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What to Buy at H&M

For years, H&M has been my not-so-secret resource for trend-right pieces and wardrobe fillers. 

You can always depend on them to have a few things to create chic, modern outfits every season without breaking the bank.

And this time of year, when we transition from the holidays to the dark and boring winter, they have several pieces that will perk up your look.

In every What to Buy at, I review each store’s new arrivals; in this case, almost 700 items. 

Of all the retailers we feature, H&M is the one that leaves me cross-eyed.

I was recently ask how long it takes to put together each of our daily post. It varies greatly, but for something like today, where I’m just sourcing one retailer it takes about five hours total, three hours to shop and two hours to build and write the post.

The challenge with H&M is the sheer volume is of merchandise. There’s a lot of chic, fun, and easy-to-incorporate pieces that anyone can wear and prices you can’t beat, but there’s also a sea of bizarre items and oddly styled looks.

But, if you haven’t considered H&M in the past, take a peek at today’s curated round-up. 

And PLEASE do not think you are somehow “too old” to shop here. You can shop wherever you want.

What to Buy at H&M

Regarding sizes, H&M is getting better.

Currently, most of their “standard” sizes include a XXL, which translates to a 22/24 and I find they run true to size.

High-Collar Jumper

Our Wardrobe Challenge started on Friday, so we are in week one, where we start to define your personal style.

And this year I’m seeing SO MANY participants share that they love effortless Parisian style.

In my book nothing is more French-girl than a striped top in any form. Like this high collar style in navy and white, or in a classic ivory and black in XS – XXL for under $50.

Pair with slim bottoms and ballet flats for the perfect everyday outfit.

1

High-Collar Stripe Jumper

H&M

$44.99

Straight jumper in a soft knit with a high, ribbed collar, long, gently flared sleeves and slits in the sides.
In XS -XXL

Bouclé Jacket

Speaking of French style, a boucle jacket, like this black one, paired with anything from straight leg jeans, to coated pants adds a gorgeous touch of depth.

And if you’d like something other than black, this blue and white houndstooth is stunning.

Tip: Don’t let the buttons on jackets and blazers stop you from purchasing if you like everything else. Swapping them out is an easy alteration. You can find metal or tonal ones at your local fabric store or Amazon. Or search Etsy for vintage sets.

2

Bouclé Jacket

H&M

$74.99

Double-breasted jacket in woven, textured bouclé with wool content. Collar, pointed lapels, decorative metal buttons at front, and mock front pockets with flap. Vent at back. Satin lining.

Available in XS – XL

Mohair-Blend Sweater

A sweet sweater, perfect for Valentine’s Day.

The length is short (it’s NOT cropped) and the sleeves are long. Pair with any high waisted bottom.

3

Mohair-Blend Sweater

H&M

$64.99

Short sweater in a soft knit made from a mohair and wool blend. Round neckline, dropped shoulders, and long sleeves with slit at cuffs. Ribbing at neckline, cuffs, and hem.

Tie-Belt Shirt Dress

I’ve always loved a shirt dress. Their just and easy, one-piece outfit.

This one has a sophisticated pattern, grounded in black, making it easy to pair with a shoe/boot/bag. Available in XS – XXL.

I like a midi length dress with a boot, when the top of the hem of the skirt skims the top of the boot.

Since I’m tall (5’10) I don’t usually need an hem, but please consider a simple alteration if this feels too long. You have a lot of power over your clothes and can make a relatively inexpensive piece feel custom for just a small charge.

You can also swap out the matching tie belt with a black one to upgrade even more.

4

Tie-Belt Dress

H&M

$39.99

Calf-length dress in woven fabric with a collar, buttons down the front and a detachable tie belt at the waist. Long sleeves and wide cuffs with a slit and button. Unlined.

Narrow Belt

Like this thin belt, with gold hardware.

Available in black or brown, for just $13.

5

Narrow Belt

H&M

$13.00

Narrow belt with a metal buckle. Width 1/2 in.

Sports Anorak

One thing about me is that I will always buy the fleece.

This one is available in a striking red and tan or all white in XS -XXL. It’s just the thing to wear working from home, in your leggings and UGG slippers.

6

Sports Anorak

H&M

$64.99

Regular-fit sports anorak in soft, warm teddy fleece with sections in quilted, woven fabric. Lined hood with drawstring and cord stoppers at front. Half-zip, heavily dropped shoulders, and long sleeves. Large front pocket with flap and concealed zipper, side pockets with zipper, and ribbing at cuffs and hem.

Jacquard-Knit Sweater

While I can ski, I don’t enjoy it. Like, not even a little bit.

