As a shopping editor, I spend an excessive amount of time scrolling through Zara’s new-in section. And whilst not every piece makes it onto my wish list, when Zara gets it right, it really gets it right. Case in point: its winter 2026 collection. With temperatures firmly dropping, the brand has turned its attention to the pieces we’ll actually want to wear for the next few months. There are beautifully cut wool coats that could easily pass for designer, sumptuous-looking knits in rich winter shades and excellent tailoring, alongside the elevated everyday basics Zara does so well.

Naturally, there’s a lot to sift through, so I’ve done the scrolling for you. From exceptional outerwear to polished winter staples, keep reading for my edit of the best Zara winter buys of 2026.

Shop the Best Zara Winter Buys:

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

The cold weather has suddenly swept in, and a crisp breeze now accompanies the darker mornings. Winter is officially underway, and if you’re also feeling like your wardrobe is scrambling to keep up with the sudden shift, then you’re not alone. Having only just eased back into my autumn pieces, the new season has quickly arrived, and now all I can think about is building the most refined winter wardrobe. As ever, Zara is ahead of the game, and the high-street hero has already perfected seven elegant winter trends that fashion people are already wearing.

Whilst the cooler days may require an extra level of thought as we balance looking chic and staying warm, I personally couldn’t be more excited for the shift into winter dressing. I'm drawn to the joy of layering, pulling together soft knitwear and sleek coats which can easily look incredibly expensive even when they're affordable buys.

For winter 2026, the defining trends feel both contemporary and enduring. Winter’s arrival sees the return of rich textures and finishes, from sumptuous cashmere to smooth leather. Finer details are bringing a sophistication to bundling up, from bold funnel-neck collars to soft barrel-leg silhouettes. Whilst there are bolder trends around this season, Zara is focused on the most refined, like fringe detailing accenting jackets, skirts and even handbags. Finally, the finishing touches bring our chic winter looks together, and I’ve rounded up the trending belts, cashmere scarves and footwear to rely on this year and every winter to come.

We know the best Zara pieces tend to move fast, so scroll to shop the seven chic Zara winter trends before they sell out.

1. Check Mate

Style Notes: The heritage revival sees check patterns return, now accenting shirts, outerwear and even skirts.

2. Collars Up

Style Notes: Funnel-neck details are back to prove just how timeless the trend is, elevating every piece they're applied to.

3. Bold Barrel

Style Notes: The barrel shape is back and defining the season, with curved lines on denim, tailoring and cotton trousers.

4. Leather Look

Style Notes: Leather is a key component of our winter 2026 wardrobes, and I’ve tracked down the most refined leather offerings at Zara, from sleek jackets to polished boots.

5. Fringe Finishes

Style Notes: The runways have been awash with fluttering fringe, and now Zara embraces this fine detail to rejuvenate cardigans, skirts and even handbags.

6. Soft Touch

Style Notes: On a softer note, I’ve curated the best cashmere, merino and wool knitwear in refined shades, as well as faux fur-trimmed outerwear that looks triple the actual price.

7. Elevated Accessories

Style Notes: Finally, we round off the edit with a series of elevated accessories to bring a touch of refinement to our looks, even when we’re bundled up against the chill.

It’s a new season, which means my biannual wardrobe reassessment has officially begun. The charity and Vinted piles have been set aside, leaving some rather convenient gaps in my wardrobe that I’m already itching to fill. With a strict budget and expensive-looking pieces at the top of my wish list, there are three brands I immediately headed to: Zara, H&M and COS.

Each has its own speciality. Zara’s outerwear never ceases to impress me, from reversible jackets that could easily pass for designer to beautifully cut trench coats I’ll rely on for years. H&M is where I turn for the foundations of my winter wardrobe—think premium-feeling knitwear, great denim and elevated basics that make everything else I own work harder. Then there’s COS, which consistently excels at the pieces I’m willing to spend a little more on, from 100% cashmere knits and sumptuous scarves to impeccable tailoring and seriously good accessories.

