These Zara and H&M Items Are "Fashion" With a Capital F

last updated 1 July 2021

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Everyone has different approaches to online shopping. Maybe you rely on fast-fashion retailers for your trusty basics and then splurge on special designer pieces, or perhaps it's the reverse. But no matter what you have in mind, there's no denying that massive retailers can be incredibly time-consuming to sift through because of the vast selection.

For this story, I decided to focus on the most fashiony pieces from two of our readers' favorite brands: Zara and H&M. I zeroed in on the items that have something unique about them, whether it's an asymmetric hemline or a bold color. Scroll down to shop my favorite Zara and H&M items that are "fashion" with a capital F.

Zara

The Barrel Fit Pants

Haven't you heard? Celebrities can't get enough of low-rise, baggy pants.

Zara

Geometric Print Shirt Sweater Special Edition

I'm obsessed with this '70s-tinged geometric print.

H&M

Loose-Knit Dress

Crochet is one of summer's coolest yet most wearable trends.

Zara

Satin Effect Print Dress

Halter dresses are surging in popularity right now.

H&M

H&M+ Jacquard-Patterned Dress

This reminds me of Cecilie Bahnsen's pretty confections.

Zara

Pointed Toe Heeled Mules

It's been a long 12 months—it's time to bust our your heels again.

Zara

Multiposition Strap Tank Top

Don't be afraid to turn heads in electric orange.

H&M

Satin Indoor Slides

Hot pink is a major color trend for summer and these $14 sandals are the perfect way try out the look.

Zara

Cut Out Satin Effect Crop Top

This crop top is about to be all over Instagram.

H&M

Platform Sandals

These chunky sandals would look so cute with a floaty dress.

Zara

Pleated Cropped Top

This is giving me Carolyn Bessette vibes.

H&M

Padded Slip-On Sandals

Puffy sandals are extremely popular right now, and H&M's $30 price tag can't be beaten.

Zara

Z1975 High Rise Full Length Jeans

Baggy jeans are unquestionably one of the biggest trends this year.

H&M

Camisole Crop Top

I love a good basic with a twist. This one mimics a bustier but is more comfortable.

Zara

Crocheted Bralette

This crocheted detail is so beautiful and makes this top worthy of a close-up look.

Zara

Asymmetric Sleeve Dress

This dress screams D-R-A-M-A.

H&M

H&M+ Ruffle-Trimmed Dress

The perfect dress to wear to the beach or pool.

Zara

Asymmetrical Satin Effect Top

Try a striking asymmetrical top instead of a dress for your next night out.

Zara

Semi-Sheer Knit Blouse Limited Edition

Sheer tops are always a favorite of fashion insiders.

Zara

Lace Slip Limited Edition

Let your bra show under a sultry lace slip.

Zara

Mini Flare Printed Pants

Who can resist a great coordinating set?

Zara

Sequin Mini Dress

The ultimate going-out dress.

Zara

Striped Halter Top

Don't overlook the halter-top trend, folks.

H&M

Tie-Detail Blouse

This blouse is so polished yet so comfortable.

Zara

Leather Rope Flatform Sandals

Flatforms are still a favorite of fashion girls.

Zara

Crocheted Bralette

You can never go wrong with classic black and white.

H&M

H&M+ Lyocell-Blend Skirt

I'll never get tired of great matching sets.

Zara

Ruffled Poplin Blouse

This corset-like top is giving me Bridgerton vibes.

H&M

Leather Mules

So '90s.

H&M

Crop Top

The pretty detail around the bust takes this white top to the next level.

Zara

Satin Effect Crop Top

Open backs are very much on-trend right now.

H&M

Slides

I have a feeling these slides will sell out incredibly fast.

H&M

H&M+ Hooded Raincoat

Swap your tan trench coat for a pretty gingham version.

H&M

Crocheted Tank Top

Crochet is definitely enjoying a moment in the spotlight this summer.

H&M

Flounced Dress

This fun dress is from the H&M x Brock Collection collaboration.

Zara

Crocheted Top

Not your mom's doily.

Zara

Short Poplin Dress

I love the smocked detail at the waist.

Zara

Crochet Knit Dress

So many fantastic crochet pieces, so little time.

Zara

Quilted Platform Sandals

In case you haven't noticed, platform sandals are all over IG right now.

Zara

Asymmetric Shirt Limited Edition

I love a good twist on a classic work shirt.

H&M

Draped Satin Dress

Summer weddings, anyone?

Zara

Satin Effect Cut Out Dress

This dress touches on the highly popular cutout trend of summer 2021.

H&M

Leather Sandals

The perfect strappy sandals that aren't too high.

H&M

Straight-Cut Jacket

Don't overlook H&M's stellar selection of blazers.

Zara

Wrap Front Bikini Top

You can style this as a bra top under a blazer for a fresh going-out look.

Zara

Poplin Halter Dress

Pretty in pink.

Next, five infallible dress trends you won't regret in 10 years.

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Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 14 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2015, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Kate and Meghan stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible.