The new Balmain x H&M collection dropped this a.m., and like the rest of America, we're champing at the bit to get our hands on each and every single piece of the much-anticipated range.
If you are one of the lucky few to snag some merchandise for yourself, you're next tasked with expertly styling your coveted purchases in real life. Chances are your social calendar looks less like Gigi Hadid or Kendall Jenner's, and your general take on style is a bit more casual. Read below for tips on how to actually wear these purposefully high-fashion pieces every day and still feel like a model.
This feathered smoking jacket is far from under the radar, and that's exactly why we dig it. Sure, this overcoat is ideal over any all-black evening wear, but for an unexpected daytime twist pair with light denim, flare-leg pants to balance out the volume. A second-skin body suit underneath and casual wedge espadrilles are unassuming but stylish.
Balmain x H&M Coat, $149, Topshop Lace Up Front Body, $35; Frame Denim Le High Flare High-Rise Jeans, $230; Aquazzura Belgravia Suede Wedge Espadrilles, $675; Illesteva Milan Shiny Black Rosegold Mirrored Sunglasses, $300
Moto pants are edgy, slimming and everything you want in an upgraded pair of pants. When done in a colored suede (the fabric of the season) you may be tempted to tone down the rest of your look with simple basics. Instead, play up the moto theme by calling on the rich, green hue with a like-colored, textured bomber jacket on top for a dose of dimension. Chunky ankle boots on the bottom make for a vexing ensemble.
Balmain x H&M Pants, $399; Tibi Silk Crepe de Chine Camisole, $160; Topshop Boucle Popper Jacket, $130; DKNY Rayna Monk Strap Ankle Boots, $395; Balmain x H&M Backpack, $29
This deep-V, sparkly number is attention-grabbing on its own, but to make it work for slightly-more-casual, everyday purposes, pair it with low-key textures in neutral colors. An oversized wool blazer still reveals a hint of glitter without going overboard, and leather high-top sneakers, also in black, are a daring departure from predictable heels.
Balmain x H&M Dress, $199; Anthony Vaccarello Wool Blazer, $995; Alice + Olivia Roland High Top, $345; Ray-Ban 'Clubmaster' Matte Acetate Browline Mirror Sunglasses, $200
Wide-leg pants, especially of the pattern-printed variety, can border on obtrusive so to keep the volume in check, team the silhouette with a fitted turtleneck and waist-defining belt, which will accentuate your figure. Hold the attention on the statement pants by picking complementary items in subdued camel shades that don't distract the eye.
Balmain x H&M Pants, $129; A.L.C. Milo Cropped Ribbed Turtleneck, $295; Rachel Comey Waxy Caramel Leather Dakota Clogs, $555; Balmain x H&M Belt, $59.99; Nasty Gal x Nila Anthony Wild West Suede Bag, $58
This overly-embellished top is purposefully sophisticated, so pair it with well-fitting pieces in equally as luxe fabrics. The key is to stick with classic silhouettes everywhere else. A leather mini skirt and clutch in the same navy color don't compete for attention, and the crisp white collar of the layered blouse allows the sweater to take center stage.
Balmain x H&M Top, $129, YMC Women's Leather Mini Skirt, $453.75; Frame Denim Band Collar Shirt, $351.16; Balmain x H&M Pouch, $34.99, Gianvito Rossi Suede Point-Toe Flats, $695