Here at Who What Wear, we’re constantly browsing the best fast-fashion sites for the coolest pieces. In fact, we even have a weekly series where we highlight all the new arrivals that need to be in your shopping cart so you don’t miss an affordable and on-trend find. We’ve also shared a plethora of fun fast-fashion facts, like the insider information to scoring Zara pieces before everyone else and the hidden section at ASOS where all the cool girls shop. To add to the list of helpful fast-fashion shopping tips, we tapped our editor in chief, Kat Collings, for her expert insight. Collings has an eye for finding the pieces that you’d never guess were from brands you can find at the mall. On top of that, she has five savvy tricks for always being the first to own the best fast-fashion finds of the season. Below Collings spills how an EIC shops for fast fashion, so find out everything you need to know below and shop her picks for the season along the way.
Know the special hashtags to follow.
Mango has really stepped up their game, and you can easily find the best pieces by searching #MangoGirls and seeing what their chic brand ambassadors are wearing.
Your classic coat just got jealous.
For a subtle way to address the ’80s trend.
And the Instagram accounts.
ASOS has super-chic employees that constantly wear their brands. It’s the best way to tell how something looks off-model, and get a peek at what the people who are most familiar with ASOS’s massive catalog are cherry-picking from the site.
It’s official: We’re all mad for plaid.
Now this looks cozy.
Look for matching sets.
Matching sets are a great way to look perfectly put together—all the outfit guesswork is sorted. I love turning to affordable retailers for a coordinating look because it’s a bit easier on the wallet when buying two pieces.
Fashion It girl–approved. Pair with the matching Corduroy Straight Trousers ($100).
This makes us miss old Celine. Pair with the Minimal Collection Skirt ($70).
For the truly bold.
Double down on the shoes.
If you live in a place where it often rains or you do a lot of walking, you don’t need me to tell you that shoes can get worn out and ruined really quickly. I recommend balancing out your investment shoes with some lower-priced ones that hit on the current trends and don’t cost a fortune.
If Lisa Aiken approves…
I think you need these for work.
Hiker boots are in.
Standout cowboy boots are at the height of style now and will always come back if you give it enough time.
Don't neglect the accessories at Zara.
I used to overlook Zara accessories, but they’ve gotten increasingly strong in the past year or so.
Resin earrings are so right now. We even dedicated a Pinterest board to the trend.
This belt feels very Ellery-meets-Celine.
Even your most basic black coat will look fresh with this scarf.
Shop more of my fast-fashion picks:
The ’80s scarf print is back with a vengeance.
Love this not-so-literal zebra.
Workwear chic.
This plush coat is a feast for the eyes.
Yes, we’re going to style this sweater exactly like the model with a turtleneck underneath.Up next, find out what you should never buy from fast-fashion stores, according to a stylist.
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