My French Friend Swears By H&M's Expensive-Looking Basics—9 Staples She’s Currently Stocking Up On
From tailored trousers to timeless knits, these are the H&M staples that make outfits look polished.
I’d be lying if I said I don’t—rather impatiently—wait for H&M’s Studio collection to drop every single season. Why? Because it has an uncanny ability to capture the mood of the moment, feels leagues more elevated than the brand’s mainline offering, and yet remains accessible enough to fit neatly into a February budget. Alongside the headline Studio collection, H&M also releases Studio Essentials, a tightly curated edit of capsule wardrobe staples designed to slot seamlessly into everyday dressing. And this season, the offering feels unmistakably French.
From perfectly cut straight-leg jeans and sharply tailored trousers to shirts that fit just right and lightweight cashmere cardigans ideal for the transition into spring, there’s a certain je ne sais quoi running through the entire collection. Each piece feels as though it belongs on the quietly chic streets of Paris, understated, effortless and considered, so it's no surprise my most elegant French friend rely on H&M's elevated basics to look instantly chic all year round.
What ties it all together is a shared design language: clean lines, minimal detailing and a refined, ’90s-leaning sensibility that feels both timeless and current. It’s the kind of collection that doesn’t shout, but quietly elevates every outfit you build around it.Keep scrolling to shop the most French-coded H&M pieces worth adding to your wardrobe right now.
Shop The Best French H&M Pieces
The v-neck is the silhouette of spring 2026. Layer a tee or shirt underneath, teamed with denim and loafers for a fresh, transitional look.
Sharp, polished and endlessly wearable, these trousers bring a tailored feel to everyday outfits. Ideal for work, weekends and everything in between.
Elegant and easy, these flats bring a subtle, Parisian feel to everyday outfits. Ideal with jeans, trousers or dresses.
Soft, lightweight and quietly luxurious, this knit is ideal for bridging the gap between winter and spring.
There's nothing chicer than a beige jean for spring.
From the shape to the finish, this is bag is everything.
Jacket season is almost upon us, and I'll be reaching for this sumptuous suede silhouette till July.
H&M's best-selling wide-leg jeans in deep indigo.
A clean, classic straight-leg silhouette that sits neatly between relaxed and tailored.
A well-cut shirt that feels instantly pulled together. Wear it tucked into trousers for a more tailored look, or loose with denim for effortless, Parisian-coded ease.
Add some edge to your spring wardrobe with this minimal leather jacket. Ideal for transitional weather.
If you add one pair of jeans in your wardrobe this spring, make it H&M's stovepipe jeans.
The perfect foundation to every outfit.
Soft enough for everyday wear, but sharp enough to elevate even the simplest outfits, it’s a true wardrobe workhorse.
The same French-leaning straight-leg silhouette in a perfect light wash denim.
Lightweight yet polished, this silk top layers beautifully under jackets now and works just as well on its own as the weather warms.
Court shoes with a slight open-toe twist, these feel unmistakably French.
A great spring bag.
These will be the hardest-working trousers in your wardrobe.
A chic alternative to classic tops, this expensive-looking polo feels fresh and refined.
Prediction: lace-trimmed skirt will be so big again this spring.
A forever blazer, this will slot seamlessly into your spring wardrobe.
Practical yet refined, this structured tote is designed for busy days.
