Every Time I Wear Zara, People Think It’s Designer—Here’s What To Shop To Have People Fooled

It saves you the stress of scrolling the Zara website.

Zara Monthly Picks Hero

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.

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 light jackets that will save you on a frosty morning and sunny afternoon, and introducing elements of spring into a previously duvet-like wardrobe. Luckily, Zara offers both aplenty. To save you the effort of scrolling endlessly through Zara's ever-expanding inventory, I've handpicked some of this month's standout 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: 19 Things To Buy From Zara This Month

Embroidered JacketZara

A spring jacket is one essential that shouldn't be forgotten about - and you'll particularly regret it when you get caught in the midst of an April shower. This Embroidered Jacket strikes the balance between whimsical and charming, and practical, with its round neck and long sleeves with elastic cuffs.

Lemon Print Mini SkirtZara

A sweet mini skirt that's part of Zara's new 'lemon girl line-up' collection, this cream number has lemons littered over it, perfect for spring/summer. Style the citrus skirt with a white tank top and denim jacket on a sunny day.

Short Shirt-Style Trench CoatZara

Spring dressing calls for a trench coat. But a trench coat that's even more on-trend? The cropped trench. This one from Zara is a more modern take, with a lapel collar, front welt pockets and buttoned fastening.

Plain Knit Top With Short SleevesZara

A knitted top is a good item to have in your wardrobe to bridge this middling weather. Warm enough to allow you to go out in just a light jacket, and doesn't require the same layering a t-shirt does. This one is in a gorgeous amber colour.

Ruffled Knit CardiganZara

Zara's Ruffled Knit Cardigan has already been spotted on team Grazia in its various different colours; grey, burgundy and yellow. Now, the brand have released a bright orange version. Play on its bright hue by pairing with primary colours or florals for a maximalist look.

100% Leather JacketZara

Zara's suede jackets are always incredibly popular, most likely down to its affordability and clever designs. This one is no different, made from 100% leather and finished with round neck, zip fastening and pockets, if you do want to bag this jacket, I'd suggest you do it quickly.

Satin Midi DressZara

Sage green is the perfect spring/summer hue, and this satin dress is ideal for upcoming weddings. If green isn't your colour, it's also available in three others; including light blue, black and champagne gold.

Oversize Shirt With PocketZara

A blue shirt is again, one of those workwear-core staples. However what I like most about this version is its structuring and the fact it looks like it could almost be denim. Style the shirt with a pair of wide-leg light wash denim jeans and heeled mules.

Woven Strap BallerinasZara

Ballet flats aren't going anywhere, and Zara have given its pair a woven update for spring/summer. These flats are complete with woven fabric top, round toe and buckle detailing. Style with a linen skirt or wide-leg jeans.

On sale

TRF Straight-Leg Mid-Rise JeansZara
Price: $17.99 (was £29.99)

www.zara.com

A classic pair of blue jeans is always going to be one of the hardest working staples in your wardrobe. I love this pair thanks to its mid-rise fit that's not too high and not too low.

Printed Scarf With Pom-PomsZara

Scarves, whether that be printed, satin or plain, are having its moment, whether that be over a jumper or tied tight around the neck. This one from Zara has added detailing in the form of sweet pom-poms, and is made from cotton yarn.

Maxi Topstitched Tote BagZara

A great bag that's also seasonless, this Zara tote features unique topstitched detailing, unique square handle and double shoulder straps. Plus, at under £40, it's a bag that looks so much more expensive than its price tag.

TRF Mid-Rise Baggy Balloon JeansZara

A style of jean that's a personal favourite of mine; barrel-leg, horseshoe or balloon (whatever you want to call them) jeans are surprisingly flattering - just try them. This pair from Zara are so reasonably priced too, and come in a versatile mid-blue denim wash.

Long Double-Breasted Trench Coat With BeltZara

A khaki trench coat is a good alternative to the classic beige trench, and is just a little bit less popular. I almost prefer a khaki trench over a beige, as its deeper colour means styling is a breeze, whether you're pairing with a blouse and blue jeans, or a satin skirt and jumper.

Combined Knit Peplum TopZara

This knitted top isn't too heavy for spring, thanks to its wide short sleeves, but is thick enough to not need a coat on top. At the bottom there's flared hem details that's almost peplum, and it's almost begging to be styled with cream or blue wide-leg jeans.

Ruffled Dotted Mesh BlouseZara

As soon as festival season hits (which is soon as Coachella is on the horizon), boho is going to be all we're talking about. This blouse looks like it could've just been plucked from the rails at Chloé, with its ruffles and drawstring rounded neck.

ZW Collection Striped Palazzo TrousersZara

Striped trousers give that effortless Scandi-cool look, and you really can't go wrong with them. Pair with a denim jacket and white t-shirt for a laid-back look, or dress them up a little with mules and a boxy blazer.

Faded-Effect T-Shirt With Shoulder PadsZara

If you're looking for an elevated white tank, this is the one for you. Unlike most basic tank tops, this one has exaggerated shoulder pads that add a different, and more sophisticated, edge to any outfit. Style with wide-leg trousers or with Bermuda shorts.

Buckled Flat SandalsZara

A good alternative to the Hermès Chypre sandal (and one that's £720 cheaper), these Zara sandals are complete with a triple strap, metal buckle and topstitching and stud detail on the straps.

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 - yes, she can tell you exactly where a specific coat is from. When not writing, shopping or scrolling Instagram (find hers here), Gemma will likely be dreaming up her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).

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