I'm in My 50s, and This Is How I Wear Zara's Best Under-£100 Pieces

Janet Gunn is the inspiring influencer behind The Grateful Gardenia. Originally from Texas, the 58-year-old style guru is now settled in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and dog Buster. She's worked as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, flight attendant, actor, jewellery designer, and beyond. In other words, she has a ton of experience and an equally cool personal style. Below, Gunn shares the affordable Zara pieces she's wearing on repeat. For more of her looks, don't miss her Instagram account, @janetgunngratefulgardenia.

You may not always associate the word chic with affordable, but (thankfully!) Zara has helped bridge the two. Each season, I find several standout items from this beloved high-street store that are both stylish and budget-friendly. My favourite way to wear these easy-on-the-wallet pieces is by pairing them with staples I already have in my closet. By 58, I’ve certainly learned the art of mastering affordable-chic over the years. It’s not just about finding on-trend, fashionable pieces at a good price point; it’s more about how you mix the clothes with the perfect shoes, bags and accessories you already own. Ahead, see the Zara favourites currently on rotation in my closet.

Math is not in my wheelhouse, but the geometry of this black-and-white skirt is. Its geometric pattern is modern, it hangs perfectly, and it never feels clingy. The balloon-sleeve sweater adds balance with its lacy design.

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When paired with booties, this look turns into big-city chic. The perfect final detail? Adding a handbag with a splash of color that elevates to the next level.

My overall go-to for wintertime cosy is this long, oversize sweater coat. I wear it with my daily errand-running uniform for a low-key vibe. (It even looks great thrown over my Pilates clothes.)

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Or I step it up a bit with black denim jeans and a fun vintage-inspired T-shirt. Add the final details: a great pair of ankle boots and a simple clutch.

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These high-waisted knit cropped pants definitely check off both the chic and affordable boxes. I love the jacquard pattern and how the stretchy waistband can expand with my abs as the day goes on.

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No matter how tall you are, this length seems to magically work. Whether you’re 5'10" or 5'3", like me, these pants will make you look and feel like a supermodel. The faux-leather Zara jacket thrown over my Franne Golde tank takes me from meetings to cocktails in style. Once again, the upgraded detail is in the shoes—Stuart’s boots never fail me.

I’m all about adding accessories to the mix and keeping it fun. This trending faux-leather jacket brings a hip vibe to jeans and a classic T-shirt.

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Adding a classic printed scarf I’ve had in my closet for years really helps nail the look.

This past year, I’ve incorporated more dresses into my wardrobe. I’ve found it cuts the whole what-to-wear decision-making process in half when you can just put on one perfect dress instead of separates. This patterned dress from Zara is the perfect addition to my newly started collection.

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Its super-soft fabric hangs beautifully, making it elegant and easy to wear. But my favourite part is the tie that hides my wrinkles, which is a big help for my neck—raise your hand if you can relate!

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One of my fave pieces from Zara’s faux-leather collection is this A-line midi that comes complete with a matching belt. This skirt has a split personality in the best possible way. It can be both edgy and classic. Chic and edgy when paired with this black Zara sweatshirt and a contrasting ankle boots—then voilà!

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This piece was originally published on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.

Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2021 fashion trends you need to know.