ZARA Launch Online Store

Zara Online

Whether you use it to browse for new styles and trends, or actually buy online, the internet has made fashion more accessible than it’s ever been. From high end catwalk couture, to 2 for £10 basic t-shirts, the online fashion world is a hub for innovation, creativity, community and let’s face it – lots and lots of shopping.

There are hundreds of online retailers out there, each with their own collections, shopping formats, zoom functions, sales, newsletters and fashion focussed features. But as far as men’s high street fashion stores go, the online world (for once) has a few gaps. You’ve got Topman and All Saints leading the way, with River Island, Burton, New Look not far behind, and then your specialists like ASOS and MyWardrobe. But there are a couple of notable absentees from the high street, two globally renowned stores that haven’t made their online presence felt – that is until now.

This week saw the launch of the ZARA online store, with the launch of its H&M counterpart following in the coming days. For all of you who love fashion (which should technically be all of you!), particularly those of you can’t get enough of online shopping, these two high street heavyweights branching out and opening virtual stores is BIG news.

While I was looking to expand my own personal wardrobe via the ZARA website this week (and believe me, there has been A LOT of that going on), I’ve also been picking some of my favourite pieces from the ZARA collection for the key Autumn/Winter trends, along with some style staples that will stand us in good stead for the coming colder months. Take a look, let me know your favourites via the comments section below, and enjoy the continued success of the online shopping revolution.

Duncan
twitter.com/pour_homme

The Zara Autumn/Winter Lookbook

Key Trend Pieces

Queen’s Country

Think tweed (preferably with elbow patches), quilted jackets, subtle check, low key knitwear and the odd neck scarf. Jacob’s recent article highlighted the importance of this trend brilliantly, and there are some great pieces from the ZARA collection that perfectly compliment it (grand manor house and hunting club membership optional).

Young Rebel

Another of my favourite A/W10 trends – Young Rebel – mixes rebellion, attitude, tattoos and one amazing look. Matthew Burt’s recent article takes an in depth look at the Young Rebel trend and key pieces from other retailers, but there are some great items from the new ZARA site that fit perfectly, particularly printed tees.

Chunky Knits

Spilling over from A/W 09, chunky knits are back, and they’re bigger and brighter than ever. What I love about knitwear is that it can be as relaxed or smart as you need it to be, it’s a trend that anyone can master and it can be adapted to any winter occasion. Here are my picks from ZARA’s Autumn/Winter collection.

Drop Crotch

It’s been a few years now since skinny fit made a comeback and while the limb hugging fit is still a style staple, there’s a new kid in town that looks equally fashionable but with the added benefit of – shall we say – room. MC Hammer pants these are not, they are a trouser shape variation that gives your denim and chinos a much needed edge.

Autumn/Winter Boots

The military have long been a source of menswear inspiration, but the biggest trend the armed forces has embedded in fashion culture is the big, tough, and stylish boot. Along with this winter staple, this season there are plenty of above the ankle footwear options that give you practicality and style in equal measure.