I Have Classic Style, and This Is How I Shop at Zara

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

At the Who What Wear office, the other editors often refer to my “classic” style. This probably stems from my affinity for timeless pieces I can wear over and over again and my hesitation to jump on every new trend. And it’s true—while I do incorporate new trends every so often, my style is rooted in the classics with some modern updates.

With my penchant for classic style, I have a few tricks for finding the best pieces when I’m headed on a shopping trip IRL or online. And I have some secrets for finding the very best “classic” pieces at Zara. If you similarly gravitate to the classics or just want to add some to your wardrobe, I’m sharing my expert tips. Ahead I’m breaking down the rules I follow for getting the best timeless pieces from Zara every time.

Check out the "minimal collection"

I describe my style as “classic meets modern,” and that always includes some great minimal pieces that are the foundation of my outfits. Zara has a “minimal collection” with great basics I love to scoop up.

Look for pieces that are "embossed"

I always do a search for “embossed” items. These are usually accessories like bags and shoes that have a faux crocodile print and look very elevated for their price tag.

Its affordable boots are worth it

I bought a pair of black ankle boots from Zara years ago, and they’re one of my best purchases. See me wearing my favorites here and here at Paris fashion week.

Order some blazers

Blazers truly pull together so many looks—from jeans and a T-shirt to a head-to-toe suit for a Bianca Jagger moment. Look for tailored pieces or looser cuts for a weekend look.

The retailer carries pants with the perfect cut

I bought a pair of Zara’s trousers in London (see them here) and became an instant fan. They fit really well and had great, clean lines.

For heels, make them metallic

Zara’s metallic shoes are another favorite. These are perfect for an evening look or just to wear with jeans.

You can't go wrong with black

Even though I’ve been trying to add more color to my wardrobe, I feel like you can never go wrong with black in cool silhouettes—like these cat-eye sunglasses and miniskirt.

Next: Shop my Instagram for 15 of my top current buys I’m wearing IRL.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.