Another day, another standout Zara drop. The retailer is famous for of-the-moment new arrivals, so it's no surprise I'm back with another dedicated edit. I was doing my weekly browse, as one does, and while all of its new arrivals are strong, I noticed one category that's particularly noteworthy right now: the coats. Although we're still a few weeks out from the official start of winter, Zara is ahead of the curve with so many gorgeous options I simply had to share.

Zara's coat range touches on all the season's biggest trends. Think jacquard textures, faux-fur collars, velvet silhouettes, frog-closure details, and, of course, funnel necks galore. Its selection is so good right now I can virtually guarantee certain styles will be sold out before temperatures start to drop. To ensure you don't miss out, I've put together a list of the best options for winter 2026. Keep scrolling for 33 standout Zara coats that are sure to go quickly.

Last week, our New York editors went out to a happy hour at The Mark Hotel's bar on the Upper East Side to celebrate the launch of our first-ever print issue for Who What Wear's 20th Anniversary. Editorial Director Lauren Eggertsen was in town from Los Angeles, and she walked in wearing a statement pair of taffeta pants—one of fall's biggest pant trends. We all started chatting about how they make any outfit instantly more fun, with brands like Chan Luu, Donni, and Reformation all selling their own versions in a variety of colors.

Associate features editor Ana Escalante and I both mentioned how we'd just come across an affordable option from Anthropologie: the Maeve Marnie Taffeta Tapered Pants. Then, today, Executive Shopping Director Bobby Schuessler sent me the exact same ones. (It seems everyone on our team is eyeing the $118 pair.) The pants come in eight colors—light blue, lime, camel, black, ivory, blue, chocolate, and an almost-sold-out pink—and are available in standard, tall, petite, and plus sizes.

Below, shop the taffeta pants along with more editor-favorite fall pieces from Anthropologie.

Shop the Pants

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Not to be dramatic, but Zara's fall/winter collection is incredibly chic this year. Dare I say it's the best it's been in all my years of covering Zara content?! The trendy Spanish retailer has leaned into many of this season's biggest trends. Think opulent outerwear, festive pieces with a runway-approved art deco twist, sumptuous sweaters that feel modern and fresh, and designer-inspired pieces. There are hints of Chloé, Chanel, and Prada but with a Zara touch. Plus, the lineup of bags and shoes will have people on the street stopping to swoon.

Below, I'm sharing my absolute favorite finds from the drop that are chic and trend-forward and, to put it simply, look expensive. These are the pieces destined to sell out first. My advice? Add them to your cart before everyone else does.

Now that a crisp breeze has returned, our wardrobes are about to begin the winter balancing act. The cooler days demand that we bundle up, but many of us still want to look refined and chic while doing so. That's where COS comes in. The high street brand has become a staple in so many great wardrobes, focusing on luxurious silhouettes, high-quality compositions and timeless detailing which create the illusion of luxury purchases even if you're working with a tighter budget. Now, the new collection has arrived, and it's full of expensive-looking staples to make this winter the chicest to date.

Each time that my wardrobe needs an elegant infusion, I turn to COS. Knowing that my investment in even a single piece will be worthwhile in cost-per-wear as the styles aren't tied to trend cycles. We see it in the return of cult buys, from the crew neck jumpers and staple denim that chic people turn to over and over again.

If sumptuous cashmere knits, timeless maxi coats and exquisite tailoring are what you rely on in the cooler months, then you'll want to explore COS's new collection. As ever, the brand is a reliable spot for minimalist designs that exude luxury, whether that's in the best-selling knitwear or the beloved denim. Now that winter is here, the brand comes into its own, putting composition front and centre and offering a series of anti-trend styles that will bring instant polish to your looks and be dependable, elegant additions every single year. Now, if you're looking to build your winter capsule wardrobe, you'll want to scroll on to explore COS's winter collection.

Shop the COS Winter Collection

The under-$300 jacket selection for fall 2026 is looking particularly strong, and there are plenty of styles worth putting on your radar. Whether you're in the market for a new everyday layer or something a little more fashion-forward, this season's offerings cover just about every category. Think sleek leather jackets, cropped styles, cool silk silhouettes, and updated classics that you'll find yourself reaching for on repeat. With so many great options available right now, finding a jacket that fits both your personal style and your budget is easier than ever.

A few outerwear trends are standing out this season, starting with structured silhouettes and interesting details that give familiar styles a fresh perspective. Funnel-neck jackets remain a favorite, while suede-effect finishes, relaxed leather styles, and tailored short coats are also worth considering. Color is another area where things are getting interesting, with rich chocolate brown, deep burgundy, and olive green joining the usual lineup of black, gray, and beige. While these jackets certainly make a statement on their own, they're also incredibly easy to work into an existing wardrobe, whether your go-to outfit involves denim, trousers, or a skirt.

