The best part of fall, hands down, is getting dressed. (Let’s give it up for layers! Pants and coats rendered in fun new colors! Sweaters and blazers worn stag!) The other best part of fall is updating our wardrobes — seeing September’s runway trends, buying them now. For us, this means a trip to Zara.com (this isn’t #sponcon, we swear). Sure the Spanish chain’s production methods can be a bit problematic — it’s run afoul of indie artists on more than one occasion — but you can’t deny its unparalleled abilities as a first responder.
Not only does the retailer pack its would-be shelves with chic, affordable, fresh-off-the-runway merchandise, but whoever styles Zara’s models has one heck of an eye. Whenever we peruse the site’s latest arrivals, we’re met with clever, exciting new ways to style the season’s hottest trends. Tricks we can try using Zara-branded items or the designer pieces they’re based on or clothes we already own.
Putting together your fall outfits? From innovative coat-hanging methods to fresh takes on seasoned trends (glamleisure, socks worn with sandals), Zara’s got you covered. Click through the slideshow above for 11 genius fall styling tricks courtesy of everyone’s favorite Inditex-owned fast fashion retailer. (And if you want to shop the looks, you can do that too.)
[ Next: 31 Brilliant Fall Outfit Ideas to Wear All Month Long ]
Zara Outfit Tips
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Try an unconventional belt.
Us: Can you call something a belt if it has no buckle?
Zara: Absolutely. Hitch your pants to your hips with a strip of contrasting cloth, knot it to one side, let your extra beltage sway in the breeze. Up the streetwear vibes with a sloppy knit beanie; add polish with high-heeled ankle boots.
Knitted Top, $39.90 at Zara
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To glam up a glamleisure look, go tonal.
Talk about fresh-off-the-runway. This all-black ensemble features not one but three(!) Spring 2018 hits: a bungee-accented top, a knee-length pencil skirt and a Chanel-inspired wrapped ponytail. It might be too much if the pieces weren't all one color, but they are, so it works. (Also, you must rock a sleek, ribbon-encased pony with a dad hat ASAP — just look at that chic AF silhouette.)
Plush Skirt, $22.90 at Zara
Sweatshirt With Adjustable Hem, $25.90 at Zara
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Colorblock your bod.
Pair the overscale cable knit sweater of your dreams with a supremely comfy, color-coordinated scarf. (It'll make napping at your desk that much easier.) To avoid looking too matchy-matchy/grandma-esque, opt for two-tone (dramatically flared) denim.
Cable Knit Sweater, $69.90 at Zara
The Real Slim Flare Jeans in Samurai Blue, $69.90 at Zara
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Wear a coat, but only over one shoulder.
OK, so Zara totally stole this idea from Céline, but it's not hard to see why. Too often our über-cute underlayers go unnoticed beneath figure-swallowing outerwear. Seeing as we're in that brief, shining moment when it's both cold enough for a jacket and warm enough to leave said jacket unbuttoned, now's the time to get your one-shoulder look on. Bonus points if your topper's textured.
Contrasting Ribbed Jumpsuit, $69.90 at Zara
High Heel Ankle Boots With Opening and Cord, $99.90 at Zara
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Wear party shoes to the office. (Or office clothes to the party?)
Give new life to your tired work outfits. As long as your socks are thick — and your ability to stay upright in heels is indisputable — there's no reason you can't rock a trousers/button-down combo with a socks/party shoes combo. Also, don't forget to invite your ear bling.
Striped Trousers, $29.90 at Zara
Velvet Earrings With Shimmer, $19.90 at Zara
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Forget fanny packs: sport a necklace bag.
Meet your new just-the-essentials companion. Unlike its forerunners — the fanny pack, the camera bag — this hands-free accessory doesn't even monopolize your shoulder or waist. Just slip it on over your neck and you're good to go (someplace nearby, for a little while).
Asymmetric Hem Trousers, $49.90 at Zara
Similar bag here.
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Cover up your laziness with statement accessories.
Tuck your tousled hair under a taupe Panama hat, coax your feet into some point-toe cowboy boots and no one will care that the rest of your outfit is as basic as basic can be.
Palazzo Trousers, $59.90 at Zara
Leather Cowboy Style Ankle Boots, $129 at Zara
Similar hat here.
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Get comfortable, but not too comfortable.
Quirky, dad-esque sneakers are #trending. Elevate your elevated activewear with badass, runway-approved accessories (like leather gloves) and well-tailored suiting (of the check persuasion, if you want to stay trendy throughout).
Check Wrap Skirt, $59.90 at Zara
Grey Faded Leather Sneakers, $69.90 at Zara
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Shine bright like a rhinestone.
When things are down and it seems the world's gone mad, perk yourself up with princess-wear. Cover yourself in flowers. Match the rhinestones on your Peter Pan collar (how fitting that the literal posterchild for escapism should find his way into this paragraph) to those on your tiara-cum-headband. Swath yourself in regal velvet. Shout your rebellion with combat boots.
Floral Embroidered Sweatshirt, $39.90 at Zara
Crossover Velvet Dress, $69.90 at Zara
Similar headband here.
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Showcase your sleeves.
Trenchcoats bridge the gap between summer and fall with ease. That said, they're pretty breezy, and towards the end of autumn, things can get a bit hairy/chilly. An oversized roll neck sweater should keep you warm enough to go about your business without sacrificing feeling in your arms or legs. In fact, Zara recommends you polish up look by cinching your conveniently tabbed coat sleeves high and tight. It's not like they're providing much insulation anyways.
Loose-Fit Trench Coat, $119 at Zara
Oversized Roll Neck Sweater, $49.90 at Zara
Slingback Leather High Heel Shoes, $59.90 at Zara
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Pay attention to detail.
Pause to admire the fact that the heels of this Zara model's shoes match her checked overcoat perfectly. Try this no-brainer trick immediately.
Red Checked Coat, $249 at Zara