So, if you’re also looking to give your wardrobe a winter update without the designer price tags, keep scrolling for the Zara, H&M and COS pieces I think look far more expensive than they are.

Shop The Best Zara, H&M and COS Winter Buys

After more than 10 years working in the fashion industry, I’ve become pretty adept at spotting the high-street pieces that can pass for designer, and, like it or not, Zara is often where the really good finds are hiding. The trick is getting there before everyone else does.

With the new season front of mind, my fellow Who What Wear editors and I are already keeping a close eye on the retailer’s new-in section, looking beyond the transitional buys and towards the pieces that will earn their keep when temperatures really drop. Think beautifully cut wool coats, leather trousers that instantly elevate an outfit, knee-high boots that work with practically everything and those cosy finishing touches that make winter dressing feel considered rather than purely functional. These are the hardworking investments that can make even your most basic jeans-and-knitwear combination look much more expensive.

Of course, the downside of finding something brilliant at Zara is knowing it probably won’t stick around for long. By the time the first proper cold snap hits, those standout pieces have a habit of selling out just when you need them most. So, I’ve asked around the office and collated a list of the best Zara early winter buys for 2026 that we think are worth snapping up now. From timeless wardrobe staples that will no doubt make an appearance every year, to the standout pieces that give an outfit that elevated designer feel, consider this your head start on a seriously chic (and affordable) winter wardrobe.

Shop the Best Zara Early Winter Buys 2026:

John Galliano's Met Gala might be over, but the highly anticipated collaboration with Zara is officially here. After months of waiting, Galliano's Zara collection has transformed the high street giant's usual offering of everyday staples into something almost unrecognisable. Archival Zara pieces have been pulled apart, exaggerated and stripped of their original form, before being reconstructed in a way only the couturier could.

The former Maison Margiela creative director teamed up with the Spanish fashion retailer to create Re{form}, a genderless collection that defies practically every expectation of what an everyday piece of clothing should be. Shirts are no longer simply shirts, dresses twist and drape around the body, and tailoring takes on entirely new proportions. Even the most familiar wardrobe staples feel theatrical in Galliano’s hands.

While Zara is a brand we ordinarily turn to for clothes that slot seamlessly into our wardrobes, Re{form} asks us to look at those same pieces differently. The collection is made up of dramatic coats, sculptural tailoring, fluid dresses and beautifully deconstructed separates that feel more like fashion objects than straightforward basics. Galliano’s signatures are everywhere. There’s romance and theatrics, but also imperfection: exposed construction, unexpected proportions and the sense that each garment has been tampered with rather than simply designed.

Amongst all the drama, however, there’s also a surprisingly strong line-up of simpler wardrobe staples. Pure-cashmere V-neck jumpers sit alongside knitted waistcoats and T-shirts, offering a considerably more understated way into the collection. Then there’s the cropped graphic tee, tapping into fashion's renewed appetite for statement T-shirts and arguably one of the collection's most accessible pieces.

Keep scrolling to see the Zara Re{form} pieces that caught my eye—and sure to sell out asap.

Shop The John Galliano x Zara Collection

After a summer packed full of trips, events, birthdays and al fresco dinners, my bank balance is definitely feeling the pinch. The new season has slowly eased in, and whilst I've unpacked a selection of trusted autumn staples to see me through the coming months, a few gaps remain where great pieces should be. So, I've set myself a strict budget and set aside a few hours to deep-dive into the new collections and unearth the most expensive-looking buys that exude autumnal elegance, all under £150. Trust me, you'll want to see these.

If you’ve ever been asked if your top or shoes are designer and proudly declared “it’s from Zara!” then you’ll understand the satisfaction I felt when tracking down these expensive-looking high street buys. The trick to finding pieces that look like smart investment buys can be found in the finer details of silhouette, composition, shade and classic design. Lucky for us, autumn naturally reintroduces a refined colour palette, brings back luxe-looking textures and welcomes the return of sumptuous fabrics from merino wool to satin. And if you know where to look like I do, then there are some seriously expensive-looking finds to uncover.

