The Stores? Zara, H&M, and COS. The Receipts? These 45 Easy, Elegant, and Elevated Items
If there's one muscle I'm prepped and ready to flex in 2026, it's shopping. I've always had a knack for finding good things in a sea of less desirable options, but my years of doing just that for a living have taken those skills to another level, and now I'm ready to share the results with the world. For today's exercise, I allocated two hours to browsing through every new arrival of the year at Zara, H&M, and COS in search of the easiest, most elegant, and most elevated finds being offered this winter. Out of thousands of options, I'm suggesting just 45, all of which are more than worth adding to your winter wardrobe. Trust me—I've already added a few of them to mine.
In the mix ahead, there's everything from outerwear (including sporty capes, fur-trim trenches, and sleek leather jackets) to shoes (including high-vamp pumps, timeless ankle boots, and ruched loafers that look like The Row's but cost just $60). Plus, you'll find denim that'll rival your most expensive, designer pairs, heaps of cashmere, and dresses both long and short that you'll want to wear well into 2026 (and then some). The guide below is a treasure trove, featuring the best winter shopping from Zara, COS, and H&M, curated by an editor with nearly a decade of professional browsing experience.
Zara
This is one of those coats that will make anything (even just a pair of black sweatpants paired with ballet flats) look so, so cool.
From the padded shoulders to the unique neckline to the fringe hem, everything about this top is compliment-worthy.
Just a really sophisticated pair of jeans.
I find it so difficult to shop for ankle boots, mostly because the options out there are never exciting, but something about the heel shape on these and slim ankle are convincing me to give it another try.
Not pictured: The detachable faux-fur collar that comes with this already gorgeous trench coat.
This set might be faux leather, but you'd never know it.
Shop the matching Faux Leather Belted Top ($50).
The collar and print are so preppy and cool. I like the idea of just pairing this blazer with vintage jeans and kitten heels for a relaxed but polished outfit.
These look so expensive.
It's the asymmetric hem for me.
Everyone needs a well-fitting pair of black jeans.
The balloon shape of this leather jacket makes it feel so special and unique.
Clean and classic.
A pair of textured shoes will always call out to me.
It's practical and chic.
COS
Next time you don't know what to wear, you'll wish you took my advice and bought this easy set.
Shop the matching Merino Wool Mock-Neck Cardigan ($149).
Not just any T-shirt. It's a cool T-shirt.
I tried this entire outfit on the other day, and it's so fun and unexpected. Very '90s coded.
These brown, suede boots will live in your wardrobe, well, forever.
I also just tried this shrunken polo on at COS and fell in love. It's perfect.
I don't know about you guys, but I'm so for corduroy pants as a cure for denim fatigue.
Pretty dresses will never be a bad investment.
Sleeveless turtlenecks will always remind me of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
Just a really good shape if you're not into cigarette pants.
Woah, these ballet sneakers so cool.
A perfect cozy pick for traveling this winter.
I'm surprised these elevated jeans aren't sold out yet.
The fit on this shirt is very unique, so if you're bored with the oversized button-down look, give this one a try.
This dress perfectly combines '90s silhouettes with '60s ones in a way that still somehow feels modern in 2026.
I am addicted to buying high-vamp pumps. Don't ask me to apologize.
H&M
If you want to look expensive this winter, this is the coat to buy.
I'll never scroll past a well-priced cashmere sweater.
If you are interested in cigarette jeans, here's a great pair that's affordable, but looks expensive.
These laces are so fun!
I had no idea that I needed a sweater with shoulder pads, but apparently I do.
A 10/10 T-shirt that everyone should buy (multiple of).
This leather-look skirt can be styled in so many different ways.
This butter-yellow coat has "rich" written all over it.
Soft to the touch.
You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to get expensive-looking sunglasses.
I'm a big fan of this dress.
No one has to know this $60 jacket isn't made of genuine leather.
Just tie this scarf around your waist to make outfits more interesting. It will always do the trick.
No, you shouldn't stop wearing genie pants now that it's 2026.
Aren't you glad you kept scrolling? Add these suede kitten heels to your cart now.
