H&M’S MOOD BOOSTERS (UNDER €30)
Inject some summer fun into your wardrobe - on a budget!
THESE days, when I see a new low-cost fashion range, I feel conflicted. The cost-of-living squeeze means we’re all on the lookout for ways to dress well on a budget — but we also know about disposable fashion’s cost to the planet. However, affordable clothes don’t have to be
by Dinah van Tulleken
disposable, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw the quality of H&M’s new Sketchbook collection, where nearly everything costs no more than €27.99.
The secret of any well-balanced wardrobe is to have everyday essentials as well as a few fun,
bright things you can throw into the mix. No matter how minimalist you are, your navy trousers and white shirts need to be lifted occasionally with a statement piece.
And this is what H&M’s new line provides. It’s an easy way to add excitement to your summer wardrobe, but why spend more than €27.99 on items that aren’t staples?
The range’s appeal is in its floral prints. Sure, they’ve been key to spring/summer collections for as long as we can remember, but if 2022’s fashion weeks were anything to go by, this year may be the biggest yet for flower fabrics, with the likes of Celine, Erdem and Etro featuring them.
H&M’s strapless ruffle mini-dress (fourth from left) is fantastic for holidays. And you’ll be wearing the yellow print maxi skirt (second from left) for many summers to come. I love pairing it with a bright shirt and block heels. The short-sleeved boyfriend shirt (third from left) looks great tucked into tailored trousers or paired with this season’s high-waisted denim.
Slip dresses are big, too. Wear the rufflefronted version (second from right) over a T-shirt to stop it being too revealing.
Or, for a more understated look, the black and pink floral jersey slip (centre) looks considerably more expensive than it is at €20.99. Of course, the big question for any budget range is: what’s the quality like?
These fabrics feel pretty similar to those in other H&M ranges, and they’re well cut, too. There are some obvious money-saving measures — no pockets in the trousers, and the dresses aren’t lined — but this makes sense for a summer range, as it keeps things light. If you’re looking for a mood-boosting splash of colour, this hits the spot.