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 atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 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.
-
From L.A. to Paris—Everyone Who *Gets It* Is Ditching Black Leather Jackets for This Elegant Fall Color Trend
Here are 13 to shop if you want in.
-
Mia Goth's Monster of a Moment
With Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, and soon a galaxy far, far away, everyone’s favorite indie horror star hits the big time.
-
Looking Parisian in Paris Is Only Doable If You Own These 12 Fall Wardrobe Essentials
Buy them; look French. It's as simple as that.
-
Live From Madrid: 31 Zara and Mango Finds That I Guarantee Will Soon Sell Out Stateside
Straight from the motherland.
-
Amazon’s October Prime Day Is Like Black Friday, But Better—33 Ridiculously Discounted Fashion Items I’m Shopping
Yes to everything.
-
These Are the Best Early Deals of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days—35 Finds That Have My Undivided Attention
Shop discounted Adidas, Madewell, Hoka, and more.
-
I'm a Shopping Director—These Are the Chic New Fall Items I Can't Get Out of My Head
Gorgeous sweaters, designer bags, and more.
-
From Zara to Gucci—Here's Everything Worth Buying This Week
I dug through thousands of new arrivals so you wouldn't have to.