Laura Harrier and the Wardrobe.NYC Founders Agree: Wear *These* H&M Track Pants on Your Next Flight
Our take
The quiet endorsement of H&M track pants by Laura Harrier, Christine Centenera, and Josh Goot—the founders of Wardrobe.NYC—signals a fascinating shift in the landscape of elevated basics. It’s a subtle validation that moves beyond the relentless pursuit of designer logos and into a space where understated quality and effortless style reign supreme. The fact that Teyana Taylor already owns a pair only amplifies this trend. We’ve seen similar sentiments reflected in recent trends, like the resurgence of classic button-downs [Hold the Basic Button-Downs—*This* Is the Shirt Trend to Wear With Black Trousers Come Fall] and the continued embrace of versatile sneakers [Sorry, Loafers—This Sneaker Trend Is the Preferred Fall Shoe If You Want to Look Cool], demonstrating a growing desire for foundational pieces that transcend fleeting trends. This isn't about rejecting luxury entirely, but rather redefining it—moving away from overt displays of wealth and towards a more discerning appreciation for well-made, adaptable garments.
What makes this particular endorsement so noteworthy is the source. Wardrobe.NYC, with its focus on minimalist, functional clothing designed to create a complete, curated wardrobe, has cultivated a reputation for quiet sophistication. Their own brand operates within a similar realm of elevated essentials, so their championing of an H&M product—even one with a deliberately understated design—suggests a broader acceptance of accessible luxury. It’s a tacit acknowledgement that exceptional style doesn’t necessarily require a hefty price tag. Furthermore, the shared enthusiasm across Harrier, Centenera, and Goot, all figures known for their impeccable personal style and influence within the fashion industry, reinforces the idea that these track pants represent something more than just comfortable travel wear. They embody a certain ease and confidence, a sense of knowing how to look effortlessly chic without relying on overt branding or complicated styling. This mirrors the broader movement towards mindful consumption and prioritizing quality over quantity, as highlighted by the continued appeal of brands like ALO [Bella Hadid Brings the Heat to ALO’s Pre-Fall 2026 Campaign], which prioritizes both performance and aesthetic appeal.
The significance of this development extends beyond simply highlighting a specific pair of pants. It speaks to a larger cultural shift—a rejection of the hyper-consumerism that has long dominated the fashion industry. Consumers, particularly those influenced by figures like Harrier and the Wardrobe.NYC founders, are increasingly seeking out pieces that are versatile, durable, and reflect a personal sense of style rather than fleeting trends. This trend also underscores the power of influencer marketing, albeit in a more subtle and authentic form. It's not about blatant product placement; it’s about genuine endorsements from individuals whose style choices are already admired and trusted. The quiet confidence with which these figures champion H&M’s track pants resonates far more powerfully than a traditional advertising campaign. The luxury here isn't in the label, but in the curation – the knowing selection of a piece that embodies a particular mood and aesthetic.
Looking ahead, it’s worth considering how this shift will impact the broader fashion landscape. Will we see more high-profile figures endorsing accessible brands? Will luxury houses adapt by focusing on timeless, well-made basics rather than chasing fleeting trends? And perhaps most importantly, will this movement lead to a more sustainable and conscious approach to fashion consumption? The quiet endorsement of H&M track pants may seem like a small development, but it signals a potentially significant shift—a move towards a more refined, intentional, and ultimately, more enduring approach to style. It begs the question: what other seemingly “basic” items will become symbols of understated luxury and effortless cool in the years to come?
Laura Harrier wasn't in the room when I interviewed Wardrobe.NYC co-founders Christine Centenera and Josh Goot at a Paris hotel last month, but when I sat down with her a few hours later, she unknowingly picked up the conversation exactly where they left off. It wasn't entirely surprising: Harrier told me she's very good friends with Centenera, whose new H&M collaboration launches today. When I asked which item from the 29-piece collection they'd wear on their next flight, Centenera, Goot, and Harrier all had the same answer: the Nylon Track Pants ($109). Now that's what I call fashion ESP. (These are also the same pants that Teyana Taylor wore to the launch party in Paris, by the way.)
When it comes to styling the pants, Goot has an idea: "I like to wear a blazer when traveling," the designer told Who What Wear. "I find it really convenient because it has great pockets. It’s handy for the passport and whatever else you need." If you're on the same page, the Wardrobe.NYC H&M collection has two excellent options to choose from: the Double-Breasted Wool Blazer ($269) in gray, and the Wool-Blend Hourglass Blazer ($269) in black.
"Part of Wardrobe.NYC’s initial conception was [considering] what pieces I would pack if I had to go somewhere for a week and could only take a carry-on," Centenera told me. "So that's how we came to our neutral color palette, predominantly black and white with gray in the mix. It’s about having pieces that will work the hardest for you in the greatest variety of ways."
This capsule-wardrobe concept is exactly what first attracted Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M's Head of Womenswear Design and Creative Advisor. "Wardrobe.NYC is so curated, well-balanced, and sharp," she told Who What Wear. "It feels like a new take on quality essentials. Something we haven't seen before."
Expounding on the travel theme, Centenera said that "this collection specifically lends itself to the journey, and the different layering elements that you might need on the plane or the train. And then when you get to that destination, you have pieces that can carry you from day to night to different occasions—something active, something dressed up. I think we've got you covered in all of the different aspects of a trip."
In addition to Harrier, Audrey Nuna of KPop Demon Hunters fame is another celebrity fan of the collab. "I love that these H&M collabs are accessible but also have very intentional tailoring," she told me at the launch party in Paris. "I'm a huge fan of that duality. Growing up, H&M was such an accessible way to explore fashion. It’s truly for everyone. And I love that these collabs bring in a different perspective. I like genre-bending, and the fact that H&M constantly tries to do that is really cool."
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