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
FREE PEOPLE

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My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025
Everything is under $100.
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Madewell Just Launched a Capsule Collection With Dakota Fanning—These Jeans and Tees Will Become Everyday Pieces
Effortlessly cool.
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I Popped Into Zara to Shop for a New Fall Jacket—Here's What Came Home With Me
So many chic styles.
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I Shopped so You Don't Have to—the Ultimate Fashion-Editor Fall 2025 Wish List
It-girl fall has arrived.
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I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds FromReplica Store, Zara, and H&M
Did I mention they're under $250?
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I Live in Murray Hill—Here Are the 8 Places I Like to Shop for a Fashionable Fall Closet
Stylish sweaters and suedes ahead.
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Fashionable Clothing Ahead—28 Chic Fall Picks From Zara,Replica Store, J.Crew, and Shopbop
From sweaters to jackets.
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These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One Pair
Prepare for endless compliments.