But I LOVE everything around skiing: dinner, drinks, fireplaces, and outfits. I love that you can wear outfits you might not necessarily wear at home.

Like this borderline ridiculous but totally fabulous patterned sweater. Available in XS – XL.

So while my family throws themselves down black diamonds, I’m happily reading a book by a fire, in my cute sweater.

7

Jacquard-Knit Sweater

H&M

$49.99

Soft, jacquard-knit sweater with wool content. Round neckline, long sleeves, and ribbing at neckline, cuffs, and hem.

Fluffy Headband

And speaking of ridiculous, I immediately ordered this to go with the sweater.

8

Fluffy Headband

H&M

$12.00

Headband in soft, fluffy fabric with covered elastic at back. Lined.

Double-Breasted Coat

I have long loved the coats at H&M. They are stylish and affordable, making them an ideal “outfit” coat.

Every season I buy at least one.

And I adore this pretty pink top coat that can take us right into a chilly spring paired with light tone neutrals.

Available in XS – XXL, also available in blue.

9

Double-Breasted Coat

H&M

$84.99

Ankle-length coat in woven, textured fabric made from a cotton blend. Notched lapels, buttons at front, and diagonal welt front pockets. Dropped shoulders and long sleeves. Vent at back. Lined.

Lace Trim Cami

I was getting dressed for dinner the other night, and put on a cardigan that I could have worn as just a sweater if I had a simple lace trimmed cami.

It was just a little too low to wear alone, and when pair with my standard, neutral-to-me tank, looked unfinished.

So ordered several of these, them come in seven colors, and I scooped up all the neutrals, available in XS – XXL.

10

Lace Trim Cami

H&M

$24.99

Camisole top in jersey. Extra-narrow shoulder straps and low-cut, lace-trimmed V-neck at front and back.

What to Buy at H&M
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MEET THE AUTHOR

Megan Kristel

Megan Kristel is an entrepreneur, working mom, and former personal stylist. Tired of the one-dimensional portrayal of women online, she founded The Well Dressed Life as a resource for other professional women.

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Susan

Saturday 14th of January 2023

FYI if you want to share. If you’re an H&M member you can get 20% off the Boucle Jacket right now so it’s only $60! Grabbed mine!

Megan Kristel

Sunday 15th of January 2023

Thank you!

Tracy Gray

Monday 22nd of August 2022

I love all of your posts and have made some great purchases. But for some reason I can’t get the correct size at H&M. I love some of the ideas you have presented but for some reason as a petite size I can never get the right fit. But I’m going to check out a couple of the suggestions you presented and fingers crossed I can find a great fit. Thank you! I look forward to your posts.

Samantha

Tuesday 8th of February 2022

Your comment about the baseball hat reminded me of something I'd love to request - how to look pulled together while out watching those sports games. I also spend my weekends at my kids' games, but I'm just never sure of what to wear. I love the concept of athleisure, but sometimes it's just not feeling pulled together enough. Suggestions would be so welcomed!

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 9th of February 2022

Aw, yes, welcome to every one of my weekends in the spring :) I try to keep it simple and practical. I LOVE layering a vest, like the amazon essential one, or a denim jacket over a hoodie, cute sneakers, fun sunglasses. It's the details that will make you feel pulled together. :)

Barb

Monday 7th of February 2022

Learned something I was not aware of today, so thank you. I did not realize H&M, carried petite sizing, so good for me and I appreciate pointing out that information. Any time I have been in the store I have been impressed with their options. Thanks.

Megan Kristel

Monday 7th of February 2022

I'm glad it was a helpful tip. I do hope that they continue to expand their assortment in both plus and petite, but it's a good start :)

Judy

Monday 22nd of November 2021

I took your advice in the Spring and shopped (online) at H&M. I was really impressed with the quality of the pieces I chose, and I love that you have featured them again. You make my shopping so easy and I really appreciate that!

Megan Kristel

Monday 22nd of November 2021

So happy to hear that Judy! Thank you!

Meg H.

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Thank you, Dawn—good ideas! Congrats on “rounding the end of menopause.” That gives me hope!

Dawn Price

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

I'm responding to Meg, I'm finally rounding the end of menopause and went years without turtlenecks and big woolly sweaters (my fave things to wear!!!) I got through it by wearing sleeveless tops and shelf bra camisoles, the cotton knit kind. I'm small up top so just put bra liners in side the shelf bra instead of trying to wear a bra with the cami's. Bra's for some reason just added to the misery. They also make camisoles with underwire bras built in. I also had a selection of sleeveless mock turtlenecks. With something like that underneath a shirt, jacket or light sweater then it was easy to take off and still look dressed.

