On any given day, whether a Tuesday at the office, a bar-hopping Friday night, or a Saturday morning running errands, you can bet I’ll be wearing at least two Zara items. The brand just ticks so many of my fashion boxes. If you’re looking for the crossover between a fashion-forward vibe, everyday staples, affordability and great quality, it’s unrivalled on the high street.
There are areas I know I can rely on the brand for – blazers being one of them – so if I’m after something specific, I know what Zara does well. But, being a fashion editor, I also know if something is worth the money, if I’ll get lots of wear out of it and if it suits my personal style, so there are lots of areas in Zara that I steer clear of.
Here’s what I always buy from Zara, and the things I don’t:
What I avoid: Jeans
What I buy instead: Trousers
Typically when I compliment a colleague or a friend on their jeans, they’ll reply with ‘thanks, they’re great aren’t they? They’re just Zara!’ and it’ll make me wonder if I should ditch my new trouser love-in and head straight to a Zara store for a denim haul.
I’m in-between sizes so denim on the high street is tricky, but trousers on the other hand are much easier. I tend to wear them most days in the week (with a knit and trainers when it’s chilly, then a shirt and ballet flats for spring), and the Zara price point makes it easier to stock up.
Its trousers come up long, which is rare and ideal for me, and there’s always a range of chic neutral shades to choose from.
Read on more on Zara:
- The best bomber jackets to buy if you couldn’t get your hands on the viral Zara version
- The 6 It Zara dresses trending right now that you can still get your hands on
- The best Zara new-in pieces to buy ASAP
- I haven’t shopped in Zara for 3 years – here are the sustainable brands I replaced it with
What I avoid: Dresses
What I buy instead: Co-ords
We all know Zara dresses are That Girl. The best styles sell out faster than you can plan an outfit around them, so unless you want to be disappointed, I’d recommend always snapping up one that you really love as you never know if or when it’ll come back in stock.
I love the easy freedom that comes with a dress though, which is why co-ords are always high on my wish list. Zara has excellent options for spring: think breezy linen numbers and smart cotton tailored two-pieces.
What I avoid: Bags
What I buy instead: Heels
I should add a disclaimer that although I typically pair my outfits with a luxe bag to elevate the overall vibe, I’ve acquired two new Zara bags in as many months this year. The minimal shoulder flap bag was giving 90s It girl vibes when I spotted it online and I couldn’t avoid it. Then on a trip to Barcelona I spotted it in Zara in tan (which wasn’t yet in stock in the UK) and with the exchange rate, it was a bargain. Typically though, I’m much more likely to shop the shoe section than the bags.
I’m going to go out on a limb and say Zara’s heel collection this season is its best yet. From diamante-encrusted Perspex heels just crying out for a spring wedding, to feather-trimmed date night-ready mules and sky—high metallic minimal styles, as always, it has everyone covered. I have four pairs in my basket as I type.
What I avoid: Trainers
What I buy instead: Flat shoes
I debuted a pair of Zara leather square-toe ballet flats at work last week and got tons of compliments. The brand does a flat fashion-forward shoe that won’t break the bank like no other – especially since 100% leather and FlexiFit comfortable sole technology became commonplace in its shoe offering.
I’ve heard good things about its trainers, but I’ll admit to being a brand snob in this department. I exclusively wear Adidas Sambas, Nike Air Force 1s or New Balance 327s, but if you’re after a bargain, minimal trainer that looks more expensive than it is, Zara has your back.
What I avoid: Blouses
What I buy instead: Blazers
There’s potential for me to open a Zara blazer archive exhibition using my own collection. Apart from the rare splurge in COS or Massimo Dutti, most of the blazers I own are Zara, though with the sharp cuts, relaxed but not sloppy silhouettes and chic hues, you’d never guess the average cost of each one was £60.
Zara’s blazer department is particularly great, and its stepped its game up even further for spring. This orange blazer is a favourite – wear it with the matching trousers and strappy gold heels to nail wedding guest dressing.
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