While a closet full of designer duds is the ultimate in #squadgoals, your boss lady budget might not be ready to take on a challenge of that magnitude just yet (you’re still working on that high-roller raise). But girl, that’s totally cool. Every sartorially savvy fashion enthusiast knows that you don’t need to rock head-to-toe Dior to rack up the style cred. Case in point: Just about every street style star out there has more than her fair share of High Street staples — Zara being a particular fave — holdin’ it down in her wardrobe. Runway-inspired frocks, trend-right jeans and shoes and swoon-inducing It-girl bags are affordable enough to scoop at the start of each season, and add major wow factor to even the most basic of ensembles. But how is it that they’re able to create haute looks with such affordable pieces? It’s all in the styling. Mixing in a few upscale essentials will certainly do the trick, but choosing the right colors, textures and accessories is just as important. Below, we’re bringing you four gotta-get Zara buys and showing you how to give them that enviable Instababe edge — all without breaking the bank.
A great pair of leather boots doesn’t need much to look its best. Case in point: Teamed with a sophisticated longline wool coat, shimmery drop earrings and a silk square scarf, these forest green stunners look straight-up luxe. For a cool downtown edge, ground the getup with a one-shoulder bodysuit and high-waisted jeans that transition flawlessly from day to night.
Zara Leather High Heel Ankle Boots ($139), Mango Herringbone Pattern Wool Coat ($250), Abercrombie & Fitch One Shoulder Bodysuit ($28), & Other Stories Raw Edge Denim Jeans ($85), J.Crew Italian Silk Square Scarf in Geometric Foulard ($50) + Kendra Scott Tricia Drop Earrings ($75)
ZARA SWEATER
Desk-to-dinner dressing, right this way. With the right pieces, a basic Zara turtleneck becomes a building block for an It girl-approved office-to-after-hours ensemble. Half-tuck the top into an artsy mini skirt (don’t worry — it’s long enough to sneak past HR), then proceed to pair with sculptural scoop booties with endless runway-ready appeal. Round out the look with statement drop earrings and a shearling coat that channels Acne Studios’ iconic topper — but for less.
Zara Turtleneck Sweater ($30), Opening Ceremony Jacquard-Knit Mini Skirt ($151), Loren Hope Eden Jewel Drop Earrings ($178), Zara Asymmetric Leather High Heel Shoes ($90) + H&M Pile-Lined Biker Jacket ($70)
ZARA BUTTON-DOWN
The only thing keeping a classic button-down from reaching its full potential is a lack of power pieces. Start by teaming this embroidered beauty with cropped leather-look trousers and croco slingback pumps that exude classy-lady vibes. Extra polish comes in the form of an icy blue velvet blazer and just a hint of bling in the form of a gilded leopard brooch. Rawr.
Zara Embroidered Poplin Shirt ($40), Zara Cropped Faux Leather Trousers ($50), Mango Velvet Blazer ($150), ASOS Sideways Heels ($57), Ann Taylor Leopard Brooch ($40) + Le Specs Hey Yeah Sunglasses ($89)
ZARA DRESS
Date night, day at the office, weekend chillin’ — this swingy cold-shoulder dress does it all. An ambitious Saturday calls for a getup that will see you through everything from coffee runs to swaying to the beat, and this playful #OOTD has you covered. Jazz up your dress with a bold buckled belt, block heels and a skinny velvet scarf, then proceed to layer on an embroidered bomber jacket that lends the look just the right amount of athleisure cool. Ya dig?
Zara Mid-Length Printed Dress ($50), & Other Stories Embroidered Bomber Jacket ($145), Urban Outfitters Crushed Velvet Skinny Scarf ($19), Miss KG Ava Ankle Strap Point Mid Heeled Shoes ($89), BCBGMAXAZRIA Stone Geometric Ring ($38) + Mango Metal Buckle Belt ($26)
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
