Every Time I Wear Zara People Ask If It’s Designer – Here’s What To Shop To Have People Fooled

It saves you the stress of scrolling the Zara website.

Zara New-In Hero
@Zara

by Gemma Lavers |
Updated on

If, like me, you fancy yourself a bit of a Zara connoisseur, then you'll understand the struggle of looking through racks upon racks of clothes to find a diamond in the rough. I sometimes refer to it as a treasure hunt, and one which definitely rewards patience. Of course, like anything, you have to know where to look, especially when navigating the Zara website.

Few high street brands emulate luxury quite like Zara. Time after time and season after season it delivers polished, high-quality staples that even the most discerning eye would struggle to differentiate from designer. As a fashion writer, I'm fortunate to encounter a lot of great clothes, and yet I always find myself returning to Zara. Ye old faithful, if you will. Every single time the brand delivers timeless essentials and on-trend pieces that hit the sweet spot between chic and affordable.

At this time of year it's all about nailing down the transitional staples, maxi dresses you can take into autumn and thin cardigans that will save you on a cooler day. Luckily, Zara offers both jumpers, dresses and everything in between. To save you the effort of scrolling endlessly through Zara's ever-expanding inventory (and its notoriously difficult to navigate website), I've handpicked some of the new-in pieces that will have you saying 'it's Zara, actually' when someone assumes you've paid over three figures for an item you're wearing.

Shop: Soon-To-Be Viral Zara Buys

ZW Collection Faux Fur JacketZara

A fur jacket for autumn/winter is essential, particularly if you're planning on heading on a night out. I've spotted this one from Zara, which is made from a cosy ecru faux fur and features a lapel collar, long sleeves and front pockets.

ZW Collection Double-Faced JacketZara

Almost every year an iteration of this Zara jacket goes viral, and this year looks to be no different. Designed with patch pockets and a faux shearling lining, style the jacket with a pair of straight-leg jeans, chunky loafers and a turtleneck.

Knit CapeZara

Cape coats are very much in this autumn/winter, and this Zara take is an affordable way to try the trend. Available in both brown and black, the Knit Cape is made of a wool-blend and features a round neck and oversized sleeves.

ZW Collection Wool Trousers With Turn-up WaistZara

Made from a cosy wool yarn, these trousers are bound to become a staple in your wardrobe. With a mid-rise turn-up waistband that's so good for tucking a t-shirt or cotton shirt into, the trousers also have other smart details, like side pockets and front pleats.

Contrast Topstitching Midi DressZara

Just because we're in a cooler season now, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to put away all your dresses. The Contrast Topstitching Midi Dress from Zara is a good example of how to wear a dress in the winter - and style with knee-high boots and a suede jacket.

100% Leather CoatZara

This Zara jacket makes it to the list purely because its expensive-looking design that is so different to anything else I've spotted on the high street recently. Made from 100% leather, the jacket in question features a round neck and long sleeves.

ZW Collection Flowing Blouse With ScarfZara

Scarf tops are another big trend expected to take over this autumn/winter, so why not invest in one that comes with a built-in scarf? With a round neck and short sleeves, style the blouse with a pair of printed wide-leg trousers and pointed boots.

High-Heel BootsZara

Cream boots might not seem like the most practical choice for the months where the ground is not only muddy, but also icy, but Zara's cream knee-high boots are worth the impracticalities. With an easy slip-on design and high heel, style with a brown mini skirt and ruffled blouse.

ZW Collection Check Shirt With Multipositional ScarfZara

A checked shirt is also a transitional staple, and this Zara take is made from a viscose blend. With a round neck and long sleeves, the shirt also comes with a scarf that can be worn around the waist or neck.

V-Neck Knit SweaterZara

A V-neck jumper makes a change to the usual round neck styles - and it's an excellent layering piece too. Wear over the top of a white t-shirt for a Rachel Green-esque look, or style on its own with a mini skirt and suede boots.

Double-Breasted Blazer With Shoulder PadsZara

If you're struggling to know what to wear to the office in these cooler days, start with a grey blazer. This Zara one can be worn over the top of a black roll neck and with wide-leg trousers, or buttoned-up with a satin midi skirt and pointed boots.

ZW Collection Wide Leg Low-Rise JeansZara

If you've been sceptical about low-rise jeans for a while now, Zara's iteration is a good pair to dip your toe in the trend. With belt loops, five pockets and a front zip fastening, style the jeans with a pair of colourful loafers and a baggy white tee.

100% Wool Ribbed CardiganZara

Made from 100% wool, Zara's Ribbed Cardigan promises cosy comfort as well as a chic look. Buttons down the front of the cardigan add polish to even the most casual outfits, meanwhile the long sleeves will keep you warm.

Satin Straight-Leg TrousersZara

Satin trousers are an easy way to elevate a simple outfit, and, coming across an affordable pair on the high street isn't the easiest to come by. So, when I saw Zara had a pair for under £30, I knew it had to make the list.

ZW Collection Hooded Contrast Lapel Trench CoatM&S

Zara's Hooded Contrast Lapel Trench Coat features a detachable hood with snap button fastening, as well as long sleeves and patch pockets. Designed in a chic navy shade, it's the perfect trench coat to pair with jeans or cargo trousers.

Split Suede Stiletto Heel BootsZara

Suede has covered pretty much everything already, so boots for autumn seem like the natural next step. This pair from Zara are particularly good, and have a high-cut leg, stiletto heel and pointed toe.

Belted Straight-Leg TrousersZara

If you're struggling for workwear outfit inspiration, start with a classic pair of grey trousers. This pair from Zara have front pockets, an inside button and hook fastening and front darts. Finish with an oversized blazer, t-shirt and chunky loafers.

Striped Sleeveless ShirtZara

You can never have too many striped shirts in your wardrobe, and Zara's takes everything you know about a classic shirt and makes it infinitely more chic, with details like defined shoulders and a lapel collar.

Soft Knit V-Neck SweaterZara

If you're prioritising staying as comfortable and as cosy as possible this autumn, Zara's knitwear selection is also not one to be sniffed at. Wear its Soft Knit V-Neck Sweater layered over the top of a white t-shirt and jeans.

Darted Carrot TrousersZara

A pair of striped trousers will become your wardrobe saviour this autumn/winter, as it can be paired with anything from a white tee, to a chunky knit, or satin cami. Zara's pair is an excellent choice, with its smart front darts and carrot shape.

Mid-Waist Loose Straight-Leg JeansZara

Of course, a good pair of jeans is mandatory in any wardrobe, not just a transitional one. This pair of Zara jeans forms part of its new-in collection, and has details like a front zip fastening and mid-rise waist.

ZW Collection Leather Effect Collar Short Trench CoatZara

A lightweight jacket is perhaps the most important thing you'll invest in this autumn, as it will take you all the way through to spring. This Zara iteration is particularly good because of its contrasting lapel collar in leather and black buttons.

ZW Collection Pinstriped Trousers With VentsZara

Striped trousers are a great all-around item to have in your wardrobe, particularly when it's a design that can be paired with a white t-shirt and ballet flats for an easy everyday look. This style from Zara features a cool asymmetric hem and side vents.

Leather Heeled Ankle BootsZara

I have a confession. I have Zara's kitten-heeled ankle boots in three different colours - now, seeing its new beige colourway, I might have to make that four. Its boots are made from 100% goat leather and are finished with a side zip fastening and pointed toe.

Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).

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