If you thought the color of the season was burgundy or forest green or burnt orange, think again. This fall, a bolder hue is hitting the runways, stores, streets, and now our closets: deep purple. In the past month, shades of vibrant violet, witchy plum, and striking indigo have found their way onto the Spring/Summer 2027 runways and many street style icons.

First, New York Fashion Week spotlighted bold purple across more than 20 designer collections, including Sergio Hudson, Diane von Furstenberg, and Christian Cowan, notably styled with poppy red and vivid teal. Tory Burch sent a purple sweater down the runway with an on-trend red skirt. Then, we quickly noticed the showgoers donning the color too (I even incorporated purple into my final-day ‘fit because of it). And it didn’t stop there. During Milan and Paris fashion weeks, the likes of Miu Miu, Prada, Balmain, Bottega Veneta, Valentino, and Issey Miyake had pops of purple in their new collections.

And now, purple has seeped all over our feeds, thanks to trend forecasters, influencers and our favorite celebrities, including Zoë Kravitz wearing it. But we’ve particularly noticed an influx in purple sweaters as the go-to way to wear the color. J.Crew even recently released its viral Rollneck sweater in a vibrant purple and it immediately sold out. (But you can still pre-order the style in a muted eggplant shade.)

So, whether it’s a crewneck worn with a collared button-down underneath, a short-sleeve turtleneck paired with a pencil skirt, or a chunky cardigan unbuttoned over a red tank top, there are seemingly no rules. It can be as cheerful or as spooky as you’d like. And whichever way it’s styled, a purple sweater has proved itself to be a piece that’s simultaneously a statement and a versatile staple that you need in your closet.

To help you get the look, we’ve searched for the best options on the market, from a $70 lightweight Zara turtleneck to a $550 wool Staud cardigan, all purple-lover-approved.

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There’s a particular kind of satisfaction in telling someone that this was only $65, especially after they’ve complimented your outfit. Because looking expensive has surprisingly little to do with how much you spend. More often, it comes down to knowing what to pair together.

That’s the thinking behind the high-low formula: start with the uncomplicated pieces that earn their keep in your closet (you know your white T-shirts, your go-to sweatpants, and your cozy hoodies), then introduce something with a little more pizzazz into the look. Maybe it’s a sharply tailored blazer, a great leather bag, an unexpected mini skirt, or playful lace-up flats. Mixing and matching these key pieces is every fashion girl’s secret to looking like a style star.

Nike makes an especially good starting point for this approach. Its sporty staples already have the clean lines and relaxed proportions that are crucial to the backbones of a well-curated collection of basics. So instead of saving your sweats for the couch or your crewneck for errands, consider them the first layer of a much better outfit. Below, five formulas for making everyday essentials look considerably more expensive than they are.

The quickest way to make sweatpants feel effortlessly cool, never slouchy is by giving them something structured to play against. A boxy blazer instantly sharpens the softness of a relaxed pant, while a fitted white tee gives the layers underneath simple vigor. From there, resist the urge to make everything else casual. A sleek clutch, sculptural earrings, dark sunglasses, and pointed-toe mules create the kind of contrast that will instantly turn you into a fashion girlie.

A sweatshirt and satin skirt shouldn’t necessarily work together, which is precisely why the do. The relaxed, slightly sporty attitude of an oversized crewneck takes some of the preciousness out of a silky midi, while the skirt gives an everyday top a completely different context. Add a polished leather shoulder bag and slim sunglasses to keep things sophisticated, then ground the look with a sneaker rather than a heel. The result lands somewhere between dressed up and completely unbothered (arguably the best place for an outfit to be).

A great tank top doesn’t need much help, but it does benefit from a strong silhouette around it. Pairing a close-fitting tank with exaggerated wide-leg trousers creates instant proportion and makes a relatively simple combination look far more directional. A statement belt gives the eye somewhere to land and helps define the waist against all that volume. Finish with a compact bag, minimalist sunglasses, and a low heel. Nothing here is particularly complicated.

Consider this your argument for wearing sweats somewhere other than the airport. A trench coat brings instant polish to a matching hoodie-and-pant combination, but the real trick is what happens below the ankle. Instead of defaulting to sneakers, add delicate flats (I, personally, can’t resist a lace-up ballerina). That tension between sporty and pretty makes the entire ensemble interesting. A shoulder bag and barely-there sunglasses finish things off without competing with the unexpected color underneath.

The quarter-zip has officially escaped the gym bag. Paired with a clean A-line mini, its athletic associations start to feel almost preppy, particularly when loafers enter the equation. Keeping the palette tonal makes the inexpensive pieces read as one cohesive look rather than a collection of separates. Then add the details that make minimal outfits matter: a substantial leather tote, scrunched socks, and classic frames. Together, it’s proof that basics don’t have to be boring at all. Sometimes all they need is better company.

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Zara’s latest arrivals are a welcomed reminder that fall is officially here — so your wardrobe should act like it. The new arrivals section is packed with staple pieces designed to make the most of approaching activities, from pumpkin picking and Oktoberfest bar crawls to fall weddings and Friendsgiving celebrations (and even all the work days in between).

The newest Zara edit delivers real wardrobe mileage and styling versatility for the cooler months, from reversible trench coats and convertible crossbody bags to adjustable-hem jeans and button-down tops. All you have to do is to mix and match them to fit into your existing fall wardrobe. Luckily, these Zara styles are fairly affordable (think: under-$70 pants and tops), meaning you can cart up quite a few pieces without breaking the bank. And while you’re at it, check out Zara’s perfumes to find your new fall scent!

So shop your favorite picks ahead to build your dream head-to-toe fall outfit while these styles are fresh and in stock.

Zara is delivering on the denim trends we’re most excited to explore. Think: tons of wide-leg and barrel jeans. But we’re particularly drawn to the fun denim details, including double waistbands, buttoned balloon hems, attached belts, and chunky cuffs for extra intrigue and customization.

It’s time to layer up, and Zara has a new expansive collection of fall outerwear to consider. Whether you’re in need of a new blazer, leather jacket, or bomber, there are many chic and and versatile jackets to pick from. The trench coat here is even reversible for two times the styling opportunities.

It’s time to slip into a new pair of shoes this season, so we’re eyeing Zara’s selection of footwear, including trendy fall boots. There are also many boat shoes perfect for the office as well as printed slingback heels for date nights and fall parties.

Whether you’re shopping for casual weekend plans, cocktail attire weddings, or late-night dancing, Zara’s dresses are ready to celebrate in. There are tons of budget-friendly dresses, including versatile satin midis along with fun striped and plaid minis, for under $100.

Zara’s latest bottoms deliver versatility with a sprinkle of fun details, like oversized sequins and unique pleats. Consider a pair of trendy drawstring pants that can be worn from the couch to an airplane, or opt for a flirty mini skirt to dress up or down with Victorian blouses or chunky cardigans.

Sleek and stylish, Zara’s new bag drop can be worn for weekend strolls, brewery crawls, weddings, and much more. Look for trending handbag styles like top handles and unexpected animal prints. The are also spacious leather shoulder bags that promise to complete your outfit season after season.

Tops that can easily transition from day to night are dominating Zara’s new arrivals. Look for the slim polo tops, oversized button-downs, and billowing blouses that can go from the office to dinner. And check out the slinkier tops, like lace camis for late-night plans.

Shop all Zara new arrivals

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