At the top end of my £150 budget you’ll find a cosy merino wool knit in autumn’s trending cobalt blue as well as a water-repellent trench coat that will be a practical and chic addition to your wardrobe throughout the seasons. Whilst the top end of my budget is £150, there are plenty of pieces that come in well below this price point. Within this selection of sleek autumnal buys, you’ll find a pair of seriously good barrel-leg jeans from Marks & Spencer that I’ve already tried on (and purchased), an affordable leather-look skirt from Zara which is quickly selling out and a selection of refined accessories to tie your looks together. If you’re sticking to a budget this autumn, scroll on to explore the best under-£150 buys on the high street right now.

Shop the Under £150 Buys That Look Triple The Price

We're in that awkward transitional time between seasons. And while I'm puzzling over how to dress for cooler temperatures and drizzle, I'm also rethinking my beauty rotation. Now that the evenings are drawing in, I'm more tempted by rich, autumnal shades of burgundy and chocolate than peppy blues; the same applies to perfume.

Something happens when the leaves start to turn. I can't spritz anything fruity or solar. I want something that helps me tap into that cosy, autumnal fragrance energy: warm gourmands, smoky, boozy accords and enveloping woods that make me feel cocooned on first spritz.

Last year, I discovered just how good Zara perfumes are—really, many are blended by world-leading perfumers, and then, of course, there's their excellent price point. But where they really excel is decadent autumn fragrances; there's a real catalogue to choose from, whether you prefer deeper profiles or a musky skin scent. Ahead, the seven I'll have on rotation for the foreseeable.

The Best Zara Fragrances For Autumn

• Best Overall Zara Autumn Fragrance: Ebony Wood Eau de Parfum, £35.99
• Best Zara Gourmand Autumnal Fragrance: Amber Affogato Eau de Parfum, £35.99
• Best Boozy Zara Autumn Fragrance: Rich Warm Addictive Eau de Toilette, £17.99
• Best Autumnal Zara Amber Fragrance: Zara Sand Desert At Sunset Intense Eau de Parfum, £25.99
• Best Long-Lasting Zara Autumn Fragrance: Hypnotic Vanilla Eau de Parfum, £22.99

1. Zara Ebony Wood Eau de Parfum

This woody, spicy scent was created by none other than Jo Malone, founder of British fragrance brand Jo Loves. It's no wonder, then, that it's blended so masterfully. In fact, this is a compliment magnet, which completely belies the fact that it's under £40. For me, woods are very autumnal, and this instantly evokes long evenings spent outside a cabin in the forest, while a fire crackles and smoulders. It opens with bright grapefruit, pink pepper and cypress, before coffee adds a smooth, warm depth. Finally, there's a woody trail of earthy vetiver and patchouli, which grounds it beautifully and lingers for hours on end.

2. Zara Rich Warm Addictive Eau de Toilette

While this is part of the brand's tobacco collection, it's more of a smoky gourmand, with a heavy punctuation of boozy rum, which it opens with, and bourbon vanilla, which grounds it. Rich Warm Addictive is actually a great name, because it's exactly that; there's a sweetness thanks to notes of golden honey, coconut and white peony, but it remains intense on the skin. It's seriously cosy, too, conjuring leather armchairs, dimly lit bars and oakwood. I liken it to a grown-up vanilla scent, with a sultry, seductive kick thanks to all the alcohol notes.

3. Zara Sand Desert At Sunset Intense Eau de Parfum

I mentioned that Zara often taps renowned perfumers, and Sand Desert at Sunset Intense is one of the best examples. Master perfumer Benoist Lapouza collaborated with the brand to create a slew of oriental florals, and this is the bestseller. Often compared to Kilian Angel's Share (but at a fraction of the price), it's a warm, spicy amber scent that opens with zesty orange and smoky incense, before moving into a gourmand heart of moreish cinnamon, cocoa and tonka. It then dries down clean, powdery and woody, thanks to iris and cedarwood. It's complex, and again, a real bargain.

