35 Must-Have Zara, Gap, and H&M Items for Your 2026 Wardrobe

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My sister does not work in fashion but always wants to stay ahead of the latest trends, styles, and It items to invest in from season to season. It’s not surprising she often asks for advice from her fashion-editor sister about the coolest pieces worth buying at any given moment. Of course, I happily oblige! What are sisters for, after all?

This month, she asked for my shopping recommendations on what will make her wardrobe feel fresh and of-the-moment this season and into the year ahead. Her one request? Nothing too pricey! She has some big life events taking place this year and is on a tighter budget. Luckily, finding stylish picks that are also affordable is where I excel. I directed her to very chic picks from affordable retailers—Zara, Gap, and H&M—that have been rolling out a whole host of fresh pieces that feel *very* 2026, from new color trends to fresh silhouettes. If you, too, are looking to update your wardrobe on a budget, then keep scrolling to see my fashion picks that fit the bill.