When shopping on a high-street budget, it's all too easy to fall for the trend-smashing charms and regular arrivals at Zara. After all, we're only human. The Spanish superbrand works fast and efficiently and never appears to miss a beat when it comes to the items we want in our wardrobes at any given moment. In many instances, Zara can be credited with setting retail trends that other affordable stores follow. (Remember when every brand scrambled to produce a loose-fitting polka-dot midi when that dress took off a couple of years ago?) Right now, the store's tailoring looks strong, and we keep spotting designer-looking pieces on the new-in page. But there are other shops that provide the same level of inspiration and excitement.
If you want to be truly on top of your consumption, then we'll always be here to chart the top trends you can buy second-hand. In fact, we're pretty obsessed with hunting down affordable vintage items. If, however, you aren't a wiz in the thrifting department, there are some other affordable, agenda-setting stores with pieces just as good as Zara's. From the London-label to know to Scandi brands that have become high-street stars, keep scrolling to see and shop the other labels on top of their game.
7 Stores Like Zara I Think Everyone Should Know About
1. COS
Style Notes: Beloved Scandi high street brand, COS has earned a place in our fashion hearts for its sleek, minimalist designs that often boast an unexpected twist. This should be your go-to for beautifully tailored pieces with a high street price-tag.
Shop COS:
The base to so many great summer looks.
Such a chic silhouette.
For those in-between weather days.
Unbelievably cool.
You're bound to wear these on heavy rotation.
2. & Other Stories
Style Notes: When it comes to tracking down more whimsical, ultra-cute pieces on the high street, I'll always recommend & Other Stories. If you're after sleek tailoring, brilliant midi dresses and premium leather pieces in the shade of the season, this is the Scandi store that will provide.
Shop & Other Stories:
Because we all know butter yellow is the colour of the season.
I would style the above shorts with this trendy shirt.
A forever style.
This dress will get so many compliments.
Everyone needs a classic pair of black flats in their lives.
3. Mango
Style Notes: As we brace for the warmest months of the year, I'm particularly taken with Mango's summer pieces. And its linen is top tier on the high street right now––trust me.
Shop Mango:
Stripes are always a thing, and this top is so easy to style.
The chic addition to all upcoming outfits.
Suede sandals are having a moment.
Basically, Mango is the destination for brilliant summer throw-on jackets right now.
The new summer dress edit is the best one yet.
4. Massimo Dutti
Shop Massimo Dutti:
A longer pair of shorts will always look extremely chic.
Cord necklaces are a big trend for summer 2025.
Simple, elegant and easy to style,
The perfect heel height, in my opinion.
A studded belt will elevate your jeans and tank top outfits.
5. H&M
Style Notes: Everyone knows H&M on the high street, but let me tell you, its autumn collection is one of the best yet. The Swedish brand has the power to be able to trick people into thinking you're wearing more expensive items than you actually are. Need further proof? Just look at Marina in this midi dress.
Shop H&M:
Try styling this dress with loafers or suede sandals.
These look so premium.
This would seriously upgrade your summer wardrobe.
Plus the matching trousers.
I've already ordered these sunnies
6. Aligne
Style Notes: London-born brand Aligne has fast become one of the most-loved brands by fashion editors and influencers alike. So much so, items tend to sell out, fast. We've already spotted this waistcoat during countless fashion months.
Shop Aligne:
The waistcoat of the year.
A year-round hero.
This linen mini feels fresh for summer.
I keep seeing so many cinched in waist knits and blazers.
I'd wear this with sandals now and knee-high boots come autumn.
7. Arket
Style Notes: Though it's no longer the under-the-radar brand it once was, the beauty of Arket is that its stores don't dominate the high streets of every town. Sure, it's a little annoying if you don't live near one, but it's worth the trip to walk away with sleek, tailored clothing that no one else has. Of course, you can order online, which we do more often than we'd care to admit.
Shop Arket:
This is a best-seller for very good reason.
I know a soon-to-be sold out item when I see one.
So sleek.
A relaxed jean to add to all your summer tanks.
This is even bigger than it looks.
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Chic, Classy and Under £50—These Two Trending Zara Dresses Will Sell Out This Week, GuaranteedI saw so many people pick them up in store.
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Everyone on My Feed Is Wearing Mango Sandals—These Are the Styles Destined to Sell OutOne of each, please.
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Let Me Show You How to Look Very Chic Right Now, One Massimo Dutti and Arket Buy at a TimeElegant summer staples ahead.
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I'm Heading to Mallorca and Ibiza—These Zara Pieces Will Be the Backbones of My WardrobeGuaranteed.
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No One Does Elegant High Street Dresses Like COS—6 Trending Summer Styles I've BookmarkedKey styles for the season.
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H&M's New Summer Edit Is Chic at Every Turn—17 Pieces I Predict Will Disappear by the WeekendMade in collaboration with my favourite style muse.
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This High-Street Brand's Bags Keep Selling Out—These Are the Styles I'm Shopping for SummerSleek, sculptural and affordable—COS bags are having a moment.
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Every Fashion Person I Know Relies on Linen Shorts In Summer—15 Affordable Pairs You Need to SeeBuy now, wear every summer.
