Do you think minimal dressing is boring? think again. Prioritizing simple, high-quality pieces with uncompromising functionality doesn’t mean you can’t customize your style. In fact, thanks to a strong base of timeless styles, it’s even more reason to bring in new details that add a spark of interest. no one can do it better Marilyn Nwaulor-KazemuxAn athlete turned fashion-maker, who I consider my best fashion friend. Over 60,000 followers are eager to point out her elegant styling twists and fashion finds on her latest Instagram posts, and we’re definitely kindred spirits when it comes to believing that less is more when creating the best look.
Over time, I’ve entered my adult style era, and I’m always on the lookout for directional staples, silent statement-makers that never date, and, in Marilyn’s mind, “add interest to everyday pieces.” For S/S 2026, all roads lead this way H&M. Friends can’t believe that the polished clothes and flashy jewelery that line my wardrobe come from a high-street powerhouse, or that these pieces last so long, given that I bought them at such an affordable price. I own unique black basics from several brands, and their versatility rivals some of the designer items in my wardrobe.
H&MNew arrivals set the agenda for the upcoming season, so I’m always ready for the launch. The first drop of the S/S 2026 collection is an experimental minimalist’s dream. Incredible linen tailoring is headlined along with impressive embroidered blouses, and sleek leather stands out with a cost-per-wear ratio that’s decided in your favor. Personally, I’m torn on which I want to wear first, the sculptural heels or the asymmetrical neckline. Also note how the classic palette of black, sandy beige and cool white (with flashes of red and silver) ensures these are not trophy pieces Empowered, making it easy to plan outfits that confidently integrate these new hybrid pieces among my existing go-tos.
Marilyn and I each styled two looks that reflect our individual styles right now. Keep scrolling to get inspired by what we picked and how we created it.
Style Notes: “That’s Marilyn” was my immediate reaction to the sculpture. Merci Blazer (£85) And Banana Trouser (£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 powerful because you don’t really have to do anything else with it.”
It’s no secret that Marilyn is naturally attracted to sharp tailoring, especially surprisingly simple blazers, so she’s understanding which pieces are appropriate. This khaki-brown suit fits like a glove and fills an unexpected color gap in his wardrobe. “The blazer is my favorite piece. Button it up to really see its beauty, and dress it up or down. I wouldn’t do anything with high heels and a mini bag for dinner, and a white turtleneck and ballet flats for something more casual. You can also wear the blazer with jeans, white trousers, a maxi pencil skirt And A pillbox hat.”
Talking about hats, black Straw Beret (£28) Sitting atop her low ponytail is the cherry on top. “I usually add interest through accessories and elevate the look even more. I wear hats with a monochrome look, and placement is really important. People wear hats at their hairline, when really, it needs to sit a little lower, so you can get the full shape.” Overall, this look is giving off a modern day Hillary Banks The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirBecause the collection’s design references boldly jump between the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s.
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Style Notes: The current balloon-skirt trend, reminiscent of the ’80s, remains ubiquitous, and I’m totally on board. Not one, not two, not three, but Four Inflated balloon skirts in different colors and fabrics already live in my wardrobe. Still, I immediately wanted to add this black Elle Balloon Skirt (£40). Big, puffy and lightweight and elevated by an extra-wide, curved waistband, so it can be worn either above the waist or below the hips.
Sorry about my biker jacket but am wearing it Leather Anorak (£400) It was like sinking into a leather sofa, with a drawstring on the side to add structure and lift up the hemline. I love the mix between “girly” and sporty elements, and it looks great when the quarter zip is completely closed to reveal an oversized funnel neckline, or open to reveal a colorful t-shirt underneath.
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Style Notes: Like me, Marilyn also loves to add a jolt of color to add contrast to a sophisticated look. She says, “I will wear red for every occasion. I got into this trend probably two years ago and now it’s just my style.” lianne heald Sandals (£28) Perfect to have in the collection. But she was most passionate about Joshua Blouse (£55) In all its glorious glory. “There are a lot of things going on, but it still works together,” she says. The exaggerated details, like flared sleeves and tied neckline, and hints of piratecore have earned this piece a strong spot on her wish list.
No matter how complimented and well-organized your closet 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 inside. Ben Leather Bermuda Shorts (£280) Created another look that looks great during the day as well as after dark. “We’re playing with texture and proportion, and that’s something I really love doing. The shirt is typically feminine, and the shorts are masculine, so I’m just mixing those two elements and adding my own touch, because you wouldn’t normally see them styled together.”
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H&M
leather bermuda shorts
Style Notes: This black coordinated set, which includes Opera Top (£45) And Phantom Skirt (£75), I was pleasantly surprised. Crop tops are an integral part of my going-out uniform whenever I don’t want to wear a dress. It hits just below the bust to frame a piece of skin above the waistband of the skirt, and I love the long, fluted sleeves that mirror the shape of the skirt.
consider these Vinta Wedges (£45)) A sophisticated step up from the kitten-heel styles that are still making the rounds, not to mention that they’re extremely comfortable for those of us who are less adept at wearing heels. Overall, this fluid all-black look is sleek and evening-looking, equally impressive in the city or at the beach on vacation. Same thing is on the pendant too Birdie Clutch (£55)) which Marilyn also styled with her dressier look. Everything passed my impromptu dance tests, leading to the realization that these versatile pieces aren’t just for spring/summer, but also autumn/winter.
