I've been doing my fair share of retail therapy lately, making my way through winter collections every chance I can get. I know the designer collections like the back of my hand, and sure, I have pieces on the luxury end that I'd love to make mine. After significant research, however, I've come to the conclusion that I don't need a lofty budget to get the winter wardrobe I want. Really, I only have to shop from affordable retailers like J.Crew, Zara, and Mango to secure winter's first It buys.
Ahead, you'll find the results of my fashion findings, including everything from J.Crew suede boots that could easily cost three times more to a lace skirt from Mango's Selection line that won't still be in stock come December 1—guaranteed. There's also elegant outerwear, holiday-ready wardrobe essentials, classic cashmere sweaters, and, my favorite, a leopard-print bag that I already clicked purchase on. Now, it's your turn.
Zara
Starting off with a bang.
You'd normally have to pay at least twice this much for a great genuine leather jacket.
These sort of remind me of Tibi's Tuck jeans in the best way.
These will go just as well with tights and a skirt as they will with jeans and a white tee.
A gorgeous and very toasty winter coat.
Obsessed.
This brown tube skirt could be paired with just about anything.
Perfection.
The fit of this coat is very "Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in '90s Prada."
Glamour at its best.
Long gloves are my winter kryptonite.
Please. Send. Capes.
This is a perfect sweater for Phoebe Philo–inspired hair tucking.
A sheer skirt offers up so many styling options.
I couldn't curate a winter shopping list without adding at least one barn coat.
Expect plenty of compliments on this bag.
J.Crew
Elegance is this jacket paired with dark-wash jeans and Chanel slingbacks.
Swap out jeans and add these perfect (and very comfy) flared pants to the aforementioned outfit.
When I tell you that J.Crew's shrunken cashmere sweaters are elite, I'm not kidding. I wish I owned one in every single color.
I've been low-key dreaming about this bag for weeks.
Heavy satin pieces are forever on my buy list.
Shop the matching Center-Pleat Miniskirt ($168).
These suede crisscross pumps are so elegant and will look delicious with tights this holiday season.
Give me anything sheer and I'll be happy.
I believe that's my jaw on the floor over there. Do excuse me.
Yep, J.Crew did make this viral suede bucket bag in burgundy.
More cashmere? I'll take it.
I wholly plan to wear this entire outfit to the New York City Ballet this winter. The Nutcracker anyone?
Shop the matching A-Line Circle Skirt ($228).
These feel both modern and timeless.
Have a Blair Waldorf holiday season in 2024 with this tweed mini.
This is such a fun piece to play around with, no matter the season.
This coat is at the tippy top of my winter wish list.
Excuse me—I'm drooling over these brown suede moto boots.
Mango
This bag will go viral and sell out by December 1—period.
A good blazer will take your wardrobe far.
This lace skirt looks way pricier than $80.
Everything, from the ankle strap to the curved heel, combines to create a truly beautiful pair of shoes.
I guarantee you'll get at least one "Where'd you get that?" while wearing this gorgeous lace dress.
Trade in your traditional coat for a scarf coat, and I promise you'll be satisfied.
This is not your average tank top.
I'm picky about my trousers, but these pass every test.
Every outfit Mango styled with these was beyond chic.
Gimme.
I bet this dress makes a big splash on the holiday-party circuit.
Same here. This one's begging to be worn for a night out with friends, dry martinis, and fries.
I feel like Hailey Bieber would wear this exact jacket.
Think of all the fun accessorizing you can do with this skirt.
A simply lovely pair of shoes if you ask me.
This coat needs to be in my closet, like, now.