These 29 Trendy Basics From H&M Look Super Promising

last updated 30 January 2023

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The introvert within me is screaming. I've been going out more than ever, and it's actually been fun. It's not unusual for my weekend plans to fizzle out into ordering ramen and watching whatever my Netflix suggests, but this time, I'm not the flaky friend. Accordingly, I need my wardrobe to match. It feels like a waste to commit to expensive trendy pieces (because who knows how long this phase will last), so affordable, trend-forward basics seem to be the most obvious answer. I can incorporate them into my weekly work attire, but when Saturday night calls for a cute outfit suitable enough for drinks, a trendy basic can be gussied up a bit for extra flair.

H&M always delivers on the affordable-trend front, so naturally, it was the first place I landed during my search. And the retailer was stocked with everything I was looking for, from croc-embossed knee boots to tweed jackets that elicit French girl–style fantasies. Ahead, see the most promising new arrivals making their way into my closet.

H&M

Double-Breasted Bouclé Jacket

It really is the season of the textured jacket.

H&M

Bouclé Jacket

Quite honestly, I'll take the entire outfit. If you're not into the Barbiecore look, this jacket is also available in very office-friendly shades of black and cream.

H&M

Cargo Pants

Yes, I'm still riding with cargo pants.

H&M

90s Straight High Jeans

My current search for solid going-out clothes involves sophisticated-looking jeans. I love how these are high waisted, slightly narrow on the leg, and really long.

H&M

Cotton Poplin Shirt

These types of shirts come in clutch when the objective is low-key chic. I'd jazz this up with big statement jewelry or a dazzling tennis necklace and jeans.

H&M

Double-Breasted Trench Coat

One of my favorite looks includes a cool trench coat, striking heels, tailored jeans, and eye-catching earrings.

H&M

Embroidered Bomber Jacket

H&M has really been killing it with the outerwear lately.

H&M

Textured-Weave Jacket

I know it's tweed-jacket overload at this point, but this one is too good.

H&M

Dress Pants

One thing H&M does particularly well? It's trousers.

H&M

Wide-Leg Cargo Pants

Should you need your cargo pants wider than wide.

H&M

Wide Ultra High Jeans

Despite fashion's fascination with straight-leg denim right now, it's hard to ignore just how cool wide-leg jeans are.

H&M

Pointelle-Knit Cotton Sweater

Sometimes, all you need for a night out is a cool sweater.

H&M

Parachute Pants

I predict these won't stay in stock for even a week.

H&M

Hoop Earrings

I definitely don't mind paying $9 for fun, big hoops.

H&M

Oversized Jacket

Leather jackets are on everyone's lips (and in their closets), and I like the unexpected addition of a dainty collar and jumbo pockets here. It's like a hybrid between a utility and bomber jacket.

H&M

Shoulder Bag

This color is just stunning.

H&M

Ribbed Pencil Skirt

I've said it before, but maxi skirts really are one of my wardrobe's star players.

H&M

Short Necklace

Here's an opportunity to try out the heart-choker trend.

H&M

Single-Breasted Blazer

When it comes to looking chic my motto is "Throw a blazer on it."

H&M

Puffer Jacket

It's conventional to go for a black puffer, but if you try out this shade of green, you'll be surprised by how versatile it is.

H&M

Leather Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are definitely more of a classic, but their big moment this season has me leaning more into the silhouette now than ever.

H&M

Knee-High Heeled Boots

Heeled knee boots belong in the going-out-outfit starter pack.

H&M

Sweater

Extra-thick stripes are a cool twist.

H&M

Oversized Mohair-Blend Cardigan

Far from your average cardigan.

H&M

Ribbed Tank Top

Contrast stitching always adds a French-girl flair.

H&M

Silk-Blend Rib-Knit Dress

I'll be going to NYC soon, so a dress that covers me from head to toe will be a necessity for the cold.

H&M

Boxy Sweater

The boxiness feels modern.

H&M

Single-Breasted Blazer

Nothing says you've arrived like a pink blazer.

H&M

Vintage Straight High Jeans

My brain is an endless pit of denim styles—can you tell?

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Indya Brown is a fashion editor, stylist, and writer living in Los Angeles. After graduating in 2016, she joined The Cut as a fashion assistant, eventually working her way up to fashion editor. While New York has been her home for over 10 years, she moved to Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 for a new chapter where she started working at Who What Wear, focusing on emerging designers, rising trends on and off the internet, interior design, and BIPOC creatives and brands. Aside from her work at Who What Wear, Brown is also a freelance stylist and writer, working on national print and video commercial campaigns for Sephora, The Independent, and Cadillac. Her bylines also include Harper's Bazaar, Vox, and The New York Times.