My Most Stylish Fashion Friend and I Curated H&M's Spring/Summer 2026 Collection—Here Are Our 4 Distinctive Looks Remix...

      Think minimalist fashion is dull? Think again. Emphasizing simple, high-quality garments with unmatched functionality doesn't mean you can't express your style. In fact, with a solid foundation of timeless pieces, you have even more opportunity to explore new details that add excitement. Nobody exemplifies this better than Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks, the athlete-turned-fashion creator whom I see as my ultimate style ally. Over 60,000 followers eagerly examine her latest Instagram updates to discover her elegant styling nuances and fashion discoveries, and we definitely share the belief that less is more when it comes to creating standout looks.

      As I've progressed into my sophisticated style phase, I consistently seek essential pieces that are muted yet impactful, which, in Marilyn’s view, “add interest to everyday items.” For the S/S 2026 season, all signs point to H&M. Friends are often surprised to find that the polished dresses and striking jewelry in my wardrobe come from this high-street icon, especially since I bought them at such reasonable prices and they have stood the test of time. I possess many of the brand's unmatched black staples, whose versatility rivals that of some designer pieces I own. H&M’s new releases often set the seasonal trends, which is why I’m always eager for their launches. The initial drop of the S/S 2026 collection is a minimalist's dream. The spotlight features amazing linen tailoring, stunning embroidered blouses, and sleek leather separates with a cost-per-wear value that works in your favor. Personally, I’m conflicted about whether to wear the sculptural heels or the asymmetric neckline first. It’s also worth noting how the classic colors of black, sandy beige, and cool white—punctuated by hints of red and silver—ensure that these statement pieces remain subtle, making it easy to incorporate them into outfits alongside my established staples.

      Marilyn and I each styled two looks that showcase our current personal styles. Continue scrolling to draw inspiration from our selections and styling.

      Style Notes: My first thought when seeing the sculptural Merci Blazer (£85) and Banana Trousers (£90) was, “That’s so Marilyn.” And I was spot on. “I adore the exaggerated details: the cinched waist, the subtle shoulder pads, the rounded buttons, and the barrel trousers,” she explains. “A suit has power, yet this one is even more impactful, as it requires no additional styling.” It’s well known that Marilyn is drawn to sharp tailoring, especially elegantly simple blazers, making her selective about the pieces she chooses. This khaki-brown suit perfectly fits her and fills an unexpected color gap in her wardrobe. “The blazer is my favorite item. Button it up to truly appreciate its beauty, and you can dress it up or down. For dinner, I’d wear it with nothing underneath, high heels, and a mini bag, and for a more casual look, I’d opt for a white turtleneck and ballet flats. It also pairs well with jeans, white trousers, a maxi pencil skirt, and a pillbox hat.” Speaking of hats, the black Straw Beret (£28) worn above her low ponytail completes the look. “I usually enhance my looks with accessories, and hats are great for monochrome outfits. The placement matters—many wear hats on their hairline, but they should sit a bit lower to showcase the full shape.” Overall, this ensemble channels a contemporary Hilary Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, with the collection’s designs boldly inspired by the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s.

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      Style Notes: The ongoing balloon skirt trend, inspired by the ’80s, continues to thrive, and I fully embrace it. I already own four balloon skirts in various colors and fabrics, but I was immediately drawn to this black Elle Balloon Skirt (£40). It’s big, puffy, lightweight, and features an extra-wide, folded waistband, allowing for both high and low wear on the waist.

      Apologies to my biker jackets, but wearing this Leather Anorak (£400) felt like sinking into a leather sofa, complete with drawstrings to provide structure and adjust the hemline. I appreciate the contrast between the “girly” and sporty elements, especially when the quarter zip is fully closed to peek over the oversized funnel neckline or opened to reveal a colored T-shirt beneath.

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      Style Notes: Like me, Marilyn enjoys adding a burst of color to contrast refined looks. “I love a pop of red whenever I can. I embraced this trend about two years ago, and it suits my style perfectly,” she shares, making the Lian Heeled Sandals (£28) in the collection a fitting choice. However, she was particularly enamored with the Joshua Blouse (£55) in its voluminous beauty. “There’s a lot happening, but it harmonizes well,” she states.