Menswear's Best Affordable Collaboration Scores a Hat Trick

Zara and Aaron Levine's third outing solidifies their partnership as one of the most winning in the biz.Courtesy ZaraThe fashion collab space is genuinely oversaturated, which makes it difficult to break into the ranks of the perennial link-ups we gleefully anticipate. There are only so many holes in any wardrobe, and only so many cheeky interpretations that can land. But folks, it’s time we add Aaron Levine and Zara to the list, because their third collection is out, and it is quite possibly better than any similar effort on the market.At this point, we shouldn’t expect anything less from the menswear maven himself, but it’s all there. Elite-level knitwear, exquisitely tailored trousers, louche button-ups, outstanding outerwear, a killer suit, and even some s-tier accessories, all of it punching far above its weight class. That means if you’re looking to overhaul your entire wardrobe, or add a couple of eye-catching pieces, there might not be a better place to start. So, take a look at what we’ve got our eyes on down below, or head on over to Zara to check out the whole thing for yourself.Aaron Levine x ZaraPlaid JacketAfter whatever was going on this summer, blowing into your hands while shrugging your shoulders in this jacket is gonna feel electric.Aaron Levine x Zara100% Silk JumperThe proportions and detailing alone would justify this sweater's generous pricetag, but considering it's made entirely out of silk (yes, the one of road fame), that aforementioned pricetag seems kind of like a joke.Aaron Levine x ZaraPleated ChinosBuy these to level up your office rotation, catch yourself wearing them all weekend long too.Aaron Levine x ZaraWool-Linen Suit Blazer and TrousersIt's only August and we got ourselves a contender for Best Affordable Fall Suit.Aaron Levine x Zara100% Linen Geometric Jacquard Knit VestCatch me wearing this like a pinnie.Aaron Levine x ZaraPocket T-ShirtIf you think a t-shirt is "just a t-shirt," try one that's been designed with as much care and consideration as this one is—or just try this one in particular.Aaron Levine x ZaraStraight Fit JeansIndie denim hues can be a bit of a risk on the wrong hands, but fortunately for you, there might not be a pair of hands more right for the job.Aaron Levine x ZaraSuede Leather JacketLooser silhouettes can be hard to dial in when working with suede, but the team absolutely nailed it here.Aaron Levine x ZaraLong Sleeve T-ShirtThe very first time I see a yellow leaf on the ground I'll be pining for this super soft, perfectly weathered long-sleeve tee like it's last name is Buchanan.Aaron Levine x ZaraChecked Twill ShirtThe kind of button-up that looks great underneath a sweater, over a t-shirt and anyway in between.Aaron Levine x ZaraRegular Fit ChinosSome rock-solid chinos that will dress up, down and everywhere in between.Aaron Levine x ZaraWashed Technical OvershirtConsidering fall is on the horizon (allegedly), there couldn't be a better time to add a lightweight layering cheatcode to the rotation.Aaron Levine x ZaraTextured JumperThis has the juice for a holiday party, but I'd wear it like a sweatshirt for the foreseeable.Aaron Levine x ZaraPlaid Trench CoatYou could search all fall for a better trench at most pricepoints and have a hard time beating this cotton-wool, relaxed-fitting, beautifully-detailed number.Aaron Levine x ZaraJacquard Stripe T-ShirtThis isn't quite a boatneck, but the neckline is wider than your standard crew and also invokes all the charm of the perpetually underrated Breton shirt.Aaron Levine x ZaraLeather BeltIt'd be a bit dramatic to say you need a thin(ish) black belt in your rotation—no monoliths and such—but you'll never regret having one.Aaron Levine x ZaraLeather Bow LoafersThese glorious low-pro loafer-boat shoe hybrids aren't cheap, but they're not cheaply-made either—in fact, they've got a cow leather upper, a sheep leather liner and a Vibram outsole.Aaron Levine x ZaraWool-Silk Striped TieAaron Levine x ZaraShopper BagVoluminous enough to work as a weekender, casual enough for a grocery run.Reed Nelson is a freelance writer for GQ Recommends covering menswear and gear. Before writing full time, he spent years working retail at Unionmade Goods, Gant Rugger, J.Crew, and Nike—experience that sharpened his eye for what’s actually worth buying. He’s also worked as an in-house copywriter for brands big and ... Read More