Suddenly, H&M's New-In Section Has Become Incredibly Elegant—17 Pieces That Prove It

If understated, elegant, or expensive-looking are words that arise when you think of your personal style, then you've come to the right place. With a new year ahead, I've been considering how my wardrobe will fare through the upcoming seasons and the fresh wave of trends, and in turn, have found myself looking to refined classics that always look the part. Over the years, minimalism has never been far from fashion conversations, and has recently established itself even further as a reliable starting point for a highly chic yet hardworking wardrobe. From high-end designers to high street favourites, designers across the board continue to turn their hand to understated designs, and for those working with a budget, the pared-back approach hold their place for the simple fact that they can look so luxurious, even without a luxury price tag. One brand that knows that better than anyone else is H&M.

The Scandi brand consistently shows that it's ahead of the curve with the latest trending pieces, but if you know where to look, there's always a selection of incredibly considered styles for the more understated dresser. Minimalism isn't simply about toning down the colourway, but instead increasing the focus on the pillars of design: silhouette, texture and cut. And that's how H&M gets it so right with the pieces below.

In this edit, you'll find a hand-picked selection of minimalist staples. Some designs are true to the classics, like the perfect pair of black knee-high boots or sharp cut tailored trousers, ensuring their timelessness and versatility in styling. Others take the classic blueprint and slightly tweak it, whether that's a padded shoulder added to a reliable denim shirt, or a collarless finish to a sophisticated coat. Whichever approach is taken, each piece has been chosen for its ability to make various elegant outfits, outlast flash-in-the-pan trends, and bring an effortless ease to elegant dressing.

Keep scrolling to explore the best minimalist staples at H&M for 2026.

Shop the Best H&M Minimalist Staples for 2026