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: Soon-To-Be Viral Zara Buys

Crochet Knit Mini DressZara

For any festivals you might have planned this summer - this is the dress you need to be wearing. Whether you're heading to Glastonbury, Creamfields or All Points East, style with a pair of biker boots or wellies and add an equally as boho-inspired crossbody bag.

Striped Blouse With TiesZara

You're probably pretty well-acquainted with Ganni's popular tie-front blouses by now, and Zara has just released its own take on the Scandi-inspired trend. Its style features an all-over stripe print, V-neck and navy ties at the front.

Embroidered Open WaistcoatZara

Last year a similar Zara waistcoat went viral - chosen by those to elevate a t-shirt and jeans, or to Worthy Farm as they attended Glastonbury. The design is now back in an easy-to-wear brown shade, complete with white embroidery and cropped length.

Flat Leather Sandals With Straps And DecorationZara

Toe rings are the latest sandal trend to take over the internet - and, like most things, it's somewhat dividing the fashion crowd too. Zara have gone one step further to feature a pair of brown sandals embellished with a brown gemstone. Style with a white A-line skirt or cut-off shorts.

Gauze Pyjama ShortsZara

The line between what's acceptable to wear out the house and pyjamas have been blurred every since that post-lockdown era. These butter yellow striped shorts are not only super comfortable, but also can be worn out the house when paired with a simple white tank top, ankle socks and fisherman sandals.

ZW Collection Strapless Polka Dot DressZara

Following the success of a particularly good Nobody's Child dress that got the fashion pack talking, Zara, too, have released a polka dot dress I think could rival it. With a bandeau neckline, slit in the side and timeless polka dot design, throw on a pair of sandals and a small bag and you're ready to go.

Contrast Bucket HatZara

Everyone needs a great hat to go with all of their summer outfits, and this one from Zara is both a good and stylish choice thanks to its neutral colour and boho design.

Flowing Midi DressZara

Zara is the latest shop on the high street to embrace the trending delectable butter yellow hue, and its Flowing Midi Dress is proof. With all the hallmarks of a perfect summer dress - a V-neck, thin straps and cross at the back - all that's missing is a pair of chunky sandals.

Crinkled Effect BlazerZara

Zara's Crinkled Effect Blazer is made of a thinner material than your traditional blazer, which makes it perfect for summer. Available in two different colours, a fuchsia and ecru (the latter of which is of course my favourite), pair the blazer with the matching Wrinkled-Effect Trousers and loafers.

Steven Meisel Photographic T-Shirt Zara

Zara turned 50 this week, and to celebrate a whopping 50 different models came together in a photoshoot shot by Steven Meisel. Tuck the graphic tee into a pair of high waisted jeans and finish the outfit with a staple pair of ballet flats.

Long Foulard Print DressZara

A suspected sell-out, I've caught this Zara dress before that's the case. With its whimsical floral-printed material, chic neck scarf and draped cowl neckline, the dress is perfect for pairing with your favourite holiday sandals or kitten heels.

Leather Strappy SandalsZara

If you don't want to go full gold-toe-ring-sandal, this iteration of the trend has pared it back a little to just feature a simple toe strap. The suede soles elevate the sandal to make it dinner on the beach appropriate, and the colour keeps the design modern and interesting.

ZW Collection Halter Polka Dot DressZara

Polka dots are certainly having a moment this spring, with Kate Middleton stepping out wearing a polka dot dress from Alessandra Rich recently too. Hers may have been bespoke, yes, but this Zara iteration is just as good, with a floaty fabric, high neck and matching scarf.

Beaded Belt WaistcoatZara

A super cool and chic way for dressing to the office in spring/summer is to invest in a great waistcoat top and matching pair of trousers. Zara's Beaded Belt Waistcoat is part of a baby blue set, complete with the High-Waisted Trousers.

Straight High-Waist Full Length Striped JeansZara

For a twist on the classic cream jean, opt for this pinstripe pair instead. This pair of jeans is high waisted and has a straight leg, perfect for tucking a t-shirt into.

