Where would we be without our trusty staples? They’re the building blocks of our wardrobes, they ground statement pieces, and are striking in their simplicity when worn alone. While investing in an elevated basic will never go awry, you certainly don’t need to break the bank to update your wardrobe essentials. Our editors unanimously agree that H&M is one of the best places to shop for cost-effective basics. Not only is the brand wonderfully affordable, but its pieces also tend to look much more expensive than their price tags. From cool ribbed tank tops to wide-leg jeans, and seriously affordable sweaters, I asked my fellow editors to share the best under-$50 basics they’re buying from H&M right now. Scroll below to get your hands on them too.
"For the number of times I've featured this top, I'm shocked it's not sold out yet. To me, it's the perfect layering piece that feels more special than a plain turtleneck."
"This dress looks so expensive in the rich chocolate brown color. I'd want to wear it with a pair of leather knee-high boots and a chunky chain-link necklace."
"These ribbed tops have just a wide enough strap to conceal your bra straps. I'm going to be stocking up on the white and black, and just for kicks, I'm going to get the lemon-lime color too."
"This is the ideal jean silhouette because the section around your waist and hips (in the jeans world, it's called the top-block, if you want to get technical) is tight and shows off your figure, while the looser-fit legs give off such a relaxed vibe. The best of both worlds, if you ask me."
"On the East Coast, I find that fall is the best time of year for a blazer (the rest of the year is either too cold or too hot), so I'm wearing them as often as possible while I can. This one would look chic with just jeans and brown square-toe boots."
"These are the perfect easy (and very affordable) pants to wear with oversize sweaters, which look best with something slim to balance them out."
"I already own H&M's fine-knit sweater in the crew neck silhouette, and I'm floored at how expensive it looks for its $13 price tag. I'm stocking up on its V-neck version to wear with jeans on the weekends and slouchy suit trousers for work. The best $13 you'll spend!"
"This season I'm upgrading my staple midi skirt to a chic pleated one, which I'll be wearing cinched at the waist with a belt, and with luxe-looking knee-high boots and a tie-neck blouse to nail fall's bourgeoisie trend."
"Sites with good styling always sell me on their pieces, and that's exactly what happened with this blouse. Looks great with high-waisted jeans and kitten heels? Sign me up."
"Snake print is definitely my favorite shoe trend for fall, and I can't get over how expensive these boots look. They would pair perfectly with the above top and a pair of slightly long jeans."
"For a while, I was dubious about ultra-affordable jeans and wasn't convinced they would hold up against my favorite designer ones, but I'm pleasantly surprised by these thrifty $20 ones that perfectly hit on the wide-leg trend. I'm sold."
"I live in L.A., so I cherish the rare moments when it's actually cold enough to bundle up. I can't wait to do it with this sweater layered under a coat."
"You can never have too many chunky knits to get through the colder months, right? I'm especially into this slouchy turtleneck in the on-trend rust hue."
"The fashion crowd is all about fleece jackets this season. I'm adding this stunner to my cart with the unexpected neon trim."
"I'm very into strapless tops for layering, and this ribbed version is topping my list. I'm ordering one to pair with leather trousers."
"The pleating and ruffled details of this top are so great and would be the perfect piece for a dinner party."
"This top is a go-to basic you'll wear on repeat season after season. Never underestimate the power of a quality white T-shirt."
"This sort of bourgeoisie plaid is very on-trend for fall 2019 and this affordable skirt iteration is just what my seasonal wardrobe is missing."
Up next, how I would nail the most-expensive looking fall trends on a budget.
