I've just had a relatively internet-free week in an attempt to take some time out from scrolling during a few days away from work, and I seem to have come back to some fashion items that were definitely worth waiting for. Have you seen just how good Zara, & Other Stories and Arket are right now? They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I'm just about fit to burst over what's filtering into these sophisticated-but-affordable stores at the moment.
Our favourite go-tos have been gearing up for autumn for some time now, and although we did experience a freakish second heatwave (which now appears to have wrapped up for good), our shopping baskets have remained pretty loyal to the new season. Coats don't seem like such an insane purchase, knitwear is high up on the list and if Zara has anything to do with it (it always does), it's not so wild to consider snapping up a party dress for later in the year. Zara has a current penchant for sequins (rather surprisingly in August), and we're here for it.
So keep scrolling to see our edit of the best new-in autumn-ready pieces at Arket, Stories and Zara.
& OTHER STORIES
What We're Buying: Blazers, Puff-sleeved Dresses, Knitwear and Boots
Jessica Skye wearing the famous & Other Stories blazer.
'Tis the famous blazer. What a beauty!
Cool with sandals, great over jeans and perfect for layering over a turtleneck during the colder months.
This colour, though!
Pull-on boots often come with high heels, but these are far more practical.
Stories always does a great floral, and this is no exception.
I'd wear it with both jeans and slinky slip skirts.
Speaking of slip skirts, this is pretty fab.
Yes, hiking boots are trending, and these are a damn good option. This style also comes in black.
Stories' generously sleeved jumpers and cardigans are a fashion-editor favourite.
This looks like it's come straight from Copenhagen.
ARKET
What We're Buying: Tailoring, Sleek Boots, Leather Separates
Marissa Cox of Rue Rodier wearing an Arket blazer and Mango shoes.
A lovely colour to break up your autumn darks.
Pick any Arket blazer and you'll have won the fashion lotto.
For layering or wearing solo. Leather shirts are really happening this season.
Adorbs.
The kind of retro-look trousers that are so hard to find brand-new.
Novesta sneakers are now being stocked at Arket (pay attention).
This is less stiff and starchy than many utility boilersuits on the high street.
The ones we've all wish-listed.
Leather blazers are back from the '90s.
Coat season isn't so far off, and light hues are being stocked across the high street already.
ZARA
What We're Buying: Statement Dresses, Classic Accessories, Houndstooth
Karina of Style Idealist wearing a dress and sandals from Zara.
Wow.
Zara's really backing this classic print, and we predict this roomy coat will be a hit.
Bottega on a budget.
Wear with a little camisole underneath.
Mesh fabrics appear to be Zara's speciality right now.
The ultimate wear every-damn-day boots.
Gold chains are back for autumn, but you needn't spend a fortune on this trend.
Perhaps not to be worn with a houndstooth coat, but a plain tee and midi heels instead.
Following on from last summer's ruched brown version, here comes black!
Another tulle number we couldn't resist.
Next up, the best ankle boots to wear with dresses.
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