The Best Affordable Summer Fashion Items to Shop at H&M Right Now

last updated 25 May 2024

model with bangs sitting on the rocks by the ocean wearing chic black H&M swimwear and skirt, and silver jewelry

Something extra-good is going on at H&M right now. I'll admit, I’m typically more tempted by the retailer’s sister stores, & Other Stories and COS—particularly the latter, which is extra dangerous since they opened a brick and mortar store right near by apartment. (To be fair, my dog drags me in there because she knows the staff will give her treats, so they do have an unfair advantage.)

I first noticed all the goodness when I innocently browsed H&M for another story I was writing, and discovered what turned out to be some extremely chic one-piece swimwear (black, smocked, under-$50). Then, the homepage informed me that there’s a dress situation that deserved my attention, and down the rabbit hole I went. Feel free to join me, if you’re on the hunt for some affordable buys for this season—I'm telling you, H&M is truly thriving this summer.

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Padded Wrap Bikini Top

With a black skirt and silver jewelry, as above.

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Rectangular Sunglasses

This will not be the last pair of sunglasses I share today.

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Shopper

An east-west shopper, you say!

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Leather Sandals

They also come in black, but this deep burgundy sandal feels extra on-trend.

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Loose-Knit Beach Dress

I'd believe you if you said this was 10 times the price.

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Printed T-Shirt

This entire outfit, please.

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Gold-Plated Pearl Necklace

The finishing touch to all my favorite summer looks.

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Smocked High-Leg Swimsuit

The perfect, minimalist swimwear that started this whole journey.

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Straw Shopper

Also comes in a sandier hue, but I love this warmer option.

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Eyelet Embroidered Beach Shirt

Love an eyelet shirt.

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Beach Shorts With Eyelet Embroidery

It would be rude not to snap up the matching shorts.

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Pleated Chiffon Skirt

Eagerly awaiting this long-line vest and sandal to drop, because I would wear this entire look.

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Ribbed Tank Top

This racer-back tank with slicked back hair and gold earrings.

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Fluted Earrings

Like these.

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Cluster Earrings

Or these!

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Sweatshirt

Love a sporty sweater.

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Oval Sunglasses

Such a luxe frame shape.

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Non-Padded Balconette Bikini Top

Bless the brands that offer non-padded bikini tops.

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Cheeky Bikini Bottoms

Bottoms to match.

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Pointelle Jersey Pajamas

These look so soft.

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Knee-Length Twill Shorts

Are we doing the long short thing?

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High-Leg Swimsuit

The straight neckline and double straps feel very designer.

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Gathered One-Shoulder Dress

Carrie Bradshaw knocking on the window of the restaurant, but in this dress.

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Cotton Maxi Dress

Or if breezy and flowy is more the vibe.

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Small Shoulder Bag

Just the perfect little summer sling bag.

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Anklet

Every summer I remember how much I love an anklet.

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Muslin Pull-On Pants

When it's super hot, these are the pants you want to wear.

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Muslin Bathrobe

Also, a muslin robe for summer is so under-rated.

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Linen-Blend Maxi Dress

Was just reading a story about the pale pink dress trend, and here we are.

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Smocked-Bodice Dress

A summer essential.

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Crêped Skirt

For my '90s babes.

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Linen-Blend Pants

For the office or the weekend.

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One-Shoulder Top

One-shoulder tops (and swimwear) are high on my list.

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Light Shape One-Shoulder Swimsuit

Right?

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Wavy-Brim Straw Hat

Love an imperfect brim.

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Cotton T-Shirt

Euro-inspired tees are my love language.

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Crêpe Peplum Top

The gentle details feel luxe.

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Pendant Necklace

Another sweet little summery touch.

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Crop Pull-On Pants

Exactly what I wear most days.

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Long Linen Shirt

Everything here is working for me.

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Belted Pull-On Shorts

She's busy in those belted shorts.

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Pointelle-Knit Dress

Peak summer.

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Heeled Strappy Sandals

A strappy black sandal to get you through this summer's events.

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Halterneck Swimsuit

Happily adding more and more brown to my closet.

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High Waist Hot Pants

A little boost for your summer workout by way of these red shorts.

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Ribbed Tank Top

H&M always with the great ribbed tanks.

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Linen Shirt

It's the sleeve length here.

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Natalie leads the style direction for the all content we create in partnership with our friends at various brands plus the legendary team of editors who work on those shoots and stories. She loves collaborating and storytelling, so it's a really fun role for her. It's also the first full-time job she's ever had⁠! She started out in her career as a very mediocre model who agreed to her first styling job to impress a photographer she had a crush on, which led her down a happy path of contributing to Vogue Australia and working as a stylist, fashion writer, and creative director for all sorts of brands and titles. She has a bachelor of communications, but most of her career opportunities came up thanks to some fleeting and accidental street style moments. She's been at Who What Wear for three and a half years and still loves to work as a freelance consultant with brands and designers to shoot their campaigns in NYC. She's originally from New Zealand, and Bondi Beach is her second home, but like just about every other 20-something, she fell in love with New York at some point. She lives in Williamsburg with her fiancé and their weird little dog, Ruby. If you ever need reccies for feel-good fashion, legit coffee spots, politics podcasts, or non-intimidating yoga studios, she's very much your girl.