Our We Try Before You Buy series aims to take the stress out of shopping and eliminate the number of post office visits you make each month to return failed online orders. We test new-season buys and styling ideas so you don't have to. Here, we're letting you know what is actually worth investing in.
For the latest installment, I headed to the mall for a fashionable Supermarket Sweep at Zara, where I tried on as many new fall pieces as possible without being late for work. And I wasn't disappointed, as there are so many new season trends on the racks already.
As soon as I walked in, I saw sequins everywhere: twinkling lace, slip dresses, bold two-pieces, and the most amazing green frock you can imagine. As I walked around the store, it was clear that Zara got the Valentino pink memo—it's all about color-block pieces, including luxe suits, dresses, and a pop of color in the form of shoes.
As with any of these editor-tested shopping stories, this mission sent me straight to the checkout counter. Honestly, this franchise really should be renamed "We Try Before We Buy." Keep scrolling to see and shop the six fall trends I tried on in-store that you can shop online already. Note: Apologies to your credit card in advance.
1. HOT PINK
I'm not usually that into pink, but this year, I've been well and truly swayed. The Valentino F/W 22 show won me over, and I'm ready to embrace the punchy shade in all its glory. This satin suit feels so premium with its covered buttons and sleek tie detail. I would wear it on a night out with a beaded bag and strappy, matchy-matchy heeled sandals.
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2. SEQUINS
Zara is reminding us all that sequins aren't just reserved for party season. The new limited-edition drop has so many gorgeous sequin-adorned pieces—like this dress, for example. The floaty sleeves with split cuffs make it feel so expensive, and I love how the tie-front makes it feel a bit '70s-inspired.
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3. PUFFY DRESSES
A midi dress will never let you down no matter the season. This puff-sleeved, tiered style is backless, so it's 360-degree perfection. For summer, I would wear it with chunky sandals. For fall, this dress would look so gorgeous with a pair of glossy, knee-high boots and an oversize wool blazer.
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4. ALL BLACK
When in doubt, stick to black. I'm all for relying on an LBD or MBD (that's midi black dress), for most occasions. This slinky slip dress could also be styled as a skirt during the day simply by adding a chunky knit over the top. And don't get me started on these feathery shoes. How amazing are they?! Of course, these are cab-only shoes to keep the feathers in tact with this unpredictable summer-to-fall weather.
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5. STRIPED KNITS
Striped sweaters were a thing last year, but this year, stripes are taking over in all forms. A knit dress, top, or sweater is an easy way to tick off the trend. I would wear this knit dress with a shirt over the top and sneakers or ankle boots.
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A simple LBD is always on-trend.
According to the F/W '22 runways, leopard print is back in a big way.
This one-shoulder top is bold and simple at the same time.
Now this is a summer-to-fall transition look I can get behind.
Shop the matching Knit Mini Skirt ($30).
Obsessed.
The perfect tube dress, secured.
If I didn't know better, I'd think this dress cost way more than $50.
Never say no to new cowboy boots.
More plissé please!
Flower power.
Next Up: 14 Outfits We're Bookmarking for Cooler Summer Days
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
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