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

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This dress would look equally as good at a garden party in the countryside or on the rooftop with a spritz in hand, and that's perhaps what's so great about it. The asymmetric cut-outs make it really interesting to style too, whether you choose to pair it with heels or platform sandals.

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Waistcoat tops became popular last summer and were spotted with everything from A-line maxi skirts to wide leg trousers. The style is still popular this year too, and this Zara take on the trend is on trend and unique, with its halter neck, V-neck and open back.

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To brighten up your spring/summer wardrobe, this bright fuchsia pair of Bermuda shorts should do the trick. With a high waisted fit and two front pleats, these shorts are a warm weather staple, ready to be paired with a white tank top and chunky sandals.

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A little white dress is just as integral for your spring/summer wardrobes as an LBD is in the winter, and I think I've just found the perfect one. With a flattering cut outs at the sides and thin adjustable straps, style this dress with a straw bag and platform sandals.

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For a classic swimsuit shape but with an elevated twist, this one from Zara is a particular standout. The swimsuit features a large circular metal applique at the middle and has a straight-across bandeau top. Style with an equally as chic kaftan or bikini wrap and a raffia tote bag for a day at the beach.

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If you're looking for the perfect straw bag this summer, Zara have created one with floral braiding and a bamboo handle. Neutral enough to go with everything that's already in your packing list, yet statement enough (thanks to its floral applique) to hold its own.

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If there was ever a time to invest in this dress, it would be now, as your holiday's are (most likely) planned and summer is almost in full swing. Wear to the beach in the day, and then throw on in the evening styled with a mini clutch bag and heels.

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If you haven't heard already, jorts (or Bermuda shorts) are back - in a big way. For the perfect pair, head to Zara where you'll find its Denim Bermuda Shorts, finished with five pockets, seamless hem and washed blue effect. Style with woven ballet flats or dad sandals.

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Summer is the time to get everything floral and butter yellow out of your wardrobe and embrace the fact the best season is here. This dress ticks two of those boxes, and features a V-neckline and thin straps that cross at the back.

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If spring were a shoe, I'm sure it would be this pair. A ballet flat with a trending mesh outer and sweet floral print, style with a feminine lace skirt or mini skirt.

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Zara's summer dresses are perhaps the best on the high street, ranging from floral designs to simple throw-on numbers. This mustard dress definitely falls into the latter category, yet still feels elevated thanks to a adjustable tie belt with bead detailing.

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Having a striped shirt in your holiday packing is almost a given. This cropped Zara shirt has a striped pattern that's formal enough to be worn with a pair of high waisted trousers to the office, or undone at a beach club over a bikini.

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If you're heading to a festival, this Distressed Knit Halter Top is a must-have, purely because of it's boho-inspired design that looks like it could've almost been plucked from a Chloé show. Style with anything from denim shorts, to wide leg trousers to midi skirts.

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A good alternative to a classic white t-shirt, Zara has upgraded it for summer to a linen iteration, with round neck and short sleeves. There's also a matching skirt too, meaning you'll only need to accessorise with chunky bangles and slip-on sandals to finish the look.

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Platform sandals make for a great alternative to heels when you want to dress up a little, without the pain or hassle of wearing classic stilettos. This pair feature a wide front strap that will keep your toes in place, as well as a contrasting wooden sole and rounded toe.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
28.
Braided Tote Bag

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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.
29.
Satin Midi Dress

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
On sale

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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.

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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.
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.