Chic, understated and incredibly expensive-looking; H&M is spoiling us with its latest “It” dress which I just know is destined for greatness. If checking H&M’s new-in section isn’t part of your daily routine as it is mine—I am a fashion editor, after all, so I can get away with it!—chances are you might have missed H&M’s slit-sleeve dress; an elegant midi with angelic sleeves, a gathered front-seam, and pretty waterfall hemline, which landed on site and immediately found its way onto my wish list. I, however, had just bought a black dress I love from elsewhere, so I resisted the temptation to spend again.
True to form, as it goes with all excellent H&M pieces, the black iteration sold out fast. I mean in a matter of two days. Had I made a mistake in not snapping it up, especially as it cost a mere £40? Quite possibly. Still, I stood by my convictions—I had made the right decision. Then, I saw it; a brand-new cream version. And the rest, as they say, was history.
I have been in the market for a dress that 1) doesn’t require an awkward strapless or backless bra to look sleek and 2) I could just throw on and feel fabulous in. This dress checks off both. Irrational as it may be but I’m a little self-conscious about my arms (something I’m working on but, as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day), but fluted sleeves fall so beautifully, I have zero hangups. I wasn’t entirely sure how I’d feel about the ever-so-slightly blouson bodice, but it too hangs perfectly. I’ll admit, I was a little anxious about gather to the stomach, too, but I find this to be an integral detail to the dress’s overall expensive-looking appeal.
The fabric is lightweight, though I can already tell it’s significantly more crease-resistant than the linen dress I usually wear at this time in the year. In fact, the fabric will carry into the cooler months more seamlessly, too, as it’s not as synonymous with summer as cotton or the aforementioned linen. Running through it is a subtle waved-stripe embroidery which I wasn’t mad on off but on, it helps it to stand out from the other dresses hanging on my rail. As for the colour, I’d say it’s a very, very, very light peach; a warmer take on cream which I don’t dislike! But it’s something to be aware of. As for the fit, I’m a true UK 12 with curves, and the medium fit me perfectly. However, if you’re between sizes or would like a more relaxed fit across the hips, I would opt for the size up. The reviews also reinforce this sentiment.
Genuinely, if I were to see this dress on someone else at an event or party, I’d assume it had come from Toteme or another suitably premium brand. While I don’t shop in H&M a tonne these days—I’ve been trying to diversify the brands in my wardrobe over the past couple of years—I do think its slit-sleeve dress is worthy of a spot in, not just my own but, potentially, your wardrobe, too. By some sort of miracle, the cream dress is still in stock in all sizes, but I’m sure once the brilliance of the black style settles in, that everyone who bought that will come back for a second helping. Scroll below to shop H&M’s slit-sleeve dress and to beat them to it.
Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