4. Zara Amber Affogato Parfum

Affogato was the dessert of the summer, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't make for a gorgeous autumnal scent. This rich, creamy fragrance, created by Spanish perfumer Jordi Fernández, perfectly captures the juxtaposition of bitter coffee beans and vanilla gelato with a kick of dark-roast espresso and a deep, resinous base of amber, which is sensual and enveloping on the skin. I love the trail of coffee beans it leaves behind; it's actually rather revitalising for such a cosy scent, making it surprisingly complex.

5. Zara Dolce Nostalgia Vanilla & Incense Parfum

One of the more unique Zara fragrances I've discovered, Dolce Nostalgia Vanilla & Incense, was also blended by Jo Malone, and no wonder it smells so expensive. It opens on the unconventional note of plum liquor, adding a cloying sweetness that makes it very different from the rest of my autumnal rotation. Then there's a sophisticated yet rugged edge of "cracked leather", which stops the plum from becoming overbearing, before it settles into a creamy, cocooning amber that has lovely projection.

6. Zara Fields at Nightfall Intense Parfum

Despite its "intense" label, this is a far lighter autumnal scent than the others on this list, and that's no bad thing. Especially for daytime, I prefer something more subtle, and the milky, woody notes of jasmine sambac and velvety sandalwood lend this a skin-scent edge that is perfect as we phase into winter. But despite the freshness of coconut water, it retains an overtly cosy profile, thanks to a base note of bourbon vanilla, which rounds it out beautifully. I can never stop sniffing my wrists when I wear this.

7. Zara Hypnotic Vanilla Eau de Parfum

This is not for the faint of heart; if you don't like vanilla, steer clear—but if you even "like" it, you'll adore this. Super sweet, with hints of delectable dulce de leche, this confection is made autumnal thanks to deep, bourbon-infused vanilla and moss. It's my favourite kind of transitional scent, as it's softened considerably with the addition of apricot blossom and jasmine, meaning it's perfect for late September, when there's still a hint of warmth in the air. As with any vanilla-based scent, it's incredibly long-wearing; I can still smell it on my skin long after I first sprayed it.

How I Tested

Both the wider Who What Wear UK team and our beauty team have tested hundreds of perfumes between us, and we're very familiar with Zara's expansive offering. I tested each of the brand's autumnal scents for two weeks, judging each on projection, throw, sillage and lasting power.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

If there's one thing I know, it's minimalism. I've spent the last decade of my career living and breathing fashion—as a stylist, an editor and a shopping expert. I've seen so many trends come and go, I'm sure you can understand why I feel a little cautious to indulge these days. As I enter my mid-thirties, I've found myself streamlining my wardrobe and the pieces that are sticking are the classics. No bright colours, wild textures or bold florals that easily feel tired, no 'fun' impulse buys that suddenly seem gimmicky. It's my trench coats, black blazers, blue jeans and crisp white shirts that have stood the test of time.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a wardrobe full of personality and style. I've just always found myself drawn to the longevity of beautiful cuts, tonal shades and thoughtful design over maximalist details that can, especially if bought cheaply, age badly. What I'm saying is a minimalist wardrobe doesn't have to be boring. In fact, when you're selective about the pieces you buy, a minimalist wardrobe can be just as interesting and unique as a maximalist one. In autumn, I always look for impeccably tailored trousers, elevated knitwear and a rich, tonal colour palette so that every piece works effortlessly together. It's with outerwear and accessories that you can really experiment. Think exaggerated silhouettes and unexpected proportions which instantly add interest to pared-back pieces.

The best part about minimalism, is that you don't have to invest heavily to get your hands on forever buys. The high street does it so well. Look at COS, Massimo Dutti and Zara. Three of the best examples, in my opinion, that make understated designs look incredibly expensive. I've just been scouring their new-in autumn collections, and they all have an impressive selection of polished, versatile pieces that would slot seamlessly into an existing capsule wardrobe, making everything feel modern and fresh at the same time. Keep scrolling and you'll see the best minimalist COS, Zara and Massimo Dutti buys that have made my shortlist for autumn 2026. Naturally, I want them all.

