A Fashion Editor Walks Into Zara With $250 (It's Me)—5 Items She Buys Instantly

It's about this time of the year when I crave a little newness in my wardrobe. Summer is winding down, fall is on the horizon, and I can still relish in summer fabrics and silhouettes yet easily add a touch of autumn to my look via a cozy knit, or a rich color palette.
Since summer was an expensive enterprise for me (that month in Europe really did it), I'm looking to add some trend-forward pieces to my wardrobe that won't break the bank. I made a beeline straight to Zara (of course!) with a $250 budget. I scooped up five gorgeous items which will see me through the end of summer and into fall in style. Below, I'm sharing my finds with you as well as additional new Zara arrivals I'm eyeing, loving, and wanting!
Keep scrolling below for the fashion-forward Zara pieces to consider buying right now.
5 Zara Items I Bought With a $250 Budget:
I'm all about leaning into Chloé boho vibes this fall, and I'll be easing into the trend with this pretty ruffle blouse. It's romantic, charming, and perfect to wear now with linen pants and later with high-waisted jeans and boots.
I know it'll be fall soon, but my pedicured feet will still be wearing sandals for as long as humanly possible! Gold ring toe sandals that are having a moment right now and this Zara pair looks incredibly chic and elevated—easy to pair with skirts and pants alike.
Shop More Zara Items I'm Loving Right Now:

Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for over a decade. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.
-
Better Than Ballet Flats (and Loafers): The Shoe Trend It Girls in NYC and Paris Will Be Wearing This Fall
They're classic but fresh at the same time.
-
Editor Instincts Activated: We're Grabbing These 18 Fall Pieces Before Everyone Else Does
Run, don't walk.
-
Forget Parisian Style—Every Chic Person Is Wearing This Fall Aesthetic Instead
Chic, charming, and calming.
-
I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, and H&M
Did I mention they're under $250?
-
Sorry to My Classic Black Shoes, But This Printed Shoe Trend Is Defining Fall 2025
Spotted on fashion people in Venice, NYC, and Copenhagen.
-
Old Navy Just Launched Its New Fall Handbag Collection—and It Looks Rich
Soft faux suedes and sophisticated silhouettes.
-
I Live in Murray Hill—Here Are the 8 Places I Like to Shop for a Fashionable Fall Closet
Stylish sweaters and suedes ahead.
-
I Just Spent Hours Scrolling Saks—25 of the Chicest Pieces I'm Eyeing for Fall
My September wish list.