My Friends Always Ask for Shopping Recs—30 Items From Zara, Madewell, and Free People I Suggested

Being a fashion editor comes with its share of perks, and one of the biggest is shopping expertise. Writing about and curating the best trends and shopping picks all day provides an acute insight into what pieces are worth the investment—both in terms of quality and longevity. My friends and family take full advantage of this foresight and always come to me for guidance on what items they should add to their closets, and I'm happy to oblige.
Right now, my friends are looking specifically for seasonal staples and holiday party looks at reasonable price points, so I directed them towards Zara, Madewell, and Free People. From cozy cashmere to timeless suede to satin pumps and sequin minidresses, these three retailers have winter wardrobe essentials covered—in utterly chic ways might I add. Below are the 30 best shopping picks from Zara, Madewell, and Free People (in my humble opinion).
ZARA
MADEWELL
Cardigans are having a resurgence, and this color goes with everything.
FREE PEOPLE

-
These 9 Brands Will Be Everywhere in 3, 2, 1…
Be ahead of the curve.
-
If You’re Bulding Your Closet From Scratch, These Summer Basics From H&M, Zara, Mango Will Help
Your in-depth shopping guide to a basics refresh.
-
A Guide to Summer's Big Four: Sunglasses, Shorts, Sandals, and Swimwear
From timeless staples to right-now buys.
-
Hold Up—31 ClassyReplica Store Shoes That Dropped Just in Time for Summer
-
I'm a Shopping Expert Who Is Also Plus-Sized—31 Styles Swirling Through My Brain This Month
The ultimate summer clothing refresh.
-
The 30 Fashion and Beauty Items That Are on My Summer 2025 Shopping List
Summer shopping is the best shopping.
-
I Style My Favorite Looks With Items FromReplica Store, J.Crew, BR, Shopbop, Madewell, and Vince—Love These New Finds
Wardrobe staples ahead.
-
These 30 Zara Pieces Will Be the Guaranteed Stars of Your Spring and Summer Highlight Reels
Shop them before they sell out.