Welcome to The Great Try-On. With autumn well and truly in the air, we seized the opportunity to try on some of the best new-in pieces from some of your favourite brands, documenting the process along the way. We believe that the best way to shop online is to see an item IRL and to read candid reviews, so we hope that this leads you to your most successful purchases of the year.
H&M has been a high-street go-to for me for many, many years, and it's been interesting to see how it's developed as a brand over this time. H&M's aesthetic has gradually gravitated towards a more simplistic approach, focusing more on minimal, elevated basics, dominant in neutral colour palettes. Although H&M isn't my first stop when I'm looking for one-of-a-kind statement pieces, one thing I do love about H&M is that you'll always be able to find key staples that you love renewed year after year.
It's been a while since I've thoroughly combed through all that H&M has to offer, so I was excited at the prospect of heading into my local store to try on the new pieces that stood out to me, all as part of our series The Great Try-On. For my turn in the changing room, I was on the lookout for standout knitwear, cool tailoring and outerwear pieces up to the challenge of transitioning into autumn and winter. Of course, there were inevitably some pieces I wasn't blown away by, but no one walks into a store and loves everything they see, do they? Still, there were several pieces that impressed me. Below, I've narrowed down seven key H&M finds I'd add to my wardrobe in a flash.
1. Rib-Knit Dress
My Review: What is an autumn/winter wardrobe without a collection of knitted dresses? From the side split to the V-neck, voluminous raglan sleeves and ribbed detailing, this dress has a lot going on, but somehow, you look effortlessly put together in it. The quality is great and feels super warm and cosy despite not containing much wool. I’m not typically one to wear anything with a V-neckline, but I couldn’t resist this, as it’s super flattering! The oatmeal colour makes this a versatile buy, too. For a more polished look, I’d perhaps style these with a pair of knee-high boots, but they look just as good styled with cool trainers. Another thing to note is that I’m 5’4", so the dress naturally fell a little longer on me compared to how it fits on the model wearing it online. Just something to consider if you add to your basket.
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Try belting this if you prefer more defined silhouettes.
No look is complete without a chic earring situation.
2. Puffer Gilet
A gilet works as the perfect transitional outerwear piece for autumn, and every year, I will without a doubt fall in love with at least one. This year, it happens to be this puffer style in an irresistible rich forest green. At first glance, it looks pretty simple and basic, but once it’s on, it really does add an effortlessly cool element to a casual look. In regard to sizing, I think the bigger, the better with this one.
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This comes in three other chic colours.
H&M is my go-to for oversized shirts.
No, that price isn't a typo.
3. The Checked Blazer
If you scroll through my Instagram profile, it won’t take you long to realise that I am an avid blazer wearer. This blazer, in particular, is definitely a statement piece with its multicoloured checked pattern. A blazer is an item of clothing H&M does pretty well, too. Personally, I would love to see more styles with a lot more structure. For those who love a matching set, this has a coordinating miniskirt, too!
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This in no way looks high-street.
H&M always delivers on incredible leather separates.
4. The Leather Loafers
When it comes to flat shoes, I’m definitely a loafer type of girl. For me, they've become the ideal shoe for when I want to look polished and well put together without reaching for a pair of heels. Chunky loafers have been the talk of the town this year, and I’m pretty sure they’ll be trending well into the next. I love the fact that these loafers aren’t too heavy but still have a good height to them. They were very easy to slip on and off and probably won’t need much time to break in. They also come in patent leather if that's more your style.
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Tap into the low-rise denim trend with this pair.
You'll be hard pressed to find a better pair of loafers for this price.
5. The Shacket
I've always liked the idea of a shacket (a cross between a shirt and jacket) but have never really explored this category of outerwear. When I walked into the store, I was drawn to this checked monochrome number in particular, which would be perfect to wear casually on a daily basis with basics such as a turtleneck top and jeans or a plain midi skirt. Due to its thick, felted material, this is definitely a piece that can get you through autumn and also winter with some decent layering.
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This will look great paired with pleated midi skirts, too.
I see so many people in these jeans. Now, I understand the hype.
6. The Matching Suit
As we've established, I love a blazer, so my gravitating towards another one was inevitable. This time, I managed to find a matching suit. The blazer has a slight hourglass cut to it, which I absolutely love and found very flattering on my shape. The trousers are a straight cut, but I would have preferred if they were in a wide-leg style. I think this two-piece would be best suited (pun very much intended) for a formal occasion, such as going to the office or an interview. Styling the pieces separately definitely expands the number of places or events I would wear this to.
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Honestly, this blazer looks so much more expensive than it is.
I make a point of buying matching pieces whenever they're available.
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