Sponsored by H&M
With so much fashion existing online, there’s something refreshing about trying pieces on in-store. Enter Just Browsing: We’re taking you into the changing room as we preview the newest collections from some of our favourite 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!
Clean-lined staples are the glue that hold our wardrobes together – no matter how maximalist or minimalist our style, we all have those “if it ain’t broke” basics that we return to again and again, whether it’s tailored trousers, straight-leg jeans or boxy blazers. But then again, speak to any fashion editor and you will hear them extol the virtues of the personality piece – the sartorial party-starters that might not, at first glance, be considered “versatile” in the traditional sense, yet we find ourselves reaching for again and again.
It was a universal truth that was confirmed to me as I stepped into H&M’s white-washed showroom last week to preview the brand’s spring collection. From its Studio lines to its designer collaborations, the high-street stalwart has been going from strength to strength, and certainly knows how to generate conversation within the fashion sphere. Yet, it’s important not to forget the brand’s mainline collection, which, from experience (trust me, I trawl through its new-in section every week) is full of lust-worthy ready-to-wear pieces that are budget-friendly and, when chosen correctly, are sure to stand the test of time.
The spring 2025 offering is the perfect case in point: from corseted T-shirts and sculptural blazers, to sheer embellished skirts and oversized clutch bags, it’s packed full of the sort of elevated separates you can rely on to add interest to any springtime outfit. But the question is: which pieces made the final cut?
While I wouldn’t usually consider myself a dress person, I loved how many of the collection’s feminine skirts and dresses looked great layered over more masculine tailoring and structured accessories. Take the embellished grey shift dress, which took on a very Gwyneth-in-the-’90s spin when layered over black bootcut trousers. Elsewhere, there was a blush-coloured embellished skirt (beading is a recurring theme in the collection), which works for daytime when paired with a white T-shirt and tassel loafers. Just add a shirt, kitten heels and costume jewellery for evening.
But, if I had to pick one thing to take home, it would have to be the collection’s cream-coloured sculptural blazer, which came with a scooped waistline, collarless neckline and balloon-shaped sleeves. Polished, statement-making and easy to wear – it really delivered on all fronts. Styling-wise, it looks great worn with nothing underneath (take note for formal spring events), but I can confirm that it also works just as well layered over a tank top and jeans for easy smart-casual dressing. It’s all about optimising that cost-per-wear, and it’s fair to say that this collection is not lacking in this regard.
