How To Shop Erdem x H&M (If You Don’t Like Lace And Frills)

Tomorrow sees the launch of the Erdem x H&M collection. Having been fortunate enough to preview the pieces, I know that as much as I liked how they looked hanging on the rails, and as lovely as they felt to touch, there were a few too many bows and frills for me. But yet, I’d love to own an item by Erdem, and so this is how I’ll be shopping and styling my picks from the collection.

I generally take a measured approach to wearing lace, but this piece, with its structured frills, feels less girlish and more statement. Worn with a simple pair of tuxedo trousers and a fabulous pair of heels, it will make you feel like a female powerhouse.

Lace frill top, €119

At first glance, this dress scares me a little, but actually I love the sharpness of the knife pleats and the boyish button-front collar. These elements balance out the pretty florals beautifully, and of course the black base colour gives this piece a strong edge.

Knife pleat dress, €119

I have plenty of masculine-style button-front shirts in my wardrobe, which I wear with pleated skirts to create a lovely masculine-feminine mix. But pairing a button-front shirt with tailored trousers can sometimes feel a little too boyish (especially with my short hair!). This Victoriana-style blouse will work much better with tailored trousers in dark neutrals. In this context, the frills on the blouse will simply soften the overall look.

White blouse, €59.99

These silk pyjama-style trousers are a no brainer for those who prefer a less girlish aesthetic. Pair with a plain, good-quality T-shirt and a pair of trainers for laid-back cool. Dressing them up is easy too. A black tuxedo jacket will look super sharp, and the structure of the jacket will balance the fluidity of the trousers.

Silk trousers, €79.99