Fashion Editor H&M Buys: The Best Pieces Under $40

last updated 14 August 2019

Admittedly, I used to overlook H&M, but now it's up there as one of my favorite affordable brands. I find that its clothes and accessories don't tend to date as quickly as other fast fashion brands and that the quality surpasses its affordable price tags. In fact, seldom does a day goes by where I'm not wearing a piece from H&M—and it seems this will continue well into summer, too.

Earlier this week, upon conducting my daily new-in section check of H&M's website, I couldn't help but notice that all of the pieces I was adding to my wish list were not just seasonally appropriate, but each item was also $40 and under. And now that I've safely snapped them up for myself, I've decided to share these style steals with you, too.

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From vacation-ready swimwear that looks significantly more expensive than it actually is to the perfect dresses for sashaying around the city in, keep scrolling to see my edit of the best fashion editor–approved H&M buys.

H&M

Ribbed Bodysuit

This should look so chic with dark denim.

H&M

Pleated Dress

You'd never know this pleated midi was under $40.

H&M

Fine-Knit Cotton Top

This would look super expensive with white jeans.

H&M

Long Earrings

Use these to elevate your summer dresses.

H&M

Wide-Cut Tiered Dress

The ultimate bikini cover-up.

H&M

Balloon-Sleeved Blouse

I've tried this on and can confirm it's even better IRL.

H&M

Loose Straight Jeans

A wardrobe staple if we ever saw one.

H&M

Ribbed Wrap-Front Dress

Wear over jeans for stylish spring layering.

H&M

Rib-Knit Top with Collar

Wear with high-waisted jeans.

H&M

Sandals

I'll be buying these sandals in every colour.

H&M

Wrapover Blouse with Ties

A definite workwear winner.

H&M

Draped Wrap-Front Skirt

Sarong skirts keep the holiday mood going long after your return flight.

H&M

Bandeau Bikini Top

This bikini looks way more expensive than it actually is.

H&M

Cheeky Bikini Bottoms

I rest my case.

H&M

Sunglasses

Who needs designer sunglasses when the high street creates styles as beautiful as this?

H&M

Pleated Skirt

This double-split skirt will become a firm summer staple of mine,

H&M

Paper-Bag Shorts

These shorts will look the part with a white blouse or an oversize blazer.

H&M

Paper Straw Sun Hat

If you don't want to spend lots of money on the wide-brim hat trend this season, start here.

H&M

Shirt Jacket

The ruffle detail on this shirt is lovely.

H&M

Ankle-Length Corduroy Pants

These cords come in tan and cream, too.

H&M

Long Earrings

The finishing touch to a white tee and jeans.

H&M

Hairband with Knot Detail

The antidote to bad hair days.

H&M

Seersucker Top

Prairie tops are all the rage right now.

H&M

Linen-blend Shorts

Tortoiseshell buttons make white staples look even chicer.

H&M

Braided Shoulder Bag

A beautiful addition to any straw-bag collection.

H&M

Top with Smocking

Puffed sleeves for less.

H&M

Striped Wrap-front Dress

This dress was made for summer in the city.

H&M

Smocked Linen-blend Top

Smocking is so chic this season.

H&M

High Leg Swimsuit

And finally, a flattering swimsuit at a decent price.

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.