My Best-Kept Secret for Shopping Spring's Biggest Trends on the Cheap

by Anna LaPlaca

I don't know about you, but I never like spending a ton on trendier items, no matter the season. Since I'm never certain if they'll remain in my closet for a few months or a few years, I like to play it safe and be a savvier shopper by sourcing a few of my favorite trends on the cheap. What I mean by "cheap" is that I'll usually avoid spending much more than $100, but it's even better if I can find pieces for much less than that.

Enter H&M. If you ask me, the retailer is checking all the boxes this spring, and its selection is so good that it's inspired me to do nearly all my seasonal shopping in one place. A few scrolls through the new-arrivals section confirm that billowy poplin dresses, puff-sleeve tops, relaxed denim, ribbed tanks, linen blazers, and more of the trends on my wish list abound. So without further ado, I'm highlighting the best spring H&M clothing and even providing a little inspiration on how I plan to wear each item and each trend. Happy shopping, friends!

H&M Puff-Sleeved Dress ($30)

The trend: Billowy dresses

How I'd wear it: With chunky sandals and a fun anklet

H&M Loose Straight High Jeans ($40)

The trend: Loose, distressed denim

How I'd wear it: With a simple bodysuit and strappy sandals

H&M Smocked-Waist Jacket ($80)

The trend: Spring suiting

How I'd wear it: With trousers and white sneakers

H&M Ribbed Top ($30)

The trend: Lingerie-inspired details

How I'd wear it: As a layering piece underneath blazers

H&M Shoulder-Pad T-Shirt ($30)

The trend: Strong shoulders

How I'd wear it: Tucked into high-waisted jeans and accessorized with a chunky gold necklace

H&M Linen Shorts ($35)

The trend: Shorts suit

How I'd wear it: With the matching blazer and a basic top

H&M Twill Shacket ($70)

The trend: Utility dressing

How I'd wear it: To add polish to basic bike shorts and leggings à la Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

H&M Draped Satin Top ($25)

The trend: '90s redux

How I'd wear it: With a slip skirt and strappy sandals to channel Dua Lipa at the Grammys

H&M Leather Slides ($50)

The trend: Elevated flip-flops

How I'd wear it: With cozy knitted separates and my entire loungewear wardrobe

H&M Wide-Cut Pants ($60)

The trend: Wide-leg trousers

How I'd wear it: With sleek mules and a poplin blouse

H&M Ribbed Top ($25)

The trend: Asymmetrical necklines

How I'd wear it: With leather Bermuda shorts and square-toe sandals

H&M Linen-Blend Blazer ($35)

The trend: Oversize blazers

How I'd wear it: Thrown over bike shorts and a tank top while I'm still WFH

H&M Denim Bermuda Shorts ($20)

The trend: Bermuda shorts

How I'd wear it: With a racer tank like the model and maybe a bucket hat

H&M Rib-Knit Tank Top ($15)

The trend: Buttery yellow

How I'd wear it: With tailored Bermuda shorts and lace-up sandals

H&M Linen Shirt ($35)

The trend: Oxford shirts

How I'd wear it: Unbuttoned as a light layer atop shorts and tanks or similarly thrown on as a swimsuit cover-up

H&M Glittery Sandals ($18)

The trend: Sporty sandals

How I'd wear it: With track shorts and a fun bikini

H&M Denim Shacket ($35)

The trend: Shackets

How I'd wear it: Over a crisp white tee and classic blue jeans, like the model styled it here

H&M Ribbed Tank Top ($10)

The trend: Ribbed tank tops

How I'd wear it: With long shorts, relaxed jeans, slip skirts—you name it because this little basic goes with everything

H&M Wide High Ankle Jeans ($30)

The trend: Ecru jeans

How I'd wear it: With beige sandals and boxy blazer

H&M Smocked Cotton Dress ($35)

The trend: Smocking

How I'd wear it: With a mini bag and mules

H&M Strappy Sandals ($25)

The trend: Strappy sandals

How I'd wear it: With my favorite jeans, a white T-shirt, and layers of gold jewelry

H&M Silk Camisole Top ($60)

The trend: Square necklines

How I'd wear it: To dress up my joggers because, let's be honest, I haven't worn real pants in days

H&M Rib-Knit Pants ($25)

The trend: Ribbed knits

How I'd wear it: With the matching top and flat slides while I'm chilling around the house

H&M Linen-Blend Shirt ($25)

The trend: Hot pink

How I'd wear it: With only the top few buttons closed and paired with long shorts

H&M Cotton Bucket Hat ($18)

The trend: Bucket hats

How I'd wear it: With all my swimsuits when I'm sitting in the sun

H&M Cotton Poplin Dress ($35)

The trend: Puff sleeves

How I'd wear it: With a woven bag and crafty jewelry

H&M Leather Sandals ($30)

The trend: Toe-ring sandals

How I'd wear it: With spring's billowy dresses

H&M Faux Leather Shirt Jacket ($50)

The trend: Spring leather

How I'd wear it: As a more current alternative to a spring jacket layered over jeans and tees

H&M Pleated Skirt ($25)

The trend: Pleats

How I'd wear it: With crew socks and loafers for that "grandpa" vibe