This Just In! Zara's New Arrivals Are a Pre-Fall Dream
From beaded skirts to draped dresses and cool-girl loafers.
I approach Zara’s new arrivals section with a discerning eye—less interested in the ultra-obvious trend piece than the quietly convincing find that could pass for something far more expensive—and lately, that's what Zara seems to do best. This season, the standouts feel particularly considered: sculptural silhouettes, tactile finishes, expertly deployed color, and elevated wardrobe staples that belie the price tag. These are the pieces I’d buy now, wear immediately, and inevitably be asked about later—I'm sure of it.
For fall, I'm eyeing the updated essentials that do all the heavy lifting. Instead of a few simple skirts, lace-trimmed and beaded midis will be added to the rotation. I'll be setting aside my penchant for oversized, boxy blazers, instead adopting the structured, ladylike outerwear trend of the moment, à la the Dries Van Noten and Khaite collections. There's a cropped version and a nylon style with those sporty sensibilities we've all come to love since that one Miu Miu show.
Zara's fall arrivals are making a persuasive case for considered nonchalance: a capacious suede shopper brings textural opulence (and ease), while a boat-neck knit offers a flash of décolletage. Add baggy denim and a leather jacket with just enough insouciance, and the result is an effortlessly urbane wardrobe built on tactile touches, contemporary proportions, and a price tag that won't break the bank.
Ahead, the this-just-in must-haves I already have in my cart.
'Tis the season of the ladylike jacket! This Pre-Fall trend can be juxtaposed against oversized denim or match-made with tailored trousers.
There's no reason to save your sequins and beaded embellishments for the holidays—style this one with a little white T-shirt.
Come fall, the need for a transitional trench coat becomes less of a want and more of a must. A cropped version is a nice introduction to the cooler weather.
Arguably one of summer's prettiest trends, the lace-trimmed skirt continues to dominate in an unexpected way for fall. What's chicer than wearing one with a blazer or roomy leather coat?
Looking for a transitional knit that can be worn now, and later? I've added this sweater to my lineup, which features a lightweight, openwork construction.
Keys, wallet, sunglasses, laptop, seven different tubes of lipgloss—check! There's nothing like a suede carryall to embrace the essence of the new season.
While I adore minimalism in all its forms, there's something about fall that makes me yearn for an embroidered jacket! Found!
A model off-duty vibe in one easy, chic essential; the baggy jean reigns supreme.
A sporty high-collar nylon jacket lends a utilitarian verve to any ensemble come fall, tempering the technical with the polished.
Boots are an inevitable part of every autumnal wardrobe, but the ballerina flat still gets worn by all the cool girls.
I refuse to give up my balloon pants—they've since become a part of my everyday wardrobe, rather than a trend. I'm eyeing this chocolate brown pair for a fall spin.
I wasn't convinced to purchase barrel-leg jeans before, but these did it for me.
Finally, the time has come to dig the loafers out of storage. This ruched pair are a welcome addition.
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Cortne Bonilla is Marie Claire's Brooklyn-based Senior Shopping Editor, where she covers everything in the fashion realm, from the best cashmere knitwear to the affordable pieces that look more expensive than they are. Her work has also appeared in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, NY Mag, and The Zoe Report. She's also a new mom, wife, avid reader, and crime doc enthusiast.