By the time the cherry blossoms have bloomed and fallen, and oysters become ubiquitous on happy hour menus as $5 rosé, most of us only have one thing on our minds: summer vacation. For those who are still lucky enough to enjoy a few blissful months of sheer uninterrupted laziness, we suggest spending as much time as possible by the water, preferably with said rosé in hand, wearing an Instagram-worthy skirt. While we can’t help with the first two, we can point you toward H&M for the latter.
Our go-to brand for trendy wares is chock-full of friendly pieces ready to fuel your wanderlust. We’ve scouted our top picks based on your upcoming voyage to make packing a breeze and keep your suitcase light. Whether you’re embarking on an outdoor adventure of hiking and glamping; wandering cobblestone streets of an ancient city; or seeking the perfect balance of R&R and nightlife in a trendy beach town, your next vacation calls for a fabulous outfit roster.
Ahead, see our top 15 picks to #AddtoCart now for that picture-perfect summer vacation. Your future working self will thank you.
DESTINATION:Romantic Old World Fling
Pack Your Bags For: Havana, Paris, Lisbon, San Miguel de Allende
Your daydream of sipping cappuccinos alfresco while getting lost in a novel is finally coming true. To accompany you on your idyllic getaway, you’ll want pieces with floral prints and feminine details. Choose from these playful selects and land an ensemble as elegant as your Old World setting.
This H&M skirt ties in all of our favorite trends this season. From the floral print to the midi length to the ruffled edges, it’s a no-brainer. For an afternoon stroll along café-lined streets, dress it down with a solid tee, white sneakers, and a denim jacket (like the pink one below). Transition the look for a candlelit dinner by swapping in a leather jacket and strappy heels. Voilà!
Layers are essential to your travel wardrobe. We love how this pink denim jacket is equal parts feminine and edgy. Drape it over your shoulders as you wander through a museum or outdoor market. You can pair it with the flirty numbers in your suitcase (we love it with the midi floral skirt), or layer it over an all-black ensemble for a chic French-girl look.
We’re obsessed with this off-the-shoulder floral dress. The sweetheart neckline adds the perfect amount of va-va-voom to the classic silhouette. Wear this piece for a night out on the town as you sip red wine and listen to the sounds of the city.
This chic white blouse will be your go-to top for exploring a new destination. We suggest pairing this cropped style with high-rise denim or an A-line print skirt for a sophisticated outfit option. Add lace-up sandals or platform wedges to the mix, and this bohemian look is complete.
Embrace warm weather as you take in the sights while wearing these heart-print shorts. Throw on a simple white tee, comfortable sneakers, and a straw crossbody, and spend hours getting lost in an unknown place.
DESTINATION:Bohemian Outdoor Adventure
Pack Your Bags For: Banff National Park, Joshua Tree, Lima, Marfa, Bangkok
After countless afternoons spent cooped up inside a dusty library, it’s time for a proper outdoor adventure. If hiking, glamping, and stargazing are in your near future, think hippie-chic when putting together your packing list. For an activity-filled vacation, opt for denim and athleisure with bohemian details like embroidery and floral prints. Keep your suitcase light by selecting versatile items you can mix and match throughout your trip.
Look no further for a one-step solution to outdoor-adventure style. Overalls are ideal for mastering a casual everyday look that is both trendy and effortless. Layer a lightweight blouse underneath, and tie on your most reliable pair of sneakers to take on a full day of exploration. These short-alls will help you beat the heat in any locale.
Embroidered detailing is a key trend this season. We love how H&M has added a retro touch to this classic pair of jeans. Throw these on with a draped blouse, and accessorize with a bucket bag and simple slides. If you’re going for function over style, opt for a V-neck tee, sneakers, and (dare we say?) a fanny pack.
Nothing says summer lovin’ like this floral tie-front cropped blouse. We’re all about wrap tops this season, and we love the scalloped sleeves and back cutout on this one. Wear it with a long black skirt and tie-up sandals for a day of leisurely sightseeing. For a more casual look, opt for a pair of high-rise shorts, or go with the embroidered jeans featured above.
These H&M leggings are the perfect staple item to include in your getaway wardrobe. Pair them with a tunic for a carefree bohemian look that also doubles as a practical travel day outfit. If you plan on hiking or practicing your downward dog, wear them with a sporty top. You can pretty much wear these on repeat during your trip, which will help save room in your suitcase for treasured souvenirs.
Rompers are the fashion industry’s solution to easy, breezy summer dressing, and this spaghetti-strap printed romper needs to be in your suitcase. Throw it on during the daytime with flat sandals, and then jazz it up in the evening with heels. With its vintage-inspired print and ruffled shorts, this romper will be a playful mainstay of your travel wardrobe.
DESTINATION:It-Girl Beach Getaway
Pack Your Bags For: Ibiza, Tulum, Puerto Rico, Miami
Sitting on the beach with a glass of rosé sounds lovely, but you also want to do a bit of socializing during your postgrad summer break. Don’t be afraid to flaunt bold prints and take advantage of summer silhouettes like rompers, shorts, crop tops, and tanks. Here are a few fresh picks that are guaranteed to turn heads in any glamorous coastal city.
Rompers are pretty much a gift from the fashion gods when it comes to summer dressing. What we love about this one is the fun leopard print. While this piece would be perfect for a night out when paired with strappy heels, you can also easily dress it down for the daytime. We suggest accessorizing with simple black slides and a straw tote, or you can wear it over your swimsuit as a cover-up.
It might be balmy during the day, but breezy ocean nights can be chilly; always pack layers to throw over your lightweight summer dresses. This H&M leopard-print jacket is a fashion girl approved way to add a little attitude to any outfit, and gets bonus points for being made out of 100% recycled material.
Throw these shorts in your bag, and wear them on repeat all vacation long. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, taking a walk on the beach, or grabbing a casual brunch, these standbys won’t disappoint. Don’t forget that versatility is the key to efficient packing.
We can’t get enough of retro-inspired floral patterns this season. We love the skinny straps and V-neckline on this H&M cami. Wear it with your favorite pair of jeans, or tuck it into a midi skirt for an extra-feminine look. We love the idea of draping a denim jacket over it and completing the outfit with platform wedges and a woven clutch.
For your postgrad beach escape, pack a little something you can throw on for a night out on the town. A simple black crop top can be paired with a number of other items in your suitcase for an easy evening outfit change. You can dress this piece up with a maxi skirt, or keep your look casual with high-rise denim and heels. If you mix and match your accessories (think colorful tassel earrings and beaded clutches), you can get away with wearing it more than once on your trip.
Suitcase still only half full? Check out more great pieces from H&M's Divided collection.
