You know what’s fun? Going into H&M and finding loads of magical, expensive-looking things that cost less than half a month’s rent. Like these cropped pants. Or, we imagine, the entirety of its soon-to-drop English-countryside-invoking Erdem collab. It’s a happy reminder that good fashion doesn’t have to break the bank.
That said, over the next month or so, prepare to spend all your cash chez Hennes & Mauritz — not because prices are rising, but due to the sheer volume of good things to come. In addition to its newly released Fall 2017 Studio collection and the aforementioned Erdem capsule (out November 2), today the Swedish mega-retailer launched its latest eco-friendly effort, a limited-edition denim line known as the Close the Loop collection.
A little background: in recent times, H&M has devoted itself to making its business model more sustainable (as all fast-fashion brands ought). You’re probably familiar with its “take-back” program, which allows customers to drop off unwanted apparel (of any brand) at its stores. H&M then recycles these materials itself.
The new denim line is made from 20 percent recycled materials sourced from these cast-aside clothes — hence the name Close the Loop. The other 80 percent is organic cotton fibers from the Better Cotton Initiative because, apparently, H&M doesn’t yet have the technology to produce clothes made exclusively from recycled fibers. (The retailer promises that by 2030, all of its products will be made primarily from sustainable or recycled materials.)
The capsule itself is well-tailored and trendy: there’s a cute center-zip pencil skirt, a pair of O-ring zip overalls, jeans in various in-demand silhouettes and — it being the age of Rihanna — an oversized denim jacket. (Expect to spend around $45 on each.) Shop the new line in the slideshow below, and while you’re at it, pick up some handy styling tips care of the Spring 2018 runways.
[ via Refinery29 ]
H&M Sustainable Denim
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High Waist Culottes
High Waist Culottes, $49.99 at H&M
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The H&M Way
Here's a pared-down pairing: cropped wide-leg culottes, matching U-neck tee.
Image: Courtesy of H&M
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The Runway Way: A Détacher
Find yourself a patterned thin-knit cardigan that eschews any Mister Rogers vibes; tuck it; roll up your jeans; cinch the deal with a skinny belt and ground the look with patterned (but neutral) pumps.
Image: Imaxtree
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The Runway Way: Hellessy
You can't go wrong with jeans and a statement top. An off-the-shoulder mutton-sleeve shirt in a sunny hue is the perfect complement to this season's It denim. Accessorize with dangly earrings and, again, leg-lengthening pumps.
Image: Imaxtree
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Pencil Skirt
Coming soon to H&M.
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The H&M Way
If the Spring 2018 runways are any indication, all-over denim looks — far beyond just Canadian tuxes — are on the horizon. For a streetwise (and trendy) look, unzip your midi halfway, then top things off with a coordinating, slightly oversized jacket. (To keep things un-boring, opt for primary-colored footwear.)
Image: Courtesy of H&M
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The Runway Way: Tibi
A balloon-sleeve silk blouse tucked neatly into a hardware-accented denim skirt makes for an understated yet elegant ensemble. Polish off the look with pastel mules and a clingy crossbody bag.
Image: Imaxtree
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The Runway Way: Prada
Or do a traditional "sexy librarian look." (Collared, cap-sleeve Day-Glo shirt, bright, cheekily pattered sweater vest, updated loafer heels.)
Image: Imaxtree
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Vintage Straight Jeans
Vintage Straight Jeans, $49.99 at H&M
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The H&M Way
H&M kept it clean and simple, teaming a white muscle tank with straight-leg, wide-cuffed denim.
Image: Courtesy of H&M
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The Runway Way: Adam Selman
"Fashion should be fun and bold," says designer Adam Selman, who recommends dressing up your straight-leg jeans with an eye-grabbing graphic tee and traffic-stopping red trench (belted, not buttoned). If the weather's too cold for disco platform sandals, find an equally glittery shoe alternative.
Image: Imaxtree
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The Runway Way: Gucci
More is more. On your legs, classic denim. On your upper half, a vintage-feeling tee half obscured by a longline, velvet, emerald green blazer. On your hips, a logo-ed belt bag. On your feet, glittery socks and jewel-tone ballet slippers.
Image: Imaxtree
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Denim Bib Overalls
Denim Bib Overalls, $49.99 at H&M
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The H&M Way
With nothin' but a black tank.
Image: Courtesy of H&M
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The Runway Way: Self-Portrait
Play with texture: elevate leisurely denim overalls with a sweet (fil coupé) dotted top and silky scarf wrapped nonchalantly around your neck. Ground the look with un-basic footwear — shiny point-toe loafers, for instance.
Image: Imaxtree
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The Runway Way: Franziska Michael
For an edgier (more youthful, less work-appropriate) feel, rock your O-ring overalls with a velvety, highlighter-bright base layer and chunky-soled combat boots. Single cuff your hems.
Image: Imaxtree
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Skinny High Waist Jeans
Skinny High Waist Jeans, $49.99 at H&M
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The H&M Way
A modern-day cowgirl, H&M's model wears her true blue denim with its natural partner, a Western-inspired white button-down.
Image: Courtesy of H&M
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The Runway Way: Oscar de la Renta
White button-downs and skinny jeans are clearly the perfect fall equation. Per Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, use denim to dress down a would-be shirtdress. Add interest with artsy earrings and neutral heels.
Image: Imaxtree
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The Runway Way: Brandon Maxwell
Start with an eveningwear-inspired blouse with a massive train and pair it with high-waisted skinnies, folded up to your calves to add some skin. Tie it all together with clashing kitten heels.
Image: Imaxtree
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Denim Jacket
Coming soon to H&M.
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The H&M Way
H&M doesn't see a denim jacket. It sees one-half of a potential Canadian tux.
Image: Courtesy of H&M
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The Runway Way: 3.1 Phillip Lim
Bubble hems are back, y'all. If you're not quite ready to relive the early aughts trend, any voluminous top (ruched, pleated, ruffled) will do. (If it has an asymmetric hem, all the better.) Offset your OTT top with sleek satin pants, anchor the lewk with a stiff denim jacket.
Image: Imaxtree
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The Runway Way: Coach 1941
OK, it's impossible to resist the pull of a sturdy Canadian tux (worn with hefty boots, natch). Liven up your one-note suit with a bright satin bomber. Half zip the jacket, add a sheer black turtleneck underneath.
Image: Imaxtree
