39 Chic Nordstrom, H&M, and Zara Items Fashion People Would Buy

last updated 12 April 2024

H&amp;M green shoulder-pad jacket with a black pencil skirt and sunglasses

Because of my job, I spend a lot of time with the exceptionally well dressed, whether at runway shows, new-season previews, or brand dinners. While it'd probably be more polite of me to just mind my own business, rarely is that the case. I'm an observant person by nature—I can't help that—so yes, I pay close attention to what types of items said skillful stylists outfit themselves in on a regular basis. As such, I have a pretty good idea of what the fashion crowd's chicest members will and will not like.

Rather than gatekeep all of the style information I have etched forever in my brain, I figured I'd spend my afternoon sharing my well-researched insights with anyone who's interested in the sorts of pieces fashion people gravitate toward. In this case, they're from Nordstrom, Zara, and H&M specifically. There are elegant flats and heels, low-key luxury handbags, and elevated basics as well as statement silhouettes and edgy outerwear. Leather, cashmere, sequins, and satin will all make an appearance. Basically, everything that would be alluring to a style-minded consumer from Nordstrom, H&M, and Zara can be found below. Go forth and do with it all as you please.

H&M

Pointed Flats

The Row, Toteme, and Prada are all making elegant, pointy flats just like these.

H&M

Shoulder-Pad Jacket

Throwing this padded-shoulder jacket on top of some basics will single-handedly create a good outfit.

ZARA

Knit Sweater With Below-the-Elbow-Length Sleeves

This sweater might be simple, but the styling here shows that it can pack a punch.

Nordstrom

Double Loop Trouser Belt

Everyone in fashion is growing their belt collection right now.

Levi's

501 Ripped High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

Fashion people know more than anyone the power of a good pair of 501s.

ZARA

All Glass Sunglasses

Phoebe Philo and Saint Laurent are building a strong case for oversize sunglasses to replace tiny ones. I, for one, am convinced.

H&M

Twill Trench Coat

I've been searching for the perfect gray trench after seeing it on The Row's runway, and now, I've found it.

Zw Collection

Full Midi Skirt

The bubble hem makes this skirt extra special.

ZARA

Zippered Shoulder Bag

I guarantee that this $50 shoulder bag will sell out very quickly.

H&M

Bomber Jacket With Shoulder Pads

You don't need to spend hundreds on a distressed leather jacket.

MANGO

Satin Midi Skirt

You'd be surprised by how many different ways you can style this skirt.

ZARA

Bow Trim Fabric Ballet Flats

So luxe.

H&M

Slim High Jeans

White jeans for spring? Say less.

H&M

Short Jacket With Shoulder Pads

Style this forest-green jacket with the aforementioned Mango pencil skirt. It'll be a really cool outfit.

Zara

Semi-Circular Earrings

These are what I call outfit-making accessories.

Good American

Shine Ribbed Halter Maxi Dress

The best spring LBDs in 2024 have a halterneck.

H&M

Short Twill Pea Coat

A very sought-after style at the moment.

H&M

Satin Maxi Skirt

The styling possibilities are truly endless.

H&M

Pointed Slingbacks

Get all the style of slingback kitten heels with none of the pain.

H&M

Tiered-Skirt Smocked Dress

Very chic.

ZARA

Cylindrical Shoulder Bag

You do, in fact, need this $40 bag.

ZARA

Midi Skirt With Buckle

Fashion is falling fast for the stylish groutfit.

Jeffrey Campbell

Tanya Pointed Toe Slingback Pump

These literally just dropped on Nordstrom.com, and I've already gotten them sent to me four times.

H&M

Fine-Knit Cardigan

A classic cardigan is never a bad idea.

ZARA

Sequin Mini Skirt

If you wanted the Prada white miniskirt but couldn't afford it, here's a chic alt that'll cost you less than $100.

MANGO

Faux Leather Minidress

I wouldn't usually go for a leather dress, but this one's something special.

Jeffrey Campbell

Esmerelda Square Toe Mule

Say yes to satin footwear.

Halogen

Sleeveless Stretch Cotton Knit Shell Top

I bet you'll end up wearing this top at least once a week.

H&M

Wide-Leg Pants

I'm going to re-create this entire outfit ASAP.

ZARA

Flat Leather Tubular Belt

Cord belts were all over New York Fashion Week street style this season.

H&M

Cropped Bouclé-Weave Jacket

I can't believe this beautiful cardigan costs under $50.

ZARA

Suede Shoulder Bag

The suede on this top-handle bag is so luxe.

H&M

Fine-Knit Cashmere Sweater

H&M's cashmere always sells out scarily fast.

Citizens of Humanity

Ayla High Waist Baggy Organic Cotton Jeans

I swear every person I follow on IG owns these cuffed, baggy jeans.

ZARA

Knit Sweater With Below-the-Elbow-Length Sleeves

Every time I spot a really good outfit, it features a small touch of red.

ZARA

Oval Earrings

I feel like Zara's jewelry selection is slept on far too often.

ZARA

Round Neck Polyamide Top

The round neck on this top is so flattering and pretty.

H&M

Rib-Knit Skirt

Need.

H&M

Suit Vest

Tailored vests are the spring tailoring essential everyone's talking about.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.