Zara has a habit of creating viral dresses – in particular, brown viral dresses. It was only the other week I was waxing lyrical about the lace hem asymmetric mini dress that I wore to a festival, and I haven’t stopped seeing it all over my socials and IRL ever since. It’s everywhere. And now Zara has caused another stampede to site for a brown maxi dress, that, in my opinion, just so happens to be the most perfect wedding guest dressaround.
Why? Firstly, I enjoy the fact it’s only £39.99, because as someone who’s got more weddings in the diary than I can remember this year, we all know how expensive they can be. Although it’s super affordable, the attention to detail on this dress (as with all Zara dresses) makes it look so premium. So it's no wonder I can’t scroll for five minutes on TikTok without seeing someone trying it on in the Zara changing rooms.
The bad news is, the brown dress-of-dreams sold out – within a matter of days – in all sizes online. But the good news? I’ve seen it in multiple stores around London, so you've still got a good chance of picking one up in time for your next guest invite. Keen to get it online? I’ve linked the dress below so you can save it. Alternatively, you can also use the product code to keep track of when it’s back in stock: 4772/252/717.
So what's so great about this particular Zara dress? Let me tell you...
Shop: Zara Dress
www.zara.com
The tulle material makes it feel different to other dresses. Draping around the shoulders and neck, ruching over the belly and falling effortlessly to the ground, this maxi dress could easily be mistaken as a designer find. It's also all about that sheer detailing – there's just something about the contrast material that makes it look even more luxe.
As for the dropped waist – it's a key silhouette this year, so it instantly feels very 2025. Now for the colour, while I'm all for butter yellow and more recently, tomato red, chocolate brown is one of those shades that always looks effortless. Softer than stark black, the rich hue works with monochromatic styling, just as well as it does when clashed with colours including red, blush pink and yellow.
While we all wait patiently for Zara to restock the brown maxi dress everyone can't stop wearing, I want to let you know that there are actually so many other chic alternatives on site at the moment. And all of my favourite styles that'll work for a wedding are also all under £40 – yes, really!
Shop: More Brown Zara Dresses
www.zara.com
How sleek is this cut-out style? While I love it worn fuss-free with nothing but matching sandals and gold jewels, I'm also so into chocolate brown with red. With this being said, I would add a red bag and heels to wear this for after dark.
www.zara.com
If you weren't sure about my brown and red theory, then you will be now. It's the unexpected colour combination I highly recommend wearing. And this contrast dress looks very similar to that sell-out version, doesn't it?
www.zara.com
The high neck, ruched front, side split, and not forgetting the corsage – this dress can do no wrong. It's made to be worn for a wedding with a silly little bag, kitten heels and hair up to show off that neckline.
www.zara.com
At this point in the year, everyone knows polka dots are the print of the season. Dresses in particular are key, so this Pretty Woman brown and white spot style will tick off the trend. Love, love, love the asymmetric strap detail, too.
www.zara.com
Sometimes, simplicity is best – enter: the slip dress. Effortless, refined and more than appropriate for a wedding, this under-£30 glossy brown number is calling out to be your plus one.
www.zara.com
I've also seen this fringed dress doing the rounds on TikTok recently, so I wouldn't be surprised if it was next to have that dreaded 'sold out' sign. I suggest getting it before that happens.
www.zara.com
Nope, I didn't believe this dream dress was £35.99, either! The scarf detail and satin fabric make it look so premium that I guarantee absolutely no one will believe you found it on the high street.
Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor and stylist, contributing to many titles including Vogue, Stylist, Glamour, Who What Wear and of course, Grazia. Always finding high street buys that look expensive, and the designer items to elevate them further, she’s constantly on the lookout for lesser-known brands and mini street style trends. This, and searching for her next holiday destination where she’ll be showing them off on Instagram at @harriet.davey, along with travel tips on TikTok @harriet.davey.