The retail landscape can be paralyzing, even for the most prolific shoppers. Nowadays, pretty much every store sells every category (think ready-to-wear, accessories, and so much more), making it less than easy to decide just where to go for what. Plus, there's deciding what to save on and where to splurge, the temptation of cheap fast fashion consistently knocking at our closet door, and the grueling process that is trying to keep track of when exactly new arrivals will drop. Basically, heading into the shops (whether online or in person) without a game plan will give you nothing but a major headache. Plus...where are you supposed to start when you've got so much ground to cover?So, to help guide you through the madness, we're sharing our little secret: We intentionally (and consistently) head for a section first, and oftentimes find our favorite buys there immediately — and we're sharing these personal first-stops with you here. From affordable, wear-everyday kicks from Zara to Reformation's perfectly-flirty party dresses, here are exactly where you should be visiting from 15 of your favorite, we've-got-everything brands.
Head for the coats first at Mango.
Mango is the place to score outerwear with the MaxMara look — but for a fast-fashion price. Remember, winter isn't going anywhere any time soon, and the perfect coat will help make that fact a little easier.
Mango Straight Pockets Coat, $229.99 $114.99 available at Mango.
Head for the denim first at ASOS.
ASOS' denim line is wildly underrated. The site offers pretty much every single trend in one place, from mom jeans to culottes, and only a few top $100. No complaints about that.
ASOS Vintage Look High Rise Jeans in Mid Stone Wash, $60 $30, available at ASOS.
Head for the graphic teesfirst at Urban Outfitters.
The selection of graphic tees at Urban Outfitters is hard to beat. With culturally relevant emojis, name brands like Adidas, and quirky and clever sayings galore, there's a perfectly witty top for just about anyone.
Urban Outfitters Dancing Girls Emoji Embroidered Tee, $34, available at Urban Outfitters.
Head for the shoes first at Zara.
If you haven't already, now's the time to bookmark Zara's shoe section for weekly browsing. Right now, we're banking on these affordable slip-on mules, which work with socks now and on their own come spring and summer.
Zara High-heel Backless Sandals, $39.90, available at Zara.
Head for workwearfirst at Club Monaco.
Hit Club Monaco for the kind of sleek staples basically made for the office. That's not to say, though, that you can't wear these trousers to the wine bar on the weekends, too.
Club Monaco Benicia High-waisted Pant, $229, available at Club Monaco.
Head for the button-ups first at Madewell.
If you've been searching for the perfectly-oversized button-up shirt, well, guess what? It's been at Madewell this entire time. We're stocking up on every color and pattern available.
Madewell Oversized Button-down Shirt, $79.50, available at Madewell.
Head for the cocktail dresses first at Reformation.
We don't even think twice before heading straight to Reformation when a last-minute cocktail event or date-night pops up without notice. Consider this place filled with party dresses galore.
Reformation Wakeman Dress, $198, available at Reformation.
Head for outerwearfirst at Aritzia.
Did you know that Aritzia originated in Canada? That probably explains why its outerwear selection is filled with must-buys — they're functional, affordable, and still totally chic.
TNA Niseko Parka $265 $250, available at Aritzia.
Head for "going-out" separatesfirst at Missguided.
We get it, "going-out" clothes are tricky, but Missguided has tasteful picks that won't have you feeling like you just hit the club — or put a strain on your wallet either.
Missguided D-ring Blazer Dress, $68, available at Missguided.
Head for the handbags first at Forever 21.
So, you're totally sick of your current handbag but aren't in a place financially to shell out a grand on a new one quite yet. The solution is here: Peruse Forever 21's bag section for a nice variety of expensive-looking gems like this one.
Forever 21 Faux-Leather Bucket Bag, $24.90, available at Forever 21.
Head for the swimwear first at Nasty Gal.
We know it's not swimsuit season just yet, but there's nothing wrong with planning ahead. That way, when that first beach day hits, you'll be prepared with an on-trend suit you've been dying to wear.
Nasty Gal Can You Just Net Swimsuit, $88, available at Nasty Gal.
Head for athleisurefirst at H&M.
You don't have to spend a lot on athleisure staples — H&M is full of cute hoodies and other workout-means-lounging gear that are just as good for laying around as they are for hitting the gym...or even working into a Fashion Week-worthy ensemble.
H&M Melange Hooded Sweatshirt, $24.99, available at H&M.
Head for the hosiery first at& Other Stories.
Get this — & Other Stories has its sock game on lock, and that means we do, too. From sheer to sparkling, the cold weather just got a littleless painful thanks to these fun and cozy add-ons.
& Other Stories Shimmery Striped Socks, $12, available at & Other Stories.
Head for the knitwear first at J.Crew.
If you're not buying all of your sweaters and turtlenecks at J. Crew by now, it's time to start. The retailer is our one-stop shop for layering items in endless silhouettes and colors.
J. Crew Collection Cashmere Blend Turtleneck Sweater, $250, available at J. Crew.
Head for basicsfirst at Topshop.
Topshop is always a safe bet for trendy takes on wardrobe staples, like this LBD with cold-shoulder cut-outs. The retailer is king at putting fun twists on basics without going overboard, and our closets couldn't be happier.
Topshop Cold Shoulder Chiffon Skater Dress, $90, available at Topshop.
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