the strongest sense of the word. It's already an (intentionally) crinkled satin so there's no need to worry about ironing, and it's wide, loose column fit means no need for shapewear either. Simply pull on and relax in this super comfortable number.
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THE LINEN SHIRT AND PRINTED MIDI SKIRT
Style Notes: Back to linen, but this time with a sleek, satin midi skirt. I love the silhouette these skirts provide, and the polished finish manages to dress up even the most rough and ready shirt. It also comes in chic champagne, cream and leopard colourways that I was equally close to buying, but this fun graphic-stroke-tiger print called out to me, and I can see myself wearing it with black, white, or beige tones and pair of flat sandals for picnics in the park or brunch with friends.
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THE OFF-THE-SHOULDER DRESS
Style Notes: As you may have noticed, I have a soft spot for pretty dresses, and H&M happens to do them really well. This tie-waist is perfect for spring and would look just as good styled with strappy heels for evening as it would over a swimsuit with flats.
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THE SMOCKED TOP AND CARGO TROUSERS
Style Notes: I love the time of year when I make the switch from puffer jackets and knits to strappy tops and dresses, and this smocked top feels like the kind of wear-with-anything option and you'll be able to throw on and wear with jeans, skirts, tailored trousers, and well, just about everything. My favourite pairing? Of-the-moment cargo trousers. And don't panic, these aren't the supersized, noisy pairs of the Noughties, soft cotton is the grown-up way to do the trend.
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THE CROCHET SHOPPER
Style Notes: And now, over to the accessories, and H&M is delivering summer-ready styles in spades. First to catch my eye is this crochet shopper, and everyone from Prada to Loewe are making woven totes the bags of the summer, but why spend four figures when you can get the look for £20? Fill it with flats, snacks and sunnies and head for the coast.
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THE PADDED BIKINI
Style Notes: There is something about a ribbed bikini that always looks so elegant yet effortless. When swimsuits can be a tricky fit and micro bikinis can be a little exposing, reach for an easy, non-wired co-ord that champions comfort first. This cosy set in, again, buttermilk yellow, is ideal for styling with a white shirt and sandals. Just add the crochet bag.
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THE SANDALS
Style Notes: It might seem like I'm skipping straight to full-on summer with my accessories choices, but these elegant espadrille sandals are ready to be worn now. The knot detail and rustic soles look designer, and honestly at this price, I'm tempted to buy the black colourway too. Thank you, H&M.
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