With so much fashion existing online, there’s something refreshing about trying pieces on in-store after eyeing them first on a little screen. Enter Just Browsing: We’re taking you into the fitting room as we preview the newest collections from some of our favorite high-street brands and contemporary labels. We’ll get into fabric and quality, fit and feel, and so much more as we make our way through the shop floor. Happy scrolling (and strolling)!
One early Thursday morning, I stood outside my Brooklyn apartment, questioning whether I should call an Uber, but I eventually decided against it. It was the first balmy yet brisk morning that only spring can summon, and I was going to take the subway into Manhattan to soak it all in before it shifted again. Besides, when was the last time I rode into the city and went into a physical retail store, IRL? Within an hour, I’d made it to H&M’s flagship New York location, tucked on the bustling corner of New York’s Fifth Avenue. Upon entering the store, spring’s grand arrival truly made itself known, and I was thrilled to try on the high-street brand’s coveted drop of seasonal essentials. I was especially excited to touch and feel all the studded pieces I had been seeing online.
While I often steer clear of bright colors and ultra-feminine details, warmer weather always gets the best of me, and I can’t help but indulge in the season’s sensibilities. Throughout my morning visit, I discovered the missing gaps from my wardrobe: snakeskin mules, a flouncy butter yellow maxiskirt and blouse combo, a super chic lightweight suede jacket, and a variety of chic crochet pieces—hello, crafty minimalism!
Ahead, the key pieces to buy from H&M’s spring edit, plus some additional items you can wear now, and later.
Countryside Codes, Modernized
The barn jacket has come a long way from its function-first origins. In my eyes, you can never have too many transitional layers during spring—they are essential for those temperature drops and windy days. I paired this cotton one with eye-catching studded jeans, a suede bag, and snakeskin mules to take the countryside to the new age.
A Touch of Crochet
Fringe, texture, and crochet can add a refreshed level of interest to any minimalist-leaning ensemble. Just take a look at how a crocheted tunic (or cardigan, as linked beloved) brings a hint of novelty to an otherwise pared-back look. I can already picture H&M enthusiasts stocking up on the crochet shorts, dresses, and bags available on the site now.
Where Boho Meets Edgy
You can never go wrong with a white dress during spring and summer. The versatile piece, from the high street to luxury brands, serves as a foundational item for any footwear, trending handbag, and layering option on the market. For me, I gravitated toward adding a bit of edge with studs and some beachy texture with a raffia ballet flat.
Leather Weather
You may think of leather as a winter-only option, but I’m here to change your mind! H&M’s buttery coated cargo dress would look just as chic layered over a pair of white linen trousers as it would by itself. I decided to embrace the edgy tones and teamed mine with the coordinating coated pencil skirt. Not into double leather? Wear a billowy boho boho blouse or white poplin shirt with your skirt. Chic.
Let the Sunshine In
If you were to take a look into my wardrobe, which is contained wall-to-wall in a spare bedroom, you’d notice a color wheel of brown, cream, white, and black. But once I spotted H&M’s buttery yellow chiffon set, I knew it belonged in my wardrobe. It’s the ideal easy-breezy set for laid-back weekends, beach trips, and boat days alike.
Seasonal Suede
Fall may be far behind us, but I’m not yet willing to set aside my favorite sumptuous suede pieces. I thought I was getting over the craze, but this lightweight suede jacket caught my eye instantly. The material is baby-soft and feels extremely well-made. When I slid it on with a pair of cream jeans, it was clear this was a must-have item from the spring drop. Make it seasonally appropriate with leather slides and a braided bag.
Shop more from H&M’s spring capsule:
