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

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.

Havaianas x Zara SandalsZara

Havaianas are known as the cornerstone of any Scandinavian-inspired wardrobe, and in the warmer months they can literally be styled with anything. Zara has now collaborated with the cult flip flop brand to create its very own rubber style, available in white, black, yellow and blue.

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.

Asymmetric Dress With GatheringZara

If you're looking for a whimsical midi dress that's practical as well as pretty, Zara have this one that's finished with dainty straps and gathered detail at the front of the dress. I'm imagining this styled with biker boots to a festival this summer.

Zara Padded Linen JacketZara

A quilted jacket is a transitional staple, thanks to its lightweight built that means it can be easily layered and worn on its own too. Available in two different colours, a beige and a light khaki, both are equally as versatile when paired with jeans and a tee.

Yellow BlazerZara

Butter yellow has been absolutely everywhere already, and it doesn't look like it's going to slow down at all as we head into summer. An iteration that's perhaps inspired by the viral M&S style, this Zara blazer features a tuxedo-style collar, front flap pockets and a double-breasted finish.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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