:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/tal-im-a-fashion-writer-and-after-hours-scrolling-zara-tout-7cea6f29d08d41669c8512f20273727d.jpg)
As an NYC fashion writer, I treat late-night Zara scrolling like a sport—especially when I’m planning a winter trip. I found pieces that look designer, travel beautifully, and somehow all stay under $100, with prices starting at just $15. It’s the rare moment when both your suitcase and your wallet win, and every piece somehow manages to look polished, cozy, and travel-ready all at once.
Ahead, you’ll find the winter travel staples I can’t stop thinking about: drapey knit palazzo pants that feel like loungewear but read chic, ruched loafers that elevate every outfit, a soft sweater dress that’s perfect for city strolls to holiday dinners, and a versatile cardigan you’ll want to layer on repeat. Consider this your curated, elevated winter capsule—affordable, stylish, and ready for whatever your travels throw at you.
Best Overall Zara Fashion Finds
Soft Touch Palazzo Pants
Zara
If you find pants that feel like pajamas but read as polished, you grab them—and these $40 palazzos are exactly that. The elastic waistband keeps you comfortable on red-eyes and long layovers, while the front seam detail adds enough structure to make them look intentionally tailored. Wear them with sneakers for a streamlined airport ‘fit or toss on a trench to run errands for an understated look.
Soft Button Cardigan
Zara
The soft-button cardigan turns those palazzo pants into a matching set, giving you an easy two-piece look that feels far more elevated than the price tag suggests. The gold buttons add that quiet-luxury glint that makes it seem designer-adjacent, not $36. Keep it casual with Uggs and a tote for travel days, or dress it up with a gold handbag, a faux-fur vest, and booties for dinner once you land.
Cotton Modal Top
Zara
Every stylish traveler needs a top like this in rotation—a lightweight turtleneck that layers effortlessly and looks sleek under just about anything. The Cotton Modal Top comes in rich winter tones like chocolate, maroon, and classic black, making it a no-brainer base for cold-weather outfits. Pair it with trousers and a blazer or wear it with jeans and a faux fur coat. Plus, no one will believe it’s only $15.
Soft Ruched Loafers
Zara
A minimal loafer will instantly elevate whatever you’re wearing, and this ruched pair adds just enough texture to feel special. They’re timeless, chic, and surprisingly tailored for just $60. Wear them while wandering a new city, running to meetings, or pairing with jeans and a knit on travel days when you want to look pulled together without trying.
Suede Effect Bomber Jacket
Zara
In my opinion, this bomber jacket is an undeniable standout on this list. The suede-effect finish looks incredibly high-end, and the two earthy color options, dark brown and khaki, make it the kind of jacket you’ll reach for constantly. The lapel collar and slightly cropped cut give your denim and slacks room to shine, making every outfit feel more intentional. It’s the kind of under-$100 find that looks triple the price—and the piece you’ll end up building your entire travel wardrobe around.
Plaid Midi Skirt
Zara
If you’ve been wanting to add a little spice to your winter wardrobe, this plaid midi skirt is the easiest way to take a small, stylish risk. The print feels bold without being loud, so it still mixes seamlessly with your everyday basics. The asymmetric hem and flattering cut create movement, making it fun to style with everything from a sweater vest to a fitted bodysuit.
Soft Shoulder Pad Coat
Zara
This long, shoulder-padded coat is one of those outerwear pieces that instantly sharpens an outfit. It’s the kind of outer layer that makes cold-weather dressing feel effortless—throw it over a sweater, wrap on a scarf, add leather gloves, and you’re ready for anything winter throws at you. The structured silhouette and wool-like texture appear far more expensive than the price, giving your travel outfits a clean, refined finish.
Low Rise Wide-leg Jeans
Zara
Zara’s Low-rise Wide-leg Jeans stopped me in my tracks—the silhouette looks designer, but the price is only $60. They sit lower on the waist, fit more structured at the top, and fall into a subtle boot-cut shape that feels modern without skewing overly trendy. The deep blue wash gives them a dressier edge, so they work just as well for the office and nice dinners.
Faux Fur Vest
Zara
This faux-fur vest is the fun, fashion-forward layer that instantly lifts a winter outfit. The hidden side pockets give it a clean, streamlined look, while the plush texture adds warmth without the bulk of a full coat. Wear it with a brown monochrome base for something chic, or throw it on over jeans and a long-sleeve shirt when you want to look pulled together with zero effort.
Soft Knit Short Dress
Zara
A mini sweater dress is one of winter’s most reliable outfit formulas, and Zara’s Soft-knit Dress nails that cozy-meets-chic balance. Wear it with opaque tights and knee-high boots for holiday parties, or add a wool coat and scarf for walking around a festive market. It’s warm, flattering, and easy to dress up or down—perfect for dinners on winter trips, casual office days, or weekend plans when you don’t want to think too hard.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

