The 6 Luxury-Looking Trends I'm Buying at H&M This Summer
Here at Who What Wear UK, we’re fans of H&M at the best of times. This summer, however, the high-street hero has outdone itself with a roster of chic trends and elevated wardrobe staples, that will be favourites in your collection way beyond 2023. H&M is proving tough to beat right now if you’re looking to keep your closet feeling fresh on a budget.
Of course, just like with anything fast fashion, it pays to look out for more premium quality fabrics within the collections (think 100% cotton, linen and leather) and spend that little bit more to make sure items last. As well as focusing on trends that will go the distance rather than styles you'll only want to wear for one season. To help, I've scrolled through the entire H&M website and pinpointed the most timeless, expensive-looking buys that I would recommend checking out.
Some of my favourite new H&M summer pieces.
I picked up on six key summer trends that were appealing to me the most. From effortless black dresses and interesting textures (think pleating and crochet) to lace-up sandals and minimalist bags. There's also plenty of linen for beating the oncoming heatwave. And if you’re not a dress person but still want an effortless all-in-one outfit, don’t skip the co-ord section below.
One or two of these new affordable buys can be a great way to breathe life and modernity into your capsule classics and bolster our existing summer wardrobes. Plus, if you choose the right designer-looking buys, you can trick people into thinking you spent a lot more on your outfit than you actually did—which is always a win.
Keep scrolling to see more, and shop my top six summer trends at H&M right now.
1. Black Dresses
Black might not be the first thing you think of when considering summer dresses, but hear me out. Black always looks chic, and if you opt for light fabrics, strapless or strappy designs then a high street LBD can absolutely work in warm weather, and make you look extremely polished at the same time.
Shop Black Dresses:
2. Linen
Linen has that rare combination of comfy, cool (in both senses of the word) and elevated. Whether you opt for a pair of wide-leg trousers or a printed short-sleeve shirt, it's the ultimate summer fabric.
Shop Linen:
3. Strappy Sandals
If you're shopping sandals on the high street, my advice is to avoid anything too chunky as they tend to look plastic-y. Instead opt for minimal strappy styles or simple leather slides that you'll be able to wear every year.
Shop Strappy Sandals:
4. Co-Ords
Some people just aren’t dress people. If that’s you, co-ord is the easy alternative you need to try out. Look out for H&M's printed sets that you can wear to the beach and to the bar in the evening.
Shop Co-Ords:
Shirt-and-shorts sets are all I want to wear this summer
Whether you’re in need of a formal summer event look (hello, Wimbledon!), this premium-looking piece feels so special.
5. Texture
Opting for interesting textures like pleating and crochet can instantly elevate a high street look. Luckily, H&M has plenty of pieces to suit.
Shop Textured Clothing:
6. Minimalist Summer Bags
Think of these as the bread and butter of a chic summer wardrobe. Whether you opt for simple basket or leather bucket, you'll wear these bags year after year.
Shop Minimalist Summer Bags:
Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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