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 coats that will save you on a frosty morning commute and jumpers that feel almost duvet-like (saying that has there been signs this week that's spring is finally on its way?) 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: 17 Things To Buy From Zara This Month

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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.

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Keeping with the lemon theme, Zara have just released this denim jacket, complete with a built-in printed scarf. The denim jacket itself has a lapel collar, drop-shoulder sleeves and patch pockets on the chest. Plus, it's oversized fit means it can be layered when needed.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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It might be too cold at the moment to go full sandal mode, but a mesh ballet flat will give you a little bit of protection, without feeling as chunky as, let's say, a boot. Plus, you can style your Mary Jane's with a white sock for a look that's slightly more preppy.
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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Leather trousers are a little bit of a life hack when it comes to keeping warm and still looking stylish. A big no-no in summer, leather trousers are notoriously hot, but can come in handy when you actually want that to be the case in freezing temperatures. Style this flared pair with a tailored blazer.

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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.

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Keeping basics cheap and cheerful, Zara have just released a new white tee - this time with an enzyme wash finish. With all the features you'd expect from a white t-shirt, it has a rounded neck and short sleeves - ready to be worn as a key layering piece or on its own as the weather starts to brighten up.
13.
Penny Loafers

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Of course, we know how versatile a black loafer can be, but what about a cream loafer? This pair from Zara feature a penny strap and topstitching, as well as a contrasting sole. Style with darker wide-leg trousers and black socks to ensure the shoes are the star of the outfit.

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Carrying on with the winter white theme, Zara have just released a brand new pair of satin trousers. And, they actually contend with the likes of Sleeper, Loewe and Zimmermann, with an under £40 price tag. This pair are even finished with an adjustable tie fastening (a godsend when wearing them on a night out) and lace detailing.

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Zara have also weighed in on the borrowed-from-the-boys tailoring trend (that we've seen skyrocket thanks to the likes of Miu Miu and Gucci) with a knitted polo neck jumper that's as chic as it is classic. Its practically begging to be worn open over the top of a white tee.

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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.

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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.
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).