Ahead, we've rounded up the chicest fall jackets under $300 to shop right now. The selection includes a mix of timeless styles, current trends, and versatile pieces that can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, from lightweight options perfect for transitional weather to more substantial layers for cooler days. Consider this your guide to finding a new favorite jacket for fall without exceeding your budget.

Shop the Best Under-$300 Fall Jackets

Knitwear can be expensive, but if you're looking for affordable sweaters, Nordstrom is an editor favorite. Within its in-house line, I found crewnecks, cardigans, turtlenecks, polos, and more—all $100 and below. Right now, two of the best ones are the $60 Turtleneck Knit Top and the currently $100 Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, which is on sale for 40% off right now.

Outside the retailer's own label, there are $100-and-under sweaters from brands such as COS, Madewell, and H&M, starting at $25. Mango also has a variety of options in this price range: the Limoni V-Neck and Sergi Polo Cardigan for $70, the Round Neck Wool Sweater and Asymmetric Rib Cardigan for $80, and both the Wool Turtleneck and Wool V-Neck Sweaters for $100.

Ahead, shop these and more $100-and-under sweaters in Nordstrom's new arrivals.

Shop $100-and-Under Sweaters at Nordstrom

For anyone who's in the mood to shop right now but is on a budget, I curated a variety of expensive-looking items that cost $150 or less. To start, I went through stores that are known to have affordable options, such as J.Crew, Gap, and Nordstrom—scanning for timeless wardrobe staples that are neutral and easy to wear.

Since we're in the middle of fall, knitwear, button-down shirts, cotton pants, dark-wash denim, ballet flats, and outerwear are top of mind. Then there are a few trends, like burgundy and taffeta pants, which I also shopped out below.

On the lower end of the budget, highlights include the $47 100% Cotton Oversized Sweater, the $53 Low Rise '90s Loose Jeans, the $45 Boatneck Layering Tee, and the $80 Maddox Ballet Flats. Keep scrolling to shop under-$150 pieces—from best-selling satin pants to the iconic Rollneck.

Shop Under-$150 Pieces

Anthropologie

Free People

Gap

J.Crew

Madewell

Nordstrom

Zara

Every fashion month, I come home with a camera roll full of runway looks and a wish list that’s way too long. This season was different in one way. So much of what I loved on the spring/summer 2027 runways felt easy to wear in real life and even easier to find at a price that doesn’t require a second look at your bank account. Also, while they're meant for warmer months, I found so many things that I could start wearing now, even though the temperatures have dropped.

From New York to Paris, the same handful of trends kept showing up, from Prada’s all-skirt lineup to elevated animal prints at Proenza Schouler. Ahead, the six we’re calling for spring, plus the pieces I’d shop now to get ahead.

Bra Tops

This was a trend that seemingly came out of nowhere but was seen everywhere this fashion month from Khaite to Prada. The bra top graced many runways this season, and it’s the easiest way to turn a simple bottom into an actual outfit. Throw an open button-down over yours if you’d rather ease in.

Golden Girls

Golden hour, but make it an outfit. Gold showed up on everything from Ralph Lauren’s gold skirts to Saint Laurent’s shimmering pieces, and it’s the most fun way to dress for summer wedding season or a night out in the city. One gold piece in daylight looks like sunshine, not a party.

Statement Skirts

Prada sent nothing but skirts down the runway this season, 63 looks without a single pair of pants, and I took it as a personal invitation. Go for the loudest pleat, print, or color you can find, and let it do the talking.

Elevated Animal Print

Animal print is a forever thing, but this season it grew up a bit. Proenza Schouler styled it in contrasting colors and prints while Sergio Hudson made a strong case for tiger print over leopard at NYFW, and the way to wear it now feels quieter. Picture a tiger-print slip skirt and gold jewelry at a candlelit dinner, nothing loud around it.

So Much Plaid

Plaid usually clocks out when the leaves fall, but not this time. Gucci’s tartan A-line skirts made the case for wearing it on a late night out, and it feels more Jenny Humphrey than prep school. We saw brands do plaid in all sorts of ways, from corporate chic to girls-night approved. I'll wear it to anything.

Jazz Shoes

Somewhere between a ballet flat and a loafer lives the jazz shoe, and it’s the pair I’ll be reaching for to walk the city all spring. It has a little dance-studio nostalgia and a lot of comfort, and it works with everything from a full skirt to straight-leg jeans. Expect to see them on every fashion person on the subway platform.

When it comes to shopping for winter staples on the high street, we've all probably felt the frustration of trying to hunt down elegant, expensive-looking items that don't break the bank. With temperatures dropping, there's a lot to contend with as we put together our winter outfits, but there's one particular high-street hero that does premium-looking winter basics that exude all the elegance of designer buys. Enter Zara’s winter basics collection.