Brown Ruffled DressZara

For any holidays you might have planned Zara has the perfect dress to your packing list. Its brown ruffles that span the entire dress make for the chicest finished look, while the V-neck and thin spaghetti straps keep the entire ensemble feminine. Simply style with small kitten heels and a raffia clutch.

Wide Flowing TrousersZara

For the perfect wide trouser that's not overly smart, but also could be dressed up with a simple linen shirt and heels, you're going to want to take a look at Zara's Wide Flowing Trousers. If the black colour isn't for you, the trousers also come in terracotta and beige.

Zip-Up JacketZara

Dressing for the office in summer can be really hard to nail. To keep yourself cool yet professional, Zara have come to the rescue with its Zip-Up Jacket that's less like a traditional piece of outerwear and more like a lightweight top.

Printed Midi DressZara

Another great holiday dress from Zara comes in the form of its Printed Midi Dress, which is complete with decorative front buttons and wide straps with bows. Style with chunky bangles of various colours and a pair of Havaianas.

Waistcoat Top With Gathered Waist DetailZara

The latest iteration of Zara's sell-out waistcoat top with gold detailing is this, a design that's finished with clever features like elastic gathers at the sides and a lapel collar. Style with a pair of baggy jorts and sandals, or with a pair of wide-leg jeans.

Braided Tote BagZara

Everyone needs a good raffia tote in the warmer months, and one that's just as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. Zara's iteration comes with a removable inner zip pouch, braided top handle and crossbody strap.

Satin Midi DressZara

Remember that Zara pink satin midi dress that went viral a couple of years back? Well the brand has released another satin style that's almost guaranteed to go viral again - this time with a higher, cowl neck and pleated shoulders.

Jorts Bermuda Shorts With DartsZara

I know jorts/bermuda shorts can be a little bit like marmite, but when I saw this pair of butter yellow shorts I knew they're about to become my spring staple. With chic darts, a high-waist and side pockets, wear to the office with a shirt tucked in, or at the weekends with a graphic tee.

Polyamide Halter Long DressZara

A style that's already selling out even though it hasn't made it past Zara's new-in page, this butter yellow halter dress is perfect for spring/summer. Not only does it come in that delectable butter yellow shade, but it also has a flattering halter neck and tie back.

Wide Leg Trousers With DartsZara

A good pair of trousers to wear to work, then to post-work drinks, these trousers feature a super wide-leg style, perfect for juxtaposing with a pair of chunky sandals. Plus, the darts and front pockets make the trousers look more dressed-up than they really are.

ZW Collection Embroidered Fringed DressZara

If you're leaning into a Chloé-esque boho-revival this spring/summer, then this fringed dress needs to be at the top of your list. Finished with a round neckline, pleated fabric and fringed hemline, dress up with kitten heels, or dress down with a pair of biker boots.

ZW Collection Leather Biker Jacket Limited EditionZara

I know spring isn't a great time for leather, as when it's hot leather just isn't the go-to material, but I couldn't not include this leather biker jacket from ZW Collection. Made from 100% leather, the jacket has exquisite details like an adjustable buckle strap, double-breasted front and long sleeves.

Faded-Effect Hooded JacketZara

A good jacket to have as it's not too thick, but it also has a hood for those unexpected April showers, this Zara Hooded Jacket is equal parts countryside-core and city-chic.

ZW Collection Midi Skirt With RufflesZara

A good statement piece to have in your wardrobe if you're heading off to any festival this year, this midi skirt has a comfortable elastic waist and ruffle detailing throughout. For the ultimate boho-inspired look, pair with suede cowboy boots and a sheer blouse.

Suede Shoulder BagZara

If you're on the hunt for a new work bag, Zara have just released the most perfect suede version, finished with topstitching detailing and an interior zipped pocket.

Another great suede piece from Zara is this jacket, which is part of its ZW Collection and features a chic lapel collar and long sleeves. Style with jeans, a crisp white t-shirt, and a pair of chunky sandals or loafers.

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.

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.

Ruffled Dotted Mesh BlouseZara

As soon as festival season hits, 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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