After just returning from a stint in Greece I promised myself (and my growing email inbox) I'd ease back into my usual routine and forget (for the moment) about booking any more summer holidays. Yet, here we are. A handful of Instagram photos on my feed and a well-timed H&M new-in drop, and I'm scrolling Skyscanner and Googling 'best beach clubs in Europe'. The culprit? H&M's Tiered Tie-Strap Dress in a chic versatile black and white stripe – it's almost like it's begging me to book another trip right away.
What's so great about said dress is that it's cut in an A-line silhouette that, without a doubt, makes it look so much more expensive than its under-£75 price tag. The halter neckline – which features delicate spaghetti straps that can be adjusted– will cover any dreaded bikini tan lines, and feels smart enough for both long lunches and golden-hour dinners. There's an element of '70s Rivieria glamour to the dress too, thanks to its vertical stripes that will elongate your silhouette without drowning you.
H&M www2.hm.com
Part of H&M's new-in summer 2025 collection, its Tiered Tie-Strap Dress has all the hallmarks of designer, yet is priced under £75. Made from a cotton weave, the dress features tie spaghetti straps, gathered tiers and an A-line silhouette.
The beauty in this H&M number lies in its versatility, whether you want to opt for a casual or more elevated outfit. By day, style the dress with a pair of Alexa Chung-approved fisherman sandals and a large raffia bag (bonus if it's a Dragon Diffusion style). Or, for the evening, dress up with a pair of Toteme heeled flip flops or platform heels. Otherwise, layer a boxy white t-shirt over the top of the dress so it becomes a skirt per se, and finish with an of-the-moment seashell necklace.
We've spent the last few months waxing lyrical about polka dots, and in the midst of the dotted revolution we've somewhat neglected stripes. Saying that, H&M's Tiered Tie-Strap Dress, with its cotton weave fabric, halter neck and A-line shape, is a timely reminder that the juxtaposing print still carries the kind of sophistication polka dots never quite matched for me. Pieces this great don't tend to stay in stock for long (H&M's roster of ever sold-out dresses is proof of that), so you're going to have to act fast - even if there's no trip in the diary (yet).
Main image credit: Instagram/@yasmindevonport_
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.