You see, as someone with luxury taste on a very modest budget, I’m extremely particular about investing in my cold-weather staples, but time and time again Zara focuses on creating refined-looking items at accessible price points that also manage to stand the test of time in your wardrobe. From timeless designs that will never go out of style to those slightly trendier silhouettes and colours that feel fresh for 2026, Zara’s current winter basics selection is filled with new-in buys that could easily pass as triple their price tag. But the best part? Each and every piece sits well below the £150 mark that you’d usually find yourself paying for high-end staples.

Now, I'll be honest: the sheer number of items on the website can feel extremely overwhelming, so I decided to narrow my search down to nine stand-out pieces from the brand that will bolster my winter capsule wardrobe. So if you too are looking to add to your elegant but elevated basics collection ahead of winter 2026, keep scrolling to discover the nine designer-passing Zara buys that I’m considering investing in.

9 Zara Winter Basics That Will Be Gone Before November

Shop More Zara Winter Basics We Love

Zara's fall collection is particularly good right now, and after spending far too much time scrolling through the new arrivals, I found plenty of pieces worth talking about. The retailer has always been a go-to for trend-forward fashion at accessible prices, but every season, a handful of items stand out for their elevated designs, beautiful textures, and expensive-looking details. This fall, there are more than a few that could easily pass for something with a much higher price tag.

Among the standout finds are tailored wool-blend coats, sophisticated knitwear, sleek leather-effect jackets, and polished separates that feel especially relevant for fall 2026. Rich chocolate brown, soft suede finishes, sculptural silhouettes, and interesting hardware are just some of the details worth paying attention to. Even the simplest pieces, from relaxed trousers to classic sweaters, have subtle design elements that make them feel a little more special than your average wardrobe basics.

After sorting through Zara's extensive selection, I've narrowed it down to 30 pieces that deserve a closer look. The edit includes everything from versatile everyday staples to statement-making jackets, chic footwear, and accessories that could easily become the most-worn items in your closet. Whether you're looking to refresh your fall wardrobe or simply love discovering a great fashion find, these are the expensive-looking Zara pieces worth adding to your cart before they're gone.

I want to start this off by saying that I did not plan to write this story. I was actually editing someone else's market when I suddenly found myself in a Zara hole. It was an out-of-body experience. One second, I was checking on stock, and then the next, I had 20+ tabs open and a shopping cart full of pieces I couldn't for the life of me edit down. I ended up just ordering most of them, mostly because, with Zara, you never know when something will sell out forever. So many people shop on the website that there's always a risk of missing out on something really good if you don't just click purchase the second you find it. My order hasn't arrived yet, but if you're as afraid of shopping-induced FOMO as I am, you'll want to get yours placed sooner rather than later.

From $100 leather jackets to the embroidered midi skirt that started this entire journey (it's that good), the list of new October Zara items below is full of winners—no duds. Good on you if you're able to scroll past even one piece and not at least click on the product for a closer look. My willpower certainly wasn't strong enough. Beaded bags, low-profile loafers, and jacquard jackets are all included too. There's something for everyone, really, but you'll figure that out quickly once you start scrolling.

We're nearing the end of October, and for every fashion person, that means that a new John Lewis collaboration is about to launch. For years now, stylish people have set their clocks by the annual release that brings together the high-street hero and designer name, and this year, the anticipation has been higher than ever. Now, the John Lewis X Rixo collaboration has officially launched, and it's already moving fast.

The new release marks the biggest fashion collaboration to date for John Lewis as it teams up with renowned British brand Rixo. Already, you'll be well aware of the credentials of each, with John Lewis bringing high-quality offerings to the high street whilst Rixo is known for its vintage-inspired charm. Now the two fashion icons have come together to create a 44-piece collection spanning sleek jackets, elegant dresses, knitwear, and standout accessories. Naturally, I had to get my hands on a few pieces ahead of time.

The first aspect of the collection worth highlighting is the dresses. Both brands are known for elevated frocks, and the collection includes a series of sleek dresses infused with Rixo's signature vintage silhouettes and eye-catching prints, including an exclusive print drawn from the John Lewis Partnership Archive dating back to 1849. With a series of best-selling jackets on Rixo's roster, the collection also spans a series of sleek jackets, in particular the Luanne jacket with a silky finish and eye-catching faux fur cuffs, as well as the bold burgundy faux-fur jacket.

Along with dressier pieces primed to make this party season the most elegant to date, you'll find a selection of styles to make everyday instantly refined. Think bold patterned blouses with neckties, shimmering knitwear and ruffle-accent tops to embrace Rixo's boho mood. Finally, a series of accessories complete the collection, with notable embroidered ballet flats and bow-clad mules. Altogether, the collection is balanced, extremely refined and sure to bring a touch of joy and elegance to any winter wardrobe. As these collabs tend to move fast, I'd recommend scrolling on.

Shop the John Lewis X Rixo Collection Before It Sells Out