With floaty spring outfits on my mind, Mirror writer Harriet Morphy-Morris headed into store in a bid to update my wardrobe from linen waistcoats, cropped trench coats, and balloon sleeve tops
Like many fashion lovers, this week’s spot of sunnier weather has got me spontaneously switching out my winter warmers to lighter layers, although bar a couple of recent ASOS splurges and Levi treats I realised my spring wardrobe is looking pretty sparse. So I headed off to H&M to find affordable, yet trendy, staples.
And while seasonal sales are still running I grasped the opportunity to browse the newer spring stock in my nearest H&M store, something polar opposite to my usual online shopping at Zara and Mango that often turns into a pile of returns. While I was certain it would be tricky to find the current 50% price drops hidden among the in-store rails, I did walk out with five new spring favourites I’d have never picked had I not tried them on first.
If you had to describe my style there’d only be one word: capsule. While I am a fan of statement prints and the rising balloon shirt trend (need I say Ganni puff-sleeve) I always sway for items I can switch up no matter the weather and a pretty basic colour palette – an assortment of white, black, grey, and neutral beige along with my soft spot for khaki-green.
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So I made it my mission to try and pick spring items with a more statement look, with emphasis on try, think statement linen trousers and light pastel prints although I have to say I did find it pretty tricky. And it was a breeze to find airy, layerable linen pieces. Within the first five minutes of browsing in the store, I realised pretty quickly the benefits of being able to see clothes in person.
My first spot was this white linen blouse, it stood out to me straight away as a perfect fit with light jeans. An airy shirt, with a simple tie, is certainly something we’re seeing become popular this April, although I think for the UK weather these may make more of a statement in warmer summer.
It didn’t take me long to spot a waistcoat either which I wasn’t surprised about, I’ve seen the high-up on influencers’ must-haves, Looxlikecarrie is just one of my faves. There are options available to buy seemingly everywhere too from COS to M&S and even Primark, but this £16 one from H&M felt super-luxurious.
It’s not something I’d have picked for myself if choosing online, but I did like the look of it. I already had floaty wide-leg trousers on which I could see working with the top, if I added a belt in between, or if not I’d take inspo from the model online. A long maxi white skirt, waistcoat, and trainers would look effortless yet put together.
Something I didn’t try on with either white linen number, which I regret doing, is my new favourite floaty pants. I may be ‘delulu’ but in my head, these zebra-print inspired trousers would also fit with either the white puffy blouse or linen waistcoat – if you’re in need of a city look. If not, then of course these would look great poolside over a bikini with a thick pair of slides, a pick which may prove to be quite versatile, a favourite for my capsule-loving self.
Speaking of all-round winners my fourth pick is by far my favourite, this ‘trench-look jacket’. Anyone close to me would say this is a no-brainer for me thanks to its gorgeous colour. Before I took it to the changing rooms to try it on I did immediately think of Molly-Mae and the trendy Khaki oversized trench coat from her PLT collection – this £38 H&M option is a lot lighter for spring, and if you’re short like me (5ft3) the cropped look isn’t too ‘swallowing’.
I personally love the dark khaki colour but considering I went in on a mission to upgrade my spring looks this may be too dark for some, I’m still going to wear it throughout (I don’t care) but it would have been nice to see a lighter beige, cream, white or even pastel option.
That’s the same tune for my next two picks some fashion experts may say are too muted for what we’d usually associate with spring; bright florals, pastels, pinks, lilacs and sage green. H&M however, has seemingly chosen to keep a full stock of darker greys.
There were rows of varying bomber jackets to choose from, like the above black textured bomber jacket, but having seen it in person I wouldn’t be put off by the autumn wintery colour. We all know our weather isn’t tropical, even in the height of spring, this £44 jacket would be perfect to throw on (with jeans, a white crop top and trainers) when it’s a tad chilly. It also wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for some to pull this off with a satin maxi skirt.
I say wear what makes you feel good, even if it’s not stereotypically considered to be in-trend for the current season. That’s where we get onto my last pick this textured cardigan. Another hugely popular item soaring among shoppers. Just recently, a similar style from River Island went viral with many people calling it the new ‘rich girl’ look for less.
When trying it on it did feel good quality, and I think when paired right, so with an office fit, it could make any basic trousers look more highend, especially if you’re going to add in a pair of elegant ballet flats. It wasn’t my cup of tea, personally, but I can see it being a huge seller this season, and for less than £20 I don’t think you can go wrong.
More spring-ready pieces can be found at River Island.
