I Thought This Zara Dress Looked Familiar – Then I Realised It’s A £50 Version Of My Designer Favourite

This £50 dress is about to be everywhere - and just in time for party season.

Zara Maxi Dress Realisation Par Gia Dress Dupe Hero Image

by Gemma Lavers |
Updated on

Designer styles trickling down to the high street is no news to anyone - you need only look at M&S' answer to the Toteme scarf-coat and H&M's take on The Row's Ophelia Jumper to see that affordable versions of luxe items are reigning supreme. Zara, too, is no stranger to a dupe, and its brand new Flocked Tulle Maxi Dress, £49.99 is living proof. With its dark floral pattern and romantic maxi silhouette, you might be getting déjà vu, and that's because it possesses a striking resemblance to a fashion pack favourite from Realisation Par.

Shop: Zara Realisation Par Gia Dress Dupe

Zara, Flocked Tulle Maxi DressZara

The Zara alternative to the viral Gia dress features all the same gothic detailing; the rich floral print, maxi length and black colour. Arguably the best part of this dress is the back, which is open with a flattering flowing neckline.

Realisation Par's Gia dress hardly needs an introduction - after all its been worn by perhaps everyone on my Instagram feed, in every single iteration; zebra, floral, denim. The dress that features a 70s bell-sleeved design and to-the-floor length is the epitome of relaxed, bohemian style and fully encapsulates what Realisation Par stands for; wearable yet glamorous, timeless yet trendy. The bad news is, the Gia dress comes with a price tag that matches its desirability, and remains a splurge item or special occasion dress for most. It's also constantly sold out in most sizes.

Realisation Par, The Gia
©Instagram/@glameramo

Zara's take on the classic Gia style is most definitely a moodier interpretation, swapping Realisation Par's playful florals for a more prominent and velvety design, which gives it a more seasonal update and an opulent feel. Styling this dress is incredibly simple; for an outfit that's more Christmas-party appropriate pair it with barely-there heels and a silver bag, or for the daytime add an oversized leather bomber jacket and chunky boots. The longer sleeves and fitted cut make it better for layering too if you wanted to add a jumper over the top.

Shop: The Original Gia Dress

Realisation Par, The GiaRealisation Par

The Gia dress is one that's meant to be seen. Let's be honest, we've seen it all over our Instagram feeds. Nonetheless, it's a great, versatile dress with long bell sleeves, a boat neckline and slip-on style.

The high street's answer to one of the most coveted Realisation Par designs of recent years, the Zara alternative delivers a dress with the same allure as the Gia - and is equal parts demure and daring. Plus, by investing in the Zara version rather that the Realisation Par original, you'll save yourself £220. Need we say more?

Main image credits: Instagram/@ahalcyongirl, @glameramo, @iamlucymoon

Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia. Gemma specialises in all things clothing and enjoys outfit planning (especially for holidays), scrolling social media for the next trend and shopping (probably for a new coat).

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