Saddle Up: A Lot of Chic Newness Just Dropped at H&M, J.Crew, and Zara

Just in case today is the day you brighten up with a teeny-tiny spot of shopping, I'm here with some hot-off-the-grill picks for you. If, perhaps, you haven't had a moment to hit refresh on the latest drops, I'm thrilled to be the one to introduce you to this slew of tasty hero items that all look way more designer than their (rather-friendly) price points.
There's really good stuff going on at J.Crew. (Creative Director Olympia Gayot's office selfies continue to inform my wish list of cardigans. Plus, there's a leather bucket bag I really love that just dropped in a new colorway.) H&M has some absurdly elevated new pieces—nipped-waist blazers, chic minimalist sneakers, trenches—that honestly would be very at home over at COS. As for Zara, welp, I accidentally bought one of its sweaters last week, and now I'm rabbit-holing through its knitwear in case there's anything else I missed.
Okay, let's go. And let's keep everything under, say, $260, shall we?
J.CREW
After every red sweater on the internet seemingly sold out, we finally have a fresh batch to satiate us.
Sweater-pants are currently the only pants I'm interested in.
H&M
This was an under-$200 story, until I stumbled across this blazer. But that's how much I wanted you to see it.
Excellent trousers that you'll be even more glad you own come spring. Love that they come in sizes 0 to 20.
ZARA
This is the top you wear to dinner when you're not sure how fancy it is.

Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.
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