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
@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 linen staples, maxi dresses and thin cardigans that will save you on a sunny day (or heatwave as us Brits like to refer to them as). Luckily, Zara offers both summer separates and dresses aplenty. 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

Cashmere And Wool Basic SweaterZara

A cashmere and wool blend jumper for under £100 is a rare find, which is why this one makes the list. Available in dark grey, ecru and my personal favourite, a cobalt blue, the jumper features a round neck, long sleeves and ribbed trims.

100% Leather Bomber JacketZara

A suede jacket is going to be a must-have as the colder weather sets in, and this one from Zara is the best I've spotted on the high street. Made from 100% leather and with a lapel collar, it would go with anything from rigid denim to a relaxed skirt.

Rustic Striped BlouseZara

The trending top this summer might be more delicate than you think, and it's one you can definitely take into autumn too. This style from Zara is particularly chic, with a flattering V-neck and round neck.

Studded Mesh BallerinasZara

If you're on the hunt for a pair of ballet pumps, but want a style that's more elevated than the average, Zara's Studded Mesh Ballerinas bring too cool elements together: mesh and silver studs.

100% Wool Basic JacketZara

Butter yellow is the colour of the year, and just because it's changing seasons doesn't mean that you have to put the more traditionally summery coloured pieces in the wardrobe. This Zara cardigan proves that, in its sweet light yellow shade and with a round neck.

ZW Collection Long Satin DressZara

For any social events you have on the calendar this month, you're going to need a great dress. If you don't want to spend triple figures on it, Zara's Long Satin Dress is the style to go for. With a flattering cowl neck and A-line hem, finish the look with heels and a statement bag.

TRF Wide-Leg High-Waist Jeans With Crossover WaistZara

Zara's crossover waist jeans are about as on-trend as it comes. With a flattering high-waist, five pockets and asymmetric front fastening, its Crossover Jeans add a statement edge to any simple look.

Floral Beaded Print DressZara

Zara's Floral Beaded Print Dress is the perfect day-to-evening dress if you were to ask me. With a low back and adjustable crossover strap with bow, wear to a wedding or party with heels and clutch bag, or with platform sandals and a tote bag.

ZW Collection Minimal Short Trench CoatZara

Cropped trench coats took over autumn/winter of last year, and now it looks like it isn't slowing down for this upcoming transitional season. This one from Zara is particularly chic, designed with a high collar, flared hem and side pockets.

ZW Collection High-Waist Balloon JeansZara

Balloon jeans are somewhat of a hybrid between a really wide leg jean and a barrel or horseshoe shape. If you want to get involved in the trend, Zara has an excellent pair finished with side pockets and contrasting topstitching.

Belted Wrap SkortZara

Breezier than a pair of shorts and more modest than a skirt - a skort is that perfect middle-point. Style when the weather is warmer with a tank top and trainers, or, when it cools down, layer over a sheer knit and swap the shoes to knee-high biker boots.

Animal Print Foulard DressZara

This Zara animal-print dress might just be the most perfect leopard print dress I've seen. A style that looks far more expensive than its under-£40 price tag, it comes with a V-neck, wide straps and matching fabric foulard.

Mercerised Cotton T-ShirtZara

The perfect t-shirt can be hard to come by, particularly when you don't want to spend a fortune on one. Zara's style is as affordable as they come, with an under-£16 price tag, regular fit and rounded neck.

TRF Denim JacketZara

Zara's take on a denim jacket isn't your usual button-down design. Instead, the brand has made it look almost like a bomber jacket, with elements like an elasticated hem and front zip fastening. Style over a satin midi dress and ballet flats.

Lace Satin DressZara

Zara's satin dresses almost need its own hall of fame. The brand has so many styles that have gone viral recently - Zara knows how to make a satin dress, and a good one at that. This light beige design is evidence too, with its asymmetric lace hem and adjustable straps.

ZW Collection Limited Edition Frock CoatZara

For a coat that looks like it could've been plucked from the rails at The Row, Zara's ZW Collection has a coat that could easily rival a quadruple-figure style. Made from a viscose and cotton blend knit, the coat features a smart notched lapel collar and front welt pockets.

100% Leather Long JacketZara

The key to dressing for the transitional weather is to invest in a good jacket that's not overly heavyweight. The weather may be changing but that doesn't mean you have to get a puffer coat out just yet. This suede style is perfect for throwing on over mini dresses and denim cut-offs.

Lace Trim Camisole Midi DressZara

Embrace the butter yellow trend with a dress that's sure to bring a pop of sunshine. This Zara dress has a flattering V-neck, thin adjustable straps and white contrasting lace details. Style with kitten heels and a suede jacket over the top.

Satin Midi Skirt With LaceZara

Zara knows how to ace a good satin skirt. Predicted to be one of the biggest trends that continues from its summer takeover into autumn, this Satin Midi Skirt With Lace is excellent for pairing with both chunky knits and oversized tees.

Mini Double Handle Split Suede BagZara

Recognise this little suede number? It looks almost identical to Miu Miu's Suede Top Handle Bag, yet it's over £2,300 cheaper. With a similar top handle and topstitching detailing, the bag also comes with a crossbody strap so you can wear it two ways.

Contrast Lace Satin Midi DressZara

Another excellent Zara midi dress comes in the form of its two-toned style. With contrasting black lace trims and ecru and khaki satin, style the dress with a pair of flat knee-high boots and a trench coat, or with platform sandals and a raffia bag.

TRF Wide-Leg High-Waist Full Length JeansZara

A good pair of jeans is hard to come by. Zara's styles are great for the taller girls (the leg length comes up notoriously long), and this TRF design features a classic high waist and five pockets.

ZW Collection Short Trench CoatZara

A short trench coat is a good alternative to the classic long style. The benefits of a shorter design are that it can be layered with anything from a knitted jumper to a plaid shirt, plus it's lighter, which is a massive bonus for this time of year.

Beaded Belt Waistcoat In Linen BlendZara

A waistcoat top is an easy item to have in your wardrobe, and one you can wear for a coffee run, dinner or to the office. With thin straps and beaded belt, style with beige shorts and dad sandals, or with jeans and flip flops.

Wide-Leg Trousers With BeltZara

Everyone needs a good pair of white or ecru trousers in their wardrobe. This pair are particularly good, with its built-in belt and rear patch pockets. Finish the outfit with a boxy white t-shirt, flip flops and a statement belt.

ZW Collection Satin Linen Blend BlazerZara

Elevate your blazer collection with Zara's Satin Linen Blend Blazer. The design includes a notched lapel collar and long sleeves, as well as front flap pockets and fastening. Style with the matching trousers, oversized sunglasses and chunky loafers.

ZW Collection Satin Linen Blend TrousersZara

To go with the satin blazer, there's also a pair of matching Satin Linen Blend Trousers that feature equally as chic front dart detailing and in-seam pockets.

Striped Waistcoat With Zara ButtonsZara

A striped tank top is about as integral to a summer wardrobe as a black and white one is. This one has the perfect design that's not too in-your-face, but is still interesting, particularly with its button-down front and V-neck.

Shirt With Contrast TrimsZara

Elevate the average white shirt with black contrasting trims and bows at the cuffs. A white shirt gives you the chance to either dress it up or down - whether you choose to wear it tucked into jeans or with wide-leg trousers.

ZW Collection Striped Flowing TrousersZara

Zara's pair of ecru/maroon striped trousers is excellent for both workwear and weekends. If you're planning on wearing it to the office, style with a boxy blazer, white t-shirt and loafers. Or, for your weekend coffee run, wear with flip flops and a tank top.

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). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us