JKF

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Anthropology

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

That's a GREAT idea! Adding it to the list.

Meg Hatch

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Hello Megan,

I really appreciate your approach to shopping and getting dressed. With your help, I have upgraded my wardrobe some without spending too much money. I’ve gotten compliments from friends whose style I admire. Thank you!

I’d like to add one point/request. Most of the sweaters you’re showing are things I totally would have bought 3 years ago—I love how they look. However, I’m in my mid-50s and am going through menopause, with hot flashes hitting me numerous times a day. Consequently, I can’t even think about turtlenecks 😢 and pullover sweaters. I have to wear things I can take off quickly, like cardigans and jackets. I may be in the minority among your readers, but I just thought I’d throw that request into the mix.

Thank you for your good work!

Meg

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Thanks Meg! And absolutely, I'm trying to figure out to set up the site so those items are easier for you to find and not "hidden" in individual posts.

Tanya V

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

I love your blog ...and I still find shopping challenging. I went into H&M yesterday and tried on your suggestions which look amazing on a long, lithe figure but ridiculous on a shorter, hour glass figure with broad shoulders. ☹️ So sad. And frustrating. All of the festive sweaters incorporated similar shoulder enhancing features.

Can you recommend another store that carries lines more appropriate to those of us needing a more tailored cut? I’m partial to Diane Lane’s classic looks, eg in Paris Can Wait. Thanks! Tanya

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Thanks Tanya, H&M isn't going to be for everyone - but I so appreciate you trusting my recommendations. I'll have more stores coming soon!

carmen

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

So glad that I am not the only one feeling that way at Nordy's! My husband and I have been customers for over 30 years and have gone from wanting to buy too much, to not finding anything we want to buy. The only problem is that we can't find any other options. Also, I agree with the previous post about petites, they now "mix them in" with the other sizes and departments - who has time for that! Love your idea about shopping different stores to see what works and what doesn't, it will help expand my horizons. Thank you!

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

I can't believe they moved the petite department. So disappointing. Stay tuned for more recommendations ;)

JoAnn

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

Thank you for giving reasonable expectations.

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Thank you!!!

Terri

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

Great ideas!! What would you wear with the sequin tops.

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

I am going to wear it with dark jeans and heels, I also tried it on with velvet ankle pants and black pumps and it looks adorable.

Abby

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

I live near the King of Prussia mall as well and had almost the same exact experience at Nordstrom’s recently. In addition to finding out they completely eliminated their petite department - there was just nothing! I haven’t tried anything from H &M before- thanks for your suggestions!

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Thanks Abby! I'm happy to hear I'm not the only one underwhelmed by Nordstrom lately. Try just a few things at H&M, it's not for everyone but can help fill that trendy/casual void so many of us have.

Petunia

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

Happy Birthday! I loved this post, thank you! As a woman in my 40’s I’m not ready to be dowdy but I’m also not about to wear sequined shorts out and about. Practical, I appreciate that you share your size with us: it helps me understand how the clothes will look.

Megan Kristel

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Thank you so much! Do dowdy duds here :)

Karen

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

Thank you for the H & M tips, I always go in with my daughter (26) and being over 40 not sure what to get, but the neutral idea is just my style.

Janice Fontanetti

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

TJ Max!

Eileen

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

I feel the same, overwhelmed. I hope Nordstrom takes note of your observations, the quality has gone down unfortunately.

Lisa

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

This is a great idea for a series, I look forward to more! Some shops I like are LOFT, J Crew & Banana Republic. Something I'm struggling with right now is pants. It's winter where I live which means ice and snow so heels are not always a practical option. I like ankle pants but don't know how to style boots with them. Flats work but my feet get cold. The struggle is real...lol!

Diane Buchanan

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

Laughed when I saw the shorts...maybe if you are performing at Vegas!

Sarah E Shah

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

Boden!

Megan Kristel

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

Great idea! I'll do a feature on them soon :)

Keely

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

I agree with the the previous comment. Not sure why shopping has become so overwhelming.. thank you for recognition this. I am so glad to know that this is felt thanmore than myself . Thank you for helping with the editing and streamlined suggestions.

Jen

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

This is so right up my alley! I am mostly disappointed any time I venture into a Nordstrom and get so overwhelmed by the sometimes bizarre choices (hello, those shorts!) mixed in with the other stuff that I give up. It takes a lot for me to enter a mall these days lol! I'm glad I'm not the only one who faces this, I wondered if it was me just getting older and more cranky or what!

Thanks for this, Megan, I'll look forward to this new series! You'll be saving me lots of time and frustration! -Jen