9 New Yorkers Reveal What's in Their Zara Shopping Carts

When you live in a fashion capital, integrating fast fashion into your wardrobe—while never discouraged—is typically a dish served subtly. Don't be deceived, of course: We New Yorkers swear by our Zara shopping habits, but we particularly love to incorporate said fast fashion into our otherwise vintage or designer looks. It's not vanity, either. No, what we live for is those "You'll never believe it, but it's Zara" reveals that send fellow shoppers into a frenzy wondering how they missed something so affordable yet fashionable on their latest run to the retailer. At least, that's how I feel when I'm the one asking.

Instead of settling with unexplored curiosity on the matter, I decided to ask some of my New York style icons to spill the tea on what they currently have in their Zara shopping carts. From influencers to fashion editors, illustrators to brand managers, the stylish folks ahead prove that taking the time to sort through the endless products available at Zara will leave you with treasures worth flaunting. Go on to find out what these New Yorkers have hidden in their Zara shopping carts and to shop the pieces for yourself.

Anaa Saber, Influencer

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(Image credit: @oursecondskin)

"Let me start by saying you can never have too many shoes. That's one mantra I'll forever live by in life. If you're looking to make a fall splurge, I highly suggest these patent Western over-the-knee boots. A boot like this is perfect for all occasions, dressed up or dressed down. Not to mention the Western silhouette makes a great case for a trendy element and the classic black color for the staple your closet needs." — Anaa Saber

Jenny Walton, Illustrator

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(Image credit: @jennywalton)

"I love the below polo sweater. It's super dorky but in a nice Alexa Chung, Margot Tenenbaum–y kind of way." — Jenny Walton

Harling Ross, Fashion Editor at Man Repeller

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(Image credit: @harlingross)

"My (only) problem with being a resolute maximalist is that oftentimes I find myself missing certain necessary wardrobe basics—white T-shirts, the perfect black trousers, and, most recently, a go-with-everything fall blazer. That's why I'm eyeing this subtle plaid one from Zara for fall. It's classic enough to check the basic (in a good way)-blazer box while simultaneously scratching my 'more is more' itch with details like the contrasting elbow patches." — Harling Ross

Nicole Akhtarzad, Market Editor at Who What Wear

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(Image credit: @nicoleakhtarzad)

"I'm always looking for pieces I can style multiple ways, even at a fast-fashion retailer like Zara. I was instantly drawn to this long lace dress because I can wear it as an outerwear piece, as a dress with a slip, or as a top with jeans." — Nicole Akhtarzad

Michelle Salem, Special Projects and Brand Manager at Opening Ceremony

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(Image credit: @michellesalem)

"While I try to avoid fast fashion, I will make an exception here and there for fun, additive items like socks! These metallic gold and silver socks are perfect to add a little sparkle to fall outfits and will be especially great for the holidays." — Michelle Salem

Tiffany Reid, Senior Market Editor at Cosmopolitan

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Tiffany Reid)

"I love this pink basic suit from Zara because it embodies both masculine (in its silhouette) and feminine (in its hue) energy. Suiting is a go-to option for me when wanting to look polished and put together without having the time to give a lot of thought to it. It's an affordable and easy solution to when last-minute events (or important interviews pop up)." — Tiffany Reid

Gina Marinelli, Senior Editor at Who What Wear

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(Image credit: @ginaalilbit)

"Even though it's still pretty sweltering here in New York, lightweight transitional jackets are something I somehow always find myself needing. This neutral jacket is the perfect length and hue to grab on my way out the door in case the weather decides to turn on me." — Gina Marinelli

Lori Bergamotto, Style Director at Good Housekeeping

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Lori Bergamotto)

"It's a near-impossible task to pick just one thing from Zara, but I think this item wins for ticking all of the boxes. It has the flowiness of a summer dress, the gravity of a fresh fall print, the versatility of a wardrobe staple, and the price tag to satisfy your budget no matter what the season. Love!" — Lori Bergamotto

Adrienne Faurote, Fashion Editor at Marie Claire

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(Image credit: @adriennefaurote)

"For fall, I’m loving all of these “soft-tailored” knit dresses. From Chloe to Loewe, these soft knit dresses flooded the runway. I’m obsessed with this Zara one, it’s the perfect shape and color and paired with a boot, my go-to fall look." 

Up next, shop the investment pieces fashion girls are buying now.

Lauren Eggertsen
Editorial Director

"Copy (200 words): Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Where and has worked at the company for nearly seven years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Sydney Sweeney, Lindsay Lohan, and Megan Fox. 


She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, and Milan, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Elle.com, HarpersBazaar.com, and Vogue.co.uk. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.