Shop the Best Minimalist COS Buys

Shop the Best Minimalist Massimo Dutti Buys

Shop the Best Minimalist Zara Buys

As we drift slowly into September, the hazy days, cool mornings and inclement transitional weather is making itself known. Don't know what to wear to beat the chill and avoid overheating? It can only mean one thing: it's officially time to start thinking about autumn jackets.

As it stands, there's no shortage of expensive-looking outerwear vying for our attention right now. From the elevated allure of frog-fastened styles to the utilitarian edge of the funnel-neck, this season's jacket offering is anything but boring. But where to start? Well, if you ask me, Zara, H&M and COS are pretty good places to begin.

Boasting styles that feel influenced by luxury fashion (whilst maintaining that all-important high-street price tag), these brands have quietly been making standout minimalist jackets for years. And this season, they’ve surpassed themselves. Whether it's sumptuous suede and leather worked into sleek funnel-neck styles or smart military jackets elevated in regal shades of blue, this season, Zara, H&M and COS are a pared-back dresser's dream, and I've uncovered the very best to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Keep scrolling to shop.

9 Minimalist Jackets From Zara, H&M and COS for Autumn 2026

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The shift from summer into autumn has my wardrobe working overtime. Cool mornings have been followed by sharp temperature spikes and bright days broken up by soft rain. Whilst I'd like to throw myself in fully to the lavish layering of autumn, the weather seems to have other ideas, so in the meantime I've been following the lead of stylish people everywhere who are depending on light windbreakers to be the perfect light layer to see us through this uncertain moment. And if you're wondering where to find the chicest styles on the high street, these Zara finds might be the answer.

Once a wardrobe staple for long walks or quick runs to the local coffee shop, recent seasons have reignited fashion's infatuation with technical jackets and windbreakers. Offering just enough warmth to handle a cool autumn breeze without needing to strip off when heading onto the tube, their practicality is clear, and now brands like Zara are showing how the windbreaker can bring together form and function.

Looking at stylish people across the globe, the windbreaker has more styling opportunities than you might think. Of course, its classic appeal sees it paired with sportier looks, but if you lean into the contrast, this relaxed style can marry well with denim, tailoring and even flowing skirts.

For autumn 2026, Zara has leaned into the return of the windbreaker, and brings its eye for design to make it feel like a focal point of any outfit, rather than a last-minute addition before heading out the door. The finer details bring a fashion-forward edge to this staple light jacket, from a smattering of buttons to bold funnel-neck collars and a vast palette that ranges from minimalist neutrals to trending cobalt blue. Now, the best styles are already moving fast, so let's get straight to the best Zara windbreakers for autumn 2026.

Shop the Best Zara Windbreakers for Autumn 2026

Shop More Chic Zara Windbreakers

With autumn just around the corner, I’ve already started looking for new knitwear. But very quickly, I ran into a dilemma: where can I find premium, high-quality knits without breaking the bank?

You see, as someone with luxury taste on a very high-street budget, I’m very particular about investing in jumpers and cardigans that prioritise elegant silhouettes, timeless colours and natural fibres that will keep me warm on the chilliest of days and, more importantly, last in my wardrobe for many years to come. Well, if you’ve also found yourself feeling the same way, never fear, because I’ve found that one particular high street hero has a premium knitwear selection that’s equally as expensive-looking as it is affordable. Enter Zara’s premium knitwear collection.

From timeless, elevated designs that will never go out of style to on-trend colours and patterns that feel fresh for 2026 , Zara’s current knitwear selection is filled with jumpers and cardigans that could easily pass as double their price tag. And the best part? Each and every piece sits well below the £100 mark that you’d usually find yourself paying for high-quality knitwear. So if you too are looking to bulk out your jumpers and cardigan collection ahead of autumn 2026 to wear with jeans, skirts and trousers alike, keep scrolling to discover the designer-passing Zara knitwear that I’m considering adding to my collection this season.

Shop the 9 Zara Knitwear Buys I Have My Eyes On

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