I Spent Hours Looking Through the New-In Sections at Zara, Arket and Mango—These 23 Anti-Trend Items Stood Out

After squeezing out one more summer holiday this month, I can finally say I’m officially ready to embrace some autumn offerings. While I’ll of course be releasing my cosy knitwear collection from the confinements of their vacuum bags, I always like to add a sprinkling of newness each season. Because, who doesn’t? And with the ‘new in’ sections abundant with elevated outerwear (I’m on the lookout for a leather bomber and a funnel neck jacket), glossy boots, bags and everything in-between, now is of course the very best time to pick up your new season starter pack.

While my Net-a-Porter wish list is always immeasurable at any time of the year, it’s the high street I look to when I want to replenish my much-loved wares. And there’s three shopping apps on my phone that get more attention than others: Zara, Arket and Mango. Which is why I’ve spent hours over the past few days checking out what I want to buy, and it's all the anti-trend elevated classics that stood out.

Zara has tapped heavily into suede, which although is key this season, somehow feels timeless as a ‘70s trend that lends itself well to each decade. Meanwhile, Arket has concentrated on creating impeccable knitwear, with a twist—think scarf and jumper hybrids and cardigans with interesting buttons. Along with draped could-be-designer coats and a pair of snake print boots that would make anyone weak at the knees.

Finally, Mango has everything from satin shirts, belted knit jackets to trench coats you'll want to wear with every outfit. So without further ado, out of thousands of items from these much-loved high street heroes, these are the 23 items that stood out to me as an autumn/winter 2025 starter pack.

Shop the Best New-In Pieces at Zara, Arket and Mango:

ZARA

Soft Knit V-Neck Sweater

The perfect transitional sweater.

The colour, the shape, the texture—pure genius.

ZARA

Leather Deck Shoes With Cleated Sole

These will go with so many outfits.

Draped outerwear is huge news this year, and I've found the perfect style.

ARKET

Alpaca-Wool Blend Jumper

Arket's best-selling knit now comes in burgundy.

MANGO

Cashmere-Blend Knitted Shawl

The simplest way to elevate a cold-weather look.

MANGO

Knitted Jacket With Belt and Buckle

I've ordered this knit jacket so expect to see me in it most days.

ARKET

Wedge-Heel Leather Boots

These are practically a work of art.

ZARA

Soft Bomber Jacket With Faux Fur Collar

Who needs to care about a top when you can just zip up this dream jacket?

ARKET

Lace-Detail Satin Skirt

The lace-hem skirt every fashion editor will be wearing with chunky knits.

ARKET

Merino Wool Cardigan

The twisted button detail makes all the difference to this grey cardigan.

I would wear this over a roll neck knit with a mini skirt and knee-high boots.

MANGO

V-Neck Wool Sweater

MANGO

Long Cotton Trench Coat With Concealed Buttons

Swooning over the slouch fit of this relaxed trench coat.

ZARA

Zw Collection Front Pleat Trousers

Baggy trousers are an autumn hero.

MANGO

Short-Sleeved Combined Sweater

The scarf knit top you'll be wearing with pleated skirts, wide-leg trousers and jeans.

ZARA

Herringbone Blazer With Belt Zw Collection

This slouchy, cinched waist blazer is about to be your new workwear hero—add to the matching trousers or a pleated skirt.

ZARA

Stitched Split Suede Heeled Boots

The slight Western nod sold these suede boots to me.

MANGO

Satin Jacket With Zip

If satin shirts are good enough for Hailey Bieber.

Arkets jeans are always superior.

Dig out you barrel-leg jeans to where with this sleek knit.

MANGO

100% Suede Long Gloves

Expect to see a lot of long gloves worn with jackets and coats—when fashion meets function.

Arket

Slim Single Breasted Blazer

Cinched blazers are everywhere this season, and even Arket—known for its oversized styles—are jumping on the trend.