For an online shopping addict like me, Zara is a black hole of trouble. Every time new pieces arrive, I feel a magnetic pull to sort through its seemingly endless pages for treasures I just can't pass up — a few clicks later, I've ordered three or so more items that I probably didn't need.
Lately, however, I've been attempting to ween myself off of these habitual, almost mindless purchases, and narrowing in on the ones that actually add something to my wardrobe (preferably, in more ways than one). To do so, I've started using the trick where, if I can't picture myself wearing something three different ways, I can't justify buying it.
So, with this particular Zara shopping haul, I challenged myself to buy five pieces I could wear together, making five distinct looks. Click on to see what made the cut, and how they all work together.
Outfit-repeating, it was nice knowing you: This year's all about cutting back and getting more creative with my styling in the process.
For this challenge, I decided to hit up Zara in-store, instead of on its trusty mobile app, which I tend to use quite often. After sorting through basically every item, I landed on the following pieces:
I wear turtlenecks underneath everything come winter, and this sheer iteration is a great way to change (and dress) things up. Plus, it works on its own, too.
We have the current '80s resurgence to thank for mini skirts coming back in full force. This one looks good with bare legs, leggings, and layered over pants.
This is the ultimate unsung layering piece. Everyone should own one.
Does a simple button-up even need an explanation? (Answer: No).
5. The Leather-Effect Pants, £19.99
I must be channeling my inner rockstar, because somehow these pants made the cut. The faux leather is surprisingly high-quality, and this shade of red is both bold and neutral.
Photographed by Megan Madden. Designed by Anna Sudit.
First is that skirt-over-trousers combination I mentioned. I layered the black mini over the leather leggings, and paired it with just the sheer turtleneck the other tops will come in later). This almost gives a dress -over-trousers illusion, since the two black pieces just about blend together. Then, I rounded the look out with a more casual shoe: my favourite pair of checkered Vans.
Zara Tulle High Neck Top, £9.99, Zara Mini Skirt with Bows, £15.99, Zara Leather Effect Leggings, £19.99
Photographed by Megan Madden. Designed by Anna Sudit.
For the next look, I ditched the skirt and added the velvet bra top over the sheer one for some texture-play. Then, I threw on a pair of velvet platforms for a look that's perfect for going out.
Zara Tulle High Neck Top, £9.99, Zara Velvet Top, £3.99, Zara Leather Effect Leggings, £19.99
Photographed by Megan Madden. Designed by Anna Sudit.
To wear this outfit yet another time in a different way, I tried the white button-up as the outermost layer (though, if it's cold where you are, I still suggest adding a jacket) and tugged it slightly off-the-shoulder for that perfectly dishevelled look. (Oh, and extra-long-sleeves for the win). This one's an #OOTD pic just waiting to happen.
Zara Tulle High Neck Top, £9.99, Zara Leather Effect Leggings, £19.99, Zara Shirt With Metallic Detail, £15.99
Photographed by Megan Madden. Designed by Anna Sudit.
One of my favourite pairings was layering the velvet bra top over the button-up. For my style, the tank can feel a little too club-y on its own, but when styled with an oversized shirt, it adds just the right amount of interest. I could dress this up with a dangling earring or just wear it with jeans and sneakers.
Zara Shirt with Metallic Detail, £15.99, Zara Velvet Top, £3.99
Photographed by Megan Madden. Designed by Anna Sudit.
Let's not forget that the button-up can be worn completely open, too. So, I broke up this black-on-black outfit by wearing it more like a jacket — it's a little bit Risky Business with the bare leg, but I don't mind it one bit.
Zara Shirt with Metallic Detail, £15.99, Zara Tulle High Neck Top, £9.99, Zara Mini Skirt with Bows, £15.99
Photographed by Megan Madden. Designed by Anna Sudit.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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