Is it just me, or are there definite signs of spring in the air? The mornings are brighter, the weather is milder, and shops are full of the joyful dresses, pastels and florals that signify the official end of winter—and it cannot come soon enough. After spending the last month or so desperately wanting to wear light layers and sunglasses (and instead sweating profusely in a badly judged combination of knits), it feels like we're finally ready to enter the new season, and my first thought is prepping my wardrobe for the sunnier months ahead.
My specialism is low-effort, maximum-impact outfits that can be assembled in 10 minutes or less, and having spent winter building up a reliable capsule wardrobe of key staples (e.g. the great knit, the heavy coat and the perfect pair of versatile jeans), I have been on the lookout for some exciting new spring buys that will mix and match with the practical pieces I already own, and after searching through the new-in sections of some of my favourite brands, one stood out for its impressive range of premium pieces at affordable prices.
I have been loyally shopping at H&M since I was a teenager, and as my tastes have matured and diversified, so too has H&M's eye for directional design. We all know that you can grab a great white T-shirt or some easy basics from the store when you're in a hurry, but I urge you to spend a little extra time browsing the premium collection in particular. You'll find it full of luxe leather, designer-looking outerwear and some seriously sharp tailoring that will have people saying, "You got that where?"
After swearing off jeans for years because I could never find a pair that truly fit me, I found a pair of H&M skinnies that I loyally wore so often that they split. I find myself heading straight back to the store for all of my jeans and wide-leg and cropped trousers, so what better place to start the search for a seasonal wardrobe revamp? Having tried and tested Marks and Spencer's latest collection in a rigorous, seven-day trial, I'm now ready to put H&M to the same test (all in the name of good research of course). And I managed to put together seven looks that I think you'll like as much as I did.
A couple of stock shortages meant that I couldn't get my hands on any shoes to fit me in store (and as a size 8 shoe, I'm quite used to this, so instead I wore my own), but I have added some H&M substitutions below that I would have worn for you to rate too. We've also spotted that H&M is now selling sister brands Arket, Monki, & Other Stories, and Weekday on its site too, so there are more options than ever and all easily shoppable under one roof, so should something be out of stock, there'll be something equally as good in the same category. So without further ado, this is my week in H&M outfits. Keep scrolling to see the pieces I really rated and which would be better left on the shelf.
1. MONDAY: SPRING GREEN SUIT
SHOP THE LOOK:
The lighting in my picture makes this look a slightly different colour, but this suit is the perfect shade of pistachio green. It's light, airy, and perfect for spring but still has the structure that I think a good blazer needs in order to avoid looking too cheap. (I wore it without a top underneath, but as it's single breasted, expect a plunging V.)
I cannot fault these trousers, and I found the perfect pairing to be sizing up on the blazer for a boxier fit and getting your regular size in these tailored pants. Not too wide, and certainly not cigarette slim, they have just the right amount of slouch to feel cool and contemporary.
I'm still kitten-heel obsessed, and these are next on my wish list.
2. TUESDAY: WAISTCOAT, TAILORED TROUSERS AND TRENCH COAT
SHOP THE LOOK:
I for one am so glad to see the return of the waistcoat. It's not often I wear one under a blazer or as part of a three-piece suit, but I love wearing one on its own as a dressier alternative to a T-shirt or blouse. The office collectively ooh'd as I showed them this, and as an opinionated group of selective shoppers, this is a very good sign.
I initially picked these up thinking that they would be wide-leg but was pleasantly surprised by the slimmer fit. I have an aversion to any trousers that are wide around the hips and taper to the ankle, but these have a soft, subtle flare that lends well to wearing them with heels.
SHOP THE LOOK:
One of the best trench coats I've worn lately. An unbeatable price, pleasing weight and just the right shade of neutral beige to go with everything in your wardrobe.
3. WEDNESDAY: MIDI DRESS AND STRIPED SHIRT
SHOP THE LOOK:
Perhaps it was the toasty heating in the Who What Wear office, but by the time I got around to this number, I was ready to shed the layers and opt for a lighter dress. It does have sleeves (to prove I'm not entirely in summer dress mode), and I added an oversized shirt to layer up if I needed it, but this is the kind of dress I wear on rotation. Dress it up with a statement earring and a heeled sandal, or keep it casual with a chunky loafer. Either way, you can get two diametrically opposed looks in just one dress. I call that a wise investment.
A heads-up: This isn't a sharp, cotton shirt; it's a silkier chiffon with a subtle crinkle, so before you may be tempted to iron it smooth, it is supposed to be worn nonchalantly tucked in.
Wear these loafers with everything from jeans to mini skirts and tailored trousers to midi dresses.
4. THURSDAY: PUFF-SLEEVE DRESS
SHOP THE LOOK:
Granted, this is not the average Thursday-in-the-office dress, so I didn't wear it all day, but I love everything about the fit, feel and silhouette, and it's the reason I immediately start sending texts to make evening plans. The polka-dot version doesn't appear to be shoppable online yet (so I will be keeping my eyes peeled), but the sophisticated all-black version looks just as good with the sleeves pulled up into a sweetheart neckline as it does worn entirely off the shoulder.
5. FRIDAY: LEATHER SHIRT AND TAILORED TROUSERS
SHOP THE LOOK:
We debated back and forth about whether this was a real leather shirt, as A) the quality is so good, and B) there are so many brilliant faux-leather options available on the market now, but after checking the price and label, this faux-leather shirt is a great dupe for a real. I just about managed to tuck it in, but it would be easily worn open or buttoned up over a turtleneck until the weather warms up. And I'd be tempted to buy this for those cuffs alone…
Take this shirt from desk to dinner with the easy addition of strappy heels.
6. SATURDAY: TRENCH COAT, T-SHIRT AND JEANS
SHOP THE LOOK:
The weekend calls for comfy-casual, so rewearing Tuesday's trench with a T-shirt and jeans is the best idea I've had all week. I've stocked up on H&M's white T-shirts because unlike some of a similar price, they don't go sheer when stretched.
Easily the most flattering jeans shape for every body. I can confidently say H&M jeans are some of my favourite on the market.
Mary Janes are a strong contender for shoes of the season.
7. SUNDAY: STRIPED UTILITY JACKET + LEATHER TROUSERS
SHOP THE LOOK:
We were talking about this jacket long before I even went into the store, as it's currently enjoying a TikTok-viral moment. Granted, shoppers are currently buying it along with the matching trousers to wear as a two-piece co-ord, but I prefer toughening up such a cute jacket with some (faux) leather.
Sizes XXS to L are currently sold out in blue and low in stock in cream, but it's worth signing up notifications to get first dibs on the next drop.
These are a favourite that I've come back to time and again. I love leather trousers but hate the thought of spray-on leggings, so this looser leg is the secret to comfy leather so soft you'll forget you're wearing anything.
I'm a sucker for a square toe.
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