As you may already have read in the past, I have somewhat of a love-hate relationship with Zara. Love for reasons like cool clothes, great prices, and tons of trends. Hate for reasons like takes all my money, everyone else has what you buy, addictive, etc.
So since at the moment, my on-again-off-again relationship with the fast-fashion giant seems to be very much off, today I've decided to look to some of my other favorite affordable sites and brands to see what under-$50 treasures I could find. From shoes and bags to dresses and tops, shop my picks of items you won't see everyone else wearing but will love as much as your last Zara score below.
Topshop
Two Part Sandals
A party on your feet!
Urban Renewal
Remade Leather Halter Tank Top
Channel your inner cool girl in this leather halter top. Available in sizes S to L.
Mango
Rhinestone Crystal Earring
Finish off any simple outfit with these stunners.
Madewell
Finn Modal-Blend Bodysuit
You can never own enough simple bodysuits. Available in sizes XS to XL.
Frankie Shop
Paloma Wool Yute Macrame Bag
Your new favorite net bag.
Jeffrey Campbell
H8er Slides
These silver heels are killing us.
Reformation
Bardot Top
You'll wear this one forever. Available in sizes XS to XL.
Who What Wear
Vertical Metal Handle Bucket Bag
A statement bag that you'll find yourself wearing on repeat.
Mango
Buttons Details Shirt
We love the button details on this blouse. Available in sizes 2 to 8.
Forever 21
Contrast-Stitch Wide-Leg Pants
Both night- and day-appropriate. Available in sizes S to L.
Stylenanda
Mid-Heel Slide Sandals
Add a pop of color to your outfit with these fun block heels.
ASOS Design
Batwing Blouse With Asymmetric Button Detail
White tops are always in style.Available in sizes 0 to 14.
Frankie Shop
Transparent PVC Western Belt
We're here for anything and everything PVC.
Urban Outfitters x Laura Ashley
Leila Kick Flare Pant
Feel free to wear these post–Labor Day with an oversize black sweater. Available in sizes 0 to 16.
Loéil
Alma Earring
Statement earrings for under $50? Score.
Farrow
Adeline Twill Top in Navy
A crop top you can wear in any season.Available in sizes S to L.
Urban Outfitters
Bamboo Handle Crossbody Bag
This doubles as both a crossbody and a top-handle bag!
Oh Hey Girl
Pink Glitter T-Shirt
Who would have thought pink glitter could be so not-preppy?Available in size O/S.
ASOS
New Look Leopard Print Denim Skirt
Will we ever get tired of leopard? Nah.Available in sizes 0 to 4.
Ventrone Chronicles
Capri Perla Hoops
Pretty meets trendy.
H&M
Top With Eyelet Embroidery
Just the right amount of vintage vibes.Available in sizes 0 to 14.
Who What Wear
Striped Smocked Tank Midi Dress
Vertical stripes are so flattering, and this dress is proof.Available in sizes XS to 4X.
Frasier Sterling
Cherry Bomb Necklace
Who doesn't love wearing fruit around their neck?
Pomelo.
V Neck Zebra Print Top
Zebra print is about to be huge for fall.Available in sizes XS to XXL.
Pomelo
Square Tinted Frame Sunglasses
Feel free to be extra in these square sunnies.
& Other Stories
Fitted Striped Tee
A piece you'll find yourself working into every season.Available in sizes 0 to 10.
ASOS
Stradivarius Paperbag Tie Waist Jeans
The perfect match for a graphic tee. Available in sizes 0 to 8.
Mango
Cowboy Style Belt
A snakeskin-meets-cowboy belt? We're so in. Available in sizes S to L.
Mango
Vinyl Shopper Bag
Show off your newest printed pouch in this PVC tote.
Forever 21
Ribbed Lettuce-Edge Top
When in doubt, wear black. Available in sizes X to 3X.
Madewell
Apron Sweater Tank
Because who doesn't love a square neckline?Available in sizes XXS to XXL.
H&M
Mules
You don't even need to justify these.
Topshop
Ditsy Button Through Mini Slip Dress
There's nothing like a floral minidress. Available in sizes 0 to 14.
Gimaguas
Portuguese Basket Mini
A statement bag you won't find on every other girl.
Hanes x Karla
The Crew Tee
We think Karla Welch nailed it with this white tee. Available in sizes S to XL.
Pixie Market
Petal Drop Earrings
Can you tell we're really into earrings right now? Doesn't hurt that they're shaping up to be a major fall trend.
H&M
Lace Blouse
Embrace your romantic side in this lace number. Available in sizes 0 to 18.
Topshop
Pointy Polly Cateye Sunglasses
These really do look great on all face shapes, scouts honor.
Urban Outfitters
Colette Stretch Linen Mini Dress
Pair this strappy sandals for your next night out. Available in sizes 0 to 12.
Topshop
Lion Head Chain Belt
The best finishing touch to any outfit. Available in sizes S to L.
Mango
Bucket Flat Sandals
Your feet will feel all kinds of chic in these slides.
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. Upon joining, she was a senior about to graduate from business school at USC. Fast-forward to 2025, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was just starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content and her Trust Me—Buy This newsletter. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to neutral, classic pieces but will always make an exception for something colorful or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a party is dressing up for one. On her downtime, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.