Think minimalist dressing is boring? Think again. Prioritising simple, high-quality pieces with uncompromising functionality doesn’t mean you can’t get your style kicks. In fact, thanks to a strong base of timeless styles, it’s even more reason dabble in new details that add a spark of interest. No one does this better than Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks, the athlete-turned-fashion-creator whom I consider to be my ultimate fashion friend. Over 60,000 followers pore over her newest Instagram posts to pinpoint her elegant styling twists and fashion finds, and we’re definitely kindred spirits when it comes to believing that less is more when crafting the best looks.
Over time, I’ve entered my grown-up style era, and I’m always on the lookout for directional staples, the kind of muted statement-makers that never date, and, in Marilyn’s mind, “add interest to everyday pieces.” For S/S 2026, all roads lead to H&M. Friends can’t believe the polished dresses and eye-catching jewellery that stand out in my wardrobe come from the high-street powerhouse, or that these pieces have lasted so long, given that I bought them at such an accessible price point. I own many of the brands’ unbeatable black basics, and their versatility rivals some of the designer items in my wardrobe.
H&M’s new arrivals tend to set the agenda for the season ahead, so I’m always locked in for launches. The first drop of the S/S 2026 collection is an experimental minimalist’s dream. Incredible linen tailoring is the headline, along with impressive embroidered blouses, and sleek leather separates with a cost-per-wear ratio that is fixed in your favour. Personally, I’m torn between which sculptural heels or asymmetric neckline I want to wear first. Note, too, how the classic palette of black, sandy beige and cool white (with flashes of red and silver) ensures these trophy pieces aren’t overpowering, making it easy to plan outfits that confidently integrate these new hybrid pieces amongst my existing go-tos.
Marilyn and I each styled two looks that reflect our personal style right now. Keep scrolling to be inspired by what we picked and how we pulled it together.
Style Notes: “That’s so Marilyn” was my immediate reaction to the sculptural Merci Blazer (£85) and Banana Trousers (£90). And I was right. “I just love the exaggerated details: the cinched waist, the subtle shoulder pads, the curved buttons, the barrel trousers,” she says. “A suit is powerful, but this one is even more so because you don’t really need to do anything else to it.”
It’s no secret that Marilyn naturally gravitates towards sharp tailoring, particularly stunningly simple blazers, so she’s discerning about which pieces make the cut. This khaki-brown suit fits like a glove and fills an unexpected colour gap in her wardrobe. “The blazer is my favourite piece of all. Button it up to really see the beauty of it, and dress it up or down. I’d do nothing underneath for dinner with higher heels and a mini bag, and a white turtleneck and ballet flats for something more casual. You could also wear the blazer with jeans, white trousers, a maxi pencil skirt and a pillbox hat.”
Speaking of hats, the black Straw Beret (£28) sitting above her low ponytail is the cherry on top. “I usually add interest and elevate looks even more through accessories. I wear hats with monochrome looks, and the placement is really important. People wear hats on their hairline when, really, it has to sit a little bit lower, so you can get the full shape.” Overall, this look is giving modern-day Hilary Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as the collection’s design references boldly jump between the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s.
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Style Notes: The current balloon-skirt trend, which harks back to the ’80s, remains ubiquitous, and I’m fully on board. Not one, not two, not three, but four balloon skirts already live in my wardrobe, inflated in various colours and fabrics. Even so, I instantly wanted to add this black Elle Balloon Skirt (£40). Big, puffy and lightweight and elevated by the extra-wide, folded waistband, so it can be worn both high on the waist or lower on the hips.
Sorry to my biker jackets, but wearing this Leather Anorak (£400) was like sinking into a leather sofa, with drawstrings on the side to add structure and raise the hemline. I love the juxtaposition between the “girly” and sporty elements, and it looks great when the quarter zip is closed all the way up to peek over the oversized funnel neckline, or open to reveal a coloured T-shirt underneath.
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Style Notes: Marilyn, like me, also loves to inject a jolt of colour to add contrast to otherwise refined looks. “I will wear a pop of red at every opportunity. I got into this trend maybe two years ago, and it’s just my style now,” she says, which teed up the Lian Heeled Sandals (£28) in the collection perfectly. But she was most obsessed with the Joshua Blouse (£55) in all its voluminous glory. “There are so many things going on, but it still works together,” she says. The exaggerated details, like the decorated sleeves and tied neckline, and the hint of piratecore, have earned this piece a firm place on her wish list.
No matter how admired and curated your wardrobe is, there are always gaps to fill. “I have a lot of long shorts that I love to wear in the spring and summer, but I don’t have a leather pair,” she says. Tucking a shirt into the Ben Leather Bermuda Shorts (£280) created another look that excels during the day as well as after dark. “We’re playing with texture and proportion, and that’s something I really like to do. The shirt is typically feminine, and the shorts masculine, so I’m just adding my own touch by mixing those two elements, as you wouldn’t usually see them styled together.”
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H&M
Leather Bermuda Shorts
Style Notes: This black coordinated set, comprising the Opera Top (£45) and Phantom Skirt (£75), pleasantly surprised me. Crop tops are an integral part of my going-out uniform whenever I don’t want to wear a dress. This one hits just under the bust to frame a sliver of skin above the skirt’s waistband, and I love the long, fluted sleeves that mirror the skirt’s shape.
Consider these Vinta Wedges (£45) a sophisticated step up from the kitten-heel styles still doing the rounds, not to mention they’re supremely comfortable for those of us less versed in wearing heels. All together, this fluid all-black look feels dressy and evening-coded, equally impactful in the city or by the sea on holiday. Ditto the tassel Birdie Clutch (£55) that Marilyn also styled with her dressier look. Everything passed my impromptu dance tests, followed by the realisation that these versatile pieces aren’t just for spring/summer, but for autumn/winter too.