An L.A. Editor Walks Into Zara—29 Items She Couldn't Leave Without
As an L.A. transplant who moved from New York City three years ago, I feel like I'm just now beginning to understand the West Coast dress code. Yes, there's a lot more athleisure you see while out and about (which makes sense for a city that seemingly revolves around hiking and Pilates classes), but I find that, at its core, L.A. dressing is about evoking a certain effortlessness with your outfits. The longer I live here, the more I realize my style is more closely aligned with L.A., and I've been sure of the pieces I wear now more than ever—certainly more than when I lived in NYC, where I was always second-guessing my ensemble before leaving my apartment.
When it comes to everyday pieces, I always look at what Zara has to offer. The retailer has great prices, plus the styles I've bought are ones I wear over and over. I still have a shirt from the store that's almost a decade old. Below, you'll find 29 items from the site that I'm hoping to relocate into my fashion-editor closet. And because my style's changed so much since my move from NYC, they all also fit seamlessly with the L.A. fashion scene, whether you're in Santa Monica or Silverlake. From knee-high boots and shoulder bags to wide-leg jeans and cardigans, each of the forthcoming designs had me reaching for my wallet. (I am in the middle of a closet overhaul, after all.) Keep shopping for my most coveted Zara picks right now.
I used to never wear belts, and now I really see the use—especially when you're layering with a cropped white tank top.
I know low-rise jeans are back in, but I still love me a pair of high-waisted pants. Don't come for me!
Even though suede is harder to take care of, I have such a soft spot for it—especially on a bag like this.
A lined jacket that adds some texture is always a yes in my book.
Elevate your winter look with some pleated pants in this trendy burgundy shade.
Slingbacks are so much better than pumps in my opinion. These buckle ones are very chic.
When you mix a bomber jacket with a cardigan, you get this cozy knit jacket.
The shape and burgundy hue of this shoulder bag is one I'll wear over and over again this season.
This gray vest is such a classic, and it looks so elevated with the matching skirt.
Shop the matching Basic Knit Midi Skirt ($46).
Miniskirts and a sweater are a classic pair and made for those L.A. nights.
A simple black bucket bag will truly stand the test of time. Plus, this price point isn't half bad.
Los Angeles can still get pretty cold, so a wool coat is always a good item to keep in your closet.
This plaid skirt is really speaking to me, especially with a brown sweater and chunky boots.
I always try to stock up on crewneck sweaters when the weather gets a little chilly.
A denim shirt will go with so many things in your wardrobe, trust me.
For the days when you don't want to wear jeans, I suggest gravitating toward these ribbed pants.
Sometimes the day calls for a preppy look, and this pleated skort will help you get there.
Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she always wanted to work at a fashion magazine. After finally getting an internship at Town Country in 2015, she moved to New York City and continued to get her footing in the industry with stints at Cosmopolitan, W magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Moda Operandi. In 2017, she returned to Cosmo full time, starting off as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant and working her way to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice. After five years in NYC, she moved to the West Coast for the sunshine and the change of pace. As a freelance fashion editor, she still contributes to Cosmo and nowBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She's always trying to get ahead of the next big trend before it goes mainstream and loves discovering fashion brands with a unique point of view (Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Bode being some of her current favorites). She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls. On the weekends, you can find her walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir, trying to catch up on her tan at Venice Beach, and probably ordering a Chinese chicken salad at Joan's on Third.
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