My 2026 Wardrobe Needs an Elegant Update—9 Zara and H&M Buys That Hit the Mark

Zara and H&M have released the most elegant new-in buys. From chic coats to sophisticated denim, explore the elegant high-street buys here.

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Woman wears burgundy blazer, burgundy tailored trousers; woman wears black wrap blazer and black trousers; woman wears off shoulder white top, black skirt and black heels
(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Now that we’re firmly in the 2026 flow of things, I’m turning my attention to refining my capsule wardrobe. This doesn’t call for a complete overhaul, just simple yet effective updates that have an immediate impact. Think a great coat to throw over your most worn outfit, a sculptural top to pair with trusted denim or a fresh skirt to revitalise day or night looks. Just a few small tweaks are all my wardrobe needs for an instant infusion of elegance. Now, Zara and H&M have settled into a distinctly elevated mood for 2026.

Woman wears black bomber jacket and barrel-leg jeans

H&M Barrel Leg High Waist Jeans (£25)

(Image credit: H&M)

If your personal style is centred around themes of elegance and polish, then you may be surprised to know that the high street has an array of expensive-looking buys ready to be found. Unearthing them through the mass of new-in buys requires a certain amount of time and patience. I’ve hunted through a series of fresh buys, focusing solely on the pieces that have a particular refined feel. It can be found in the cut of a neckline, the drape of a trouser, or the finer pleating on a versatile skirt. These little details are the ones that have serious luxury appeal, even when the price tag is much more affordable.

To lean into the mood of elegance this year, I’ve handpicked a selection of outerwear from the staple coat to see you through the consistently cool days, to lighter jackets that just require a little layering to see you into spring. Of course, hero buys like tailored trousers and striking jeans find themselves within this curated edit, along with a mix of cosy knits and refined tops. One simple edition can breathe new life into longstanding looks, or a selection of pieces can be mixed and matched for a renewed capsule wardrobe with serious designer appeal. Nine pieces in particular have made their way onto my wish list, but I couldn’t help but find a few more standout buys that won’t be around when February arrives.

Shop the Most Elegant Buys At Zara and H&M Right Now

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Florrie Alexander
Florrie Alexander
Shopping Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content. Over eight years of fashion industry experience, Florrie has honed her skills from styling e-commerce photoshoots to personal shopping. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer. Now, as the Shopping Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them.