I scoured the new Zara, H&M and Mango collections for a killer back-to-school wardrobe
Every new season brings the same question: where do you even start when refreshing your wardrobe without getting it wrong? This season, Mango, Zara and H&M have put forward pieces that answer that dilemma precisely, blending 90s nostalgia with a genuine sense of freshness. Here is how to make the most of their new collections and step into autumn in style.
Officewear and leather: the two big stories of the season
The most striking trend of this back-to-season moment draws its inspiration from 90s office dressing. The ankle-length pencil skirt has established itself as the centrepiece of this movement, and Zara offers one at €35.95. It works just as well at the office as it does out in the city, making it an immediately worthwhile investment for your wardrobe.
A blazer, a cotton shirt and loafers complete this working-girl silhouette. These three pieces work together or separately, multiplying your outfit options without weighing down your wardrobe. That kind of versatility is exactly what you need during a transitional period.
Leather, meanwhile, brings a more assertive edge. Zara is betting on an oversized leather jacket at €69.95 and red leather trousers at €239 for total looks with serious attitude. These pieces are for those who want to make a strong, confident statement on their return.
Visible lingerie and bermuda shorts: two trends keeping summer alive
Lingerie worn in broad daylight is not disappearing with the warm weather. On the contrary, it is settling firmly into the new autumn lines. H&M leans into this trend with a lace bodysuit at €49.99, while Mango offers a satin top at €45.99. Both pieces illustrate how the boundary between underwear and outerwear continues to blur.
Other silhouettes exist within this vein: a delicate slip dress or a silk kimono repurposed as a mid-season jacket let you play with textures and layering. This is where the subtle layering so beloved by autumn fashion enthusiasts really comes into its own.
Bermuda shorts are also making their mark as a must-have piece this season. H&M offers them in a cream colourway at €34.99, a pared-back option that pairs easily with more structured pieces.
The Mango picks you should not miss this season
Mango has put out several pieces that deserve a closer look. The powder-pink skirt at €39.99 brings a soft chromatic touch, ideal for lightening up darker combinations. The straight-leg jeans, also at €39.99, offer a solid foundation for building varied outfits week after week.
The brand rounds out its offering with a chain belt at €49.99, an accessory that is enough on its own to transform a simple silhouette into a considered look. Finally, the floral bag at €119.99 plays the card of playful shapes to inject energy into autumn outfits. These four pieces cover very different needs, which speaks to the breadth of what the brand is offering this season.
Accessories: boots, ballet flats and bags to finish the look
Shoes take centre stage in the new collections. Boots are back with pointed toes and ruched leather, hitting at mid-calf height. H&M offers a pointed-toe version at €59.99, while Zara goes for ruched boots at €79.95. Kitten heels and bold colour choices are also among the key styling decisions of this season.
- Pointed-toe boots H&M at €59.99
- Ruched boots Zara at €79.95
- Chain belt Mango at €49.99
- Floral bag Mango at €119.99
- Leopard tote bag Zara at €25.95
Ballet flats remain essential, with a subtle low heel that sets them apart from flat versions. On the bag front, generous proportions and original shapes are taking over. Zara’s leopard tote at €25.95 is a great example: accessible and instantly eye-catching, it elevates any outfit effortlessly. Zara’s turquoise blue jacket at €35.95 and H&M’s grey shoulder-pad T-shirt at €19.99 round out a selection designed to dress you from head to toe this season, whatever your budget.
