Welcome to The Great Try-On. With fall on the horizon, we seized the opportunity to try on some of the best fall pieces from some of your favorite brands, documenting the process along the way. We believe that the most foolproof way to shop online is to see an item IRL and to read candid reviews, so we hope that this leads you to some successful fall purchases.
I’m no stranger to a splurge, but like most people, I like saving my money. Whenever I’m in the mood for fashion that’s on-trend, affordable, and won’t break down in one wash, H&M is like my home base. As a faithful shopper of the brand, I can also say that the quality has greatly improved over the years. Add to that its growing commitment to sustainable materials, and I really can’t find a reason why I’d shop elsewhere.
It’s not uncommon that I do mid seasonal hauls from the store on my own, but this time I was able to take a few new arrivals for a test drive as soon as they hit the site. And if you’re well versed in the language of H&M, you’ll know that all the brand’s best hits are only available as online exclusives. I scrolled through and uncovered a bunch of pieces I eagerly wanted to try IRL, including some seasonal knit staples along with a few funky bits that really caught my eye. To hear my unfiltered thoughts and to see how everything fit, keep scrolling below.
My review: Last season I probably couldn’t open my laptop without seeing a knitted sweater vest. It was a ridiculously huge trend in 2020, but admittedly I didn’t jump on it right away. It doesn’t seem like sweater vests are waning anytime soon, so I eagerly added this one to my closet. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite pieces of the haul—truly it’s so cozy, yet intentionally stylish, adding an element of polish. I’ve worn it with a silk ruched Helmut Lang skirt (honestly one of my current go-to looks), but for more laid-back scenarios, I love to pair it with these easy ribbed pants. I can say definitively I’ll be wearing this combo all season.
My review: If it isn’t obvious by now, I love a good matching set. When you’re juggling between events, work, and social life, a structured suit is the easiest way to toggle between everything without a precarious outfit change. This vest suit set is unlike anything I currently own, and I’m so glad I took the plunge. The sleeveless jacket really works for the unpredictable September weather, and if it really gets chilly, you can easily layer a turtleneck underneath. Sadly this particular two-piece is low in stock, but H&M is the home of affordable suit sets so there’s plenty more like it available now.
My review: Another round of applause for vests: this denim topper isn’t something I’d pick out instinctively at a store, but I’m all for experimentation. To my surprise, it was flattering without being shapeless and the mid-blue wash made this feel like a vintage find I’d spend years looking for. I put it together with one of H&M’s basic tanks (one of my favorite basics of all time) and a pair of loose, cream-colored jeans. Altogether this was a look I could see myself throwing on when I want to go for a quick drink or to run errands.
My review: My first thoughts about this top: this really doesn’t look like H&M and at all. You could totally fool people into thinking this came from someplace like Ssense or Opening Ceremony, but the reality is it’s way less than you’d expect. The contrast stitching really sets it off, but if there’s one thing that stopped it from becoming a complete win for me, it was the super short length. I’d advise wearing it with a high-waisted bottom (like these pull-on pants) to counteract the cropped look, but I’m sure fans of the Y2K wave will go for ultra-low-rise jeans. On the flip side, these pants are quite comfortable and an all-around useful staple.
My review: I could go on and on about the perks of a midi dress like this, so I’ll keep it brief: it’s a quintessential throw-it-on-and-go piece. The gathered waist and silky, satin material add an air of elegance that makes this number look special and expensive. A note on the fit: you’ll want to size down unless you want an oversized look. I wore this with snakeskin boots for my try-on, but H&M also sent me these rugged tall boots which made for an equally stylish combo.
My review: It’s with a heavy heart that I admit I wasn’t the biggest fan of these pants. It had all the makings of a cool memorable piece, but the material was a bit too thin for my liking. Conversely, the pleats are fun and also extremely on-trend.
