What to Wear to a Surprise Charli xcx Concert

Before I left Toronto for the “H&M & New York City Secret Event,” I was told approximately three things. One: the H&M Times Square store is about to re-open. Two: the dress code is based around H&M’s new holiday collection. And three: there will be cocktails served both before and afterwards. As you can see, not much to go off. But thus is the life of a fashion director — always dress like you’re in the know, even when you’re not. Although I will admit, this was a puzzler even for this professional (when in doubt, always bring a blazer!!). Luckily, I wasn’t in the dark for long.

On November 18th, H&M and Charli xcx pulled off possibly the biggest surprise performance of all time: a concert in Times Square. While most members of the media were given a day or so to prepare, for fans, the Brat-signal came roughly 30 mins before the singer popped out of a literal billboard. From then onwards, it was madness — even more so than usual for the tourist trap.

At exactly 6pm, half a dozen screens instantly transformed from Wicked ads to red and black H&M x Charli xcx teasers. Creepy Elmos and Mickeys were pushed aside as fans crammed and clawed their way to the front for a glimpse of the singer and recent SNL host. Even New York glitterati like FASHION’s former cover star Julia Fox and Alex Consani left their high-rises to check out the hub bub.

Then, it was as if the heavens opened up — that is, if the heavens were a billboard 46 stories in the air — Charli came running out and performed a 15-minute mélange of all her top hits like “Apple,” “360” and “Guess.” Wearing custom H&M, the star served some serious Brat energy in black sunnies, boots and belted dress while dancing with reckless abandon. After one final hair flip, she said a heartfelt goodbye and left as quickly as she appeared, leaving us all wondering if what we just witnessed was in fact reality, or a strange universal dream.

Well, if it was in fact a mirage, it’s one that I was miraculously well-dressed for. Outfitted in a black jacquard mini from H&M, I chose the ensemble (before I knew of its purpose) for its mod silhouette and tasteful texture, two styles I have learned should not be overlooked. With both, you can never appear over or under dressed. There’s an effortless ease but just enough sartorial splendour to satisfy virtually any situation. Even when you find yourself, say, at a surprise Charli xcx concert and an after-party with Anderson .Paak, Iris Law, Amelia Gray and FASHION’s November cover star Shay Mitchell.

Fittingly, my style du jour was also emblematic of the H&M Holiday 2024 collection as a whole. Drawing inspiration from the elegance of the ‘60s and ‘70s, the opulent offering is a profound study in the power of a silhouette: big bow tops and wide-legged bottoms; slinky gowns and voluminous faux fur; oversized suits and poppy peplums. As such, the colour palette is quite muted (think: blacks, creams and blushes). If it wasn’t, I fear the apparel could venture into tacky territory. But the design team, lead by Eliana Masgalos Duarte, the Womenswear Design Director of H&M, instead opted for timeless, a word that the brand has truly taken to heart in recent months with their rebrand.

Simply put, H&M is entering a new style era. It’s refined. It’s elevated. It’s Scandi-chic, reflecting the storied brand’s roots. Consider it COS’s little sister. It’s not quite quiet luxury or minimalism, but it touches both of those things. Still, there’s a poised playfulness; a fearlessness, if you will. While H&M has never been one to shy away from bold textures, loud colours and fashion-forward trends, this time around, the apparel feels more polished, as if it’s been curated by your most stylish European friend.

After all, the brand has a taste for surprises.