We all know how fantastically directional H&M's Trend section is. But if that means that you're skipping right past Divided, you are missing a trick, ladies. H&M is a welcome, affordable respite from the ever rising high street price tag. Changing Room Selfies may be fast becoming an extremely dangerous franchise, resulting in a purchase at the end of every instalment, but this time – to my bank statement's relief – my splurge was guilt-free. Thanking You Hennes & Mauritz, for the fake leather trousers, the white Isabel Marant-ish blouse and the coat – all mine for less than 70 quid.
Right now there's a lot of sportswear-inspired stuff in the Divided section. And while I'm normally slightly fearful of anything classed as Sporty – a hang up from school days maybe – it proved less divisive than I'd feared. So without further ado let's #CRS this store.
First up... the sweater co-ord
This was a pleasant surprise. Co-ords are bigger than Kanye's ego in a fish eye lens, but I haven't actually seen any in sweater material before. Turns out the sporty-meets-ladylike checkered co-ord crop top sweater and flared skirt is a winning combination and is totally 'werkwear' friendly when worn with courts. Sliver of 'driff, optional.
Top and skirt £14.99 each.
Next... the Wang-tastic mini
The baby-daddy of sporty leather is Alexander Wang. A zippered leather miniskirt not only references NYC's hottest designer, but is also a great addition to any wardrobe; it works with everything from a stripy tee to a backless top. This mock-croc faux leather version is a great version. Make like a French Voguette and pair it with a gigantathon Aran knit.
White oversized jumper £34.99 and leather look skirt £14.99.
And now let's try the tracksuit
Tracksuits are lacking in my wardobe – I struggle to feel comfortable feeling comfortable, but this one was like a loungewear version of an actual sportie trackie. Tracksuits can work with heels, but the fit is key. This grey marl one cuts a slim silhouette, with a tight sweater top and trousers with tapered ankles. Plus, if you wear trainers you can break out into a freestyle run whenever you damn well choose.
Sweater and bottoms £24.99 each.
Look four: sporty leather + ribbed tee = brilliant, duh
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I was already a big fan of faux leather 'pants', but it was during this #CRS sesh that I realised how great loose leather can be if you go up a few sizes (NB: H&M trousers come up small) and roll them up at the ankles as if they were a boyfriend jean. But your boyfriend is a total Josh Homme-style dude. A scoop-neck ribbed tee and a little black rucksack lend some no-fuss practicality to the whole shebang and makes it my favourite look so far.
White jersey tee £7.99 and leather-look trousers £19.99.
How about adding a pinch of sporty to your boho with a baseball jacket?
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At first I wasn't sure what to pair with this long-line varsity jacket. I pondered away in my changing room hotbox. Then I realised it's a great antidote to an outfit which is otherwise an Isabel Marant homage. Stripey jeans and a frilly white blouson (love that word) are given an urban twist with this great monochrome varsity jacket. Note the nice detail that is the faux leather sleeves.
Baseball jacket £34.99, striped trousers £19.99 and blouse top, £7.99.
And finally, H&M proves it's all about texturising your sweater
A plain white sweater isn't the most exciting piece in the world, unless you are Ivania Carpo, who ONLY wears white. But throw some 'snakeskin' into the mix and it's immediately luxed up a few notches. The jury's out on whether grey faux leather trousers can work with grey courts, but the sweater's a clear winner.
White sweater £19.99 and leather imitation trousers £19.99.
PS: H&M are currently running a selfie competition (of which CRS most definitely approves) where you can share your style via social media with #HMLoves for a chance to win your dream wardrobe. The most stylish selfie wins!
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.