I Snuck Into H&M on My Lunch Break—These 16 Trendy Pieces Came Home With Me

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1648068049056-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

I shop online a lot. It's part of the job as Who What Wear's fashion market editor. Every day, I scour the internet to unearth the best new-season fashion finds that are trendy, cool, and worthy of your money. While most of my days are spent finding market picks on the computer, personally, I still love going into a physical store IRL to browse, feel, and try on clothes firsthand.

Lucky for me, I live just five minutes away from many of the big brands and retailers, so this week—with a burning desire to stock up on some fresh spring finds—I decided to sneak into H&M on my lunch break and see what trendy new-season pieces were calling my name. I was specifically looking for items that look luxe and feel on-trend this season.

Of course, the one drawback of shopping in-store is that the full online selection isn't on the racks, but below, I'm sharing some of my favorite finds that I tried and loved and that made it home with me just in time for spring.

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647889090466-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Okay, how chic are these pants? It's all about loose, tailored trousers this season, and this pair fits the bill perfectly. They flow beautifully and look way more expensive than their price tag. I always size up in H&M since the brand's pieces tend to run small. (I'm usually a size 2/4, and these are a 6.) 

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647889256250-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647890122415-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

This tank happens to look great with the above pants. I already have a ton of white tanks, so this hue feels fresh for spring/summer.

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647892029484-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Nothing puts me in a springtime mood quite like a pop of color. Orange happens to be one of this season's biggest color trends, and this sweater is the perfect statement piece to take on the trend. The pointelle knitting is so pretty. Style it with these cool geometric shades I found in the accessory section.

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647892325998-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

A trench is always a solid investment. This longline oversize version in an ecru hue feels modern and cool. I would recommend sizing down for this one.

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647893393071-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Relaxed, loose jeans are sticking around this season and the next. (They were all over the recent fall/winter 2022 runways.) These are a great affordable option that not only looks cool but is also super comfortable.

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647894035232-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

I love the preppy silhouette of this knit halter-neck dress. This also comes in a chic brown hue that I was close to buying, too, but this fun print called to me. I can see myself wearing it with minimalist white flat sandals for my upcoming summer getaways.

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647894549365-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

I have a soft spot for oversize stripe shirts, and H&M happens to do them really well. This pink button-down is perfect for spring and would look just as good styled with loose trousers as it would over a bikini. 

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647895488867-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

I also really love this blue one. It's super versatile and effortless.

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647896418705-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

There is something about high-waisted long white shorts that always looks so elegant yet effortless. This lyocell-blend pair feels luxe and is super versatile—ideal for styling with tanks, tees, button-downs, and blouses.

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647895626784-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

I love this time of year when I'm switching from a puffer jacket to a lightweight quilted topper. This oversize option feels of-the-moment and will be easy to throw on over, well, everything!

Shop similar:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647896744230-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

I may be skipping spring and going straight to summer here, but this white strapless dress made from a luxe-feeling textured fabric is going to be the first dress I'll be wearing poolside on my upcoming summer vacation. The bandeau sweetheart neckline has been spotted everywhere lately.

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647897754504-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

I never visit H&M without taking a quick look at its blazers. The brand always has chic, expensive-looking styles. This one feels modern and not like any other in my current blazer collection.

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647900527281-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

Cutouts are having a major moment right now, and this cute cropped top is an easy and affordable way to take on the trend. Style it with a pair of high-waisted black trousers for a chic look.

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647898377589-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

H&M has some chic-looking mules right now. This cushy knot detail looks so elevated.

Shop:

expensive-looking-hm-fashion-298706-1647898599133-main

(Image credit: @joiedejude)

I also love the simplicity and versatility of this walkable pair.

Shop:

Up next, I Just Created 8 Spectacular Spring Outfits From Nordstrom for Under $300

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.