If you weren’t already an avid H&M shopper before 2021, chances are high that you probably are by now. Despite an increasingly difficult market to succeed in, the high-street mega-brand has only gone from strength to strength, continually wooing us all with affordable basics, statement sellouts, conscious collections and, of course, all those collaborations.
The design team seems to have a knack for nailing exactly what we want to be wearing, and so, unsurprisingly, the brand is consistently one of the most popular on Who What Wear UK. Of course, some items are more in-demand than others, and given we're always nosy about what other people are buying, we thought you might also like a sneak peek into what H&M’s actual best sellers were in 2021.
As it turns out, you’re all as mad about expensive-looking basics as we are. Most of the list consists of perfect capsule wardrobe items like wide-leg trousers, a classic white shirt, simple blazers and the piece that outdid them all: the perfect ribbed vest top, with a whopping 1400 sold through our articles in 2021. They're best-sellers for a reason, remember.
You might have bagged them all, or likely at least one item on this list. But if not, you’re in luck. Most of the original pieces are so classic they’re actually still in stock. Keep scrolling to see how many of H&M’s best sellers you added to your wardrobe last year, and shop any pieces you missed out on...
1. RIBBED VEST TOP
Simple but effective. Summer 2021 was all about the vest top, and H&M's version was the one we kept getting recommended by friends. It's made from a thick cotton (so good for going bra-less if that's your thing) and comes in hundreds of colours (okay, seven). At just £10 it's a smart investment for next summer, and perfect for layering under knits now.
2. WIDE TROUSERS
2021 was the year everyone realised how useful wide-leg trousers can be. Comfy, chic and smart, they tick so many fashion boxes. It's easy to see why H&M's affordable, stretch-waist version were so popular. The brand does this style very well, so we've added some equally good alternatives below, too.
3. RIB-KNIT CARDIGAN
Cardigans are a fully-fledged wardrobe classic now. Especially neutral versions like H&M's ribbed version. It's the perfect relaxed, cosy number.
4. OVERSIZED COTTON SHIRT
Everyone needs at least one cotton shirt in their wardrobe, ideally a few in a range of colours. It's long been one of the most versatile wardrobe staples, and in 2021, it came fashion girl–approved, too. H&M's oversized version is spot-on.
5. RIB-KNIT DRESS
Who doesn't love a stretchy, ribbed-knit dress? A basic that you'll wear again and again, day and night. H&M's strappy version is perfect for spring, but we've added long-sleeve options below for right now.
6. FLOUNCE-DETAIL DRESS
We don't know a fashion girl, or any girl for that matter, who didn't have or want this flounce-detail dress in their wardrobe in summer. Undoubtedly popular thanks to its comfortable throw-on shape and affordable price tag. Most of the colours sold out instantly but there's a few that have since been restocked. Your summer self will thank you for this one.
7. WIDE HIGH JEANS
It's no secret H&M denim is one of our high-street go-tos. These wide-leg jeans are typical of 2021's favourite looser '90s shape that shows no sign of slowing down in 2022.
8. OVERSIZED JACKET
The perfect blazer. Need we say more? An expensive-looking wardrobe staple you'll wear for years to come.
9. VINTAGE HIGH JEANS
Straight-leg jeans will always be a classic that work seriously hard in your wardrobe. H&M's 'vintage' styles are worth trying if you're still searching for the perfect high street pair.
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