When it comes to shopping on the high street, we've all felt that frustration of wanting polished, expensive-looking items that don't break the bank. Affordable brands can often be inconsistent with their quality and fit, and as a fussy dresser myself, I'm cautious about which high-street buys I choose to invest in. However, one brand that never fails to impress me is Zara.
With its finger always on the pulse of the biggest fashion trends, whilst simultaneously maintaining a timeless aesthetic, Zara focuses on creating high-quality items that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe but remain at an affordable price point. And it's not just me that thinks this. Most recently, I spotted Who What Wear UK's shopping editor, Florrie, in a pretty polka-dot blouse and wide-leg trousers from Zara, which inspired me to do my own online shop for the summer season.
Shopping editor, Florrie Alexander wears a Polka Dot Halter Top (£46)from Zara.
I'll be honest, there are a lot of items on the website, which can be overwhelming, so I decided to narrow my search down to eleven stand-out products from the brand that never fail to impress me. And luckily for me (and my bank balance), Zara covers the lot. Think effortless yet stylish staples that are the perfect blend between classic and trend-led and can be easily mixed and matched for every occasion.
From pretty blouses to dress up your jeans to elegant throw-on midi dresses that need minimal styling, I've rounded up eleven buys from Zara that never fail to look more expensive than they are. Keep scrolling to see and shop my edit.
11 items from Zara's 2025 Summer Edit That Could Pass As Designer
1. Pretty Top
Style Notes: A pretty top is an easy way to dress up your jeans, linen trousers or midi skirts. I immediately fell in love with the polka-dot iteration that Shopping editor Florrie is wearing above, but Zara also has many other colours and patterns to choose from this season.
Shop Pretty Tops:
ZARA
Polka Dot Halter Top
This immediately went into my basket.
ZARA
Romantic Embroidered Blouse
Romantic blouses are a big trend this year.
ZARA
Draped Tulle Bodysuit
I'd wear this with a long skirt or tailored linen trousers.
ZARA
Romantic Lace Insert Top
Simple, elegant and easy to style.
2. Minimalist Midi Skirt
Style Notes: Midi skirts add instant polish to a summer outfit without having to try too hard. I'd opt for a poplin or A-line style and wear it with a tank top and sandals for casual days, and a flowy blouse and kitten heels for more formal occasion.
Shop Minimalist Midi Skirts:
ZARA
Zw Collection Striped Midi Skirt
This striped iteration is perfect for summer office days.
A black midi is a year-round staple.
ZARA
Voluminous Balloon Skirt
3. Elegant Sandals
Style Notes: When shopping for high-street sandals, I'd recommend opting for elegant neutral hues and natural fabrics that will look expensive as well as last for many years to come, despite the affordable price point.
Shop Elegant Sandals:
ZARA
Split Suede Cage Sandals
These look like so many designer pairs I've seen recently.
ZARA
Flat Leather Slider Sandals
ZARA
Leather Strappy Sandals
Wear with flowy maxi dresses, skirts or long shorts.
4. Relaxed Tailoring
Style Notes: Tailoring isn't just for the chillier months. In fact, you'll be grateful for breezy sartorial items when you want to look elegant at summer weddings, parties and other formal events.
Shop Relaxed Tailoring:
ZARA
One-Button Linen Blend Blazer
I'd wear this with the matching trousers or throw over a satin slip dress.
ZARA
Long Bermuda Shorts With Darts
Bermuda shorts always look so sophisticated.
ZARA
Linen Waistcoat With Darts
This subtle peplum silhouette has caught my eye.
ZARA
Zw Collection Wide-Leg Darted Trousers
These will go with everything in your wardrobe.
5. Suede Bags
Style Notes: High-street bags can sometimes look cheap, which is why I always stick to natural fabrications. Leather is eternally chic, but this summer, it's Zara's suede bag collection that has really impressed me.
Shop Suede Bags:
ZARA
Mini Double Handle Split Suede Bag
Real suede for under £50? Yes, please!
ZARA
Split Suede Bowling Bag
This paler suede will look so good with white, cream or butter yellow.
ZARA
Elongated Suede Tote Bag
This has sold out many times already, so act fast.
ZARA
Split Suede Studded Shoulder Bag
This has such a boho feel to it.
6. Throw-On Midi Dress
Style Notes: You'll be grateful for a throw-on midi dress on those summery days when you don't know what to wear. From trendy polka-dot prints to classic linen fabrications, Zara has so many expensive-looking options.
Shop Midi Dresses:
ZARA
Zw Collection Polka Dot Midi Dress
Another item that went into my basket immediately.
ZARA
100% Linen Tunic Dress Zw Collection
An easy throw-on style for casual days.
This is the perfect wedding guest dress, in my opinion.
ZARA
Zw Collection Poplin Shirt Dress
Shirt dresses are great for in or out of the office.
7. Kitten-Heel Sandals
Style Notes: You don't need to risk it all in a pair of towering stilettos to make your outfit look expensive. Heeled sandals remain walkable and look elegant without having to compromise on comfort.
Shop Kitten-Heel Sandals:
ZARA
Split Suede Heeled Sandals
These look way more expensive than their £40 price tag.
ZARA
Low-Heel Leather Sandals
The block heel gives these a real Y2K vibe.
ZARA
Leather Kitten Heel Sandals
Perfect for summer weddings or garden parties.
8. 90's Loose-Fit Jeans
Style Notes: There's nothing worse than feeling restricted in the hot weather, so I'd never opt for skinny jeans around this time of year. Luckily for me, Zara has premium-looking denim options in looser, flowy silhouettes reminiscent of '90s styles, for my comfort.
Shop 90's Loose-Fit Jeans:
ZARA
Zw Collection High-Waist Palazzo Jeans
I love this pale-blue wash.
ZARA
Wide-Leg Low-Rise Jeans
White jeans always look elegant in summer.
ZARA
Trf Wide-Leg High-Waist Jeans
It doesn't get much chicer than black denim.
ZARA
High-Waist Wide-Leg Trf Jeans
The asymmetric waist will elevate all of your jeans-and-a-tee outfits.
9. Elevated Sunglasses
Style Notes: You don't have to splash out loads on expensive-looking sunglasses. Zara currently has plenty of elevated options that look designer and all sit at the £50 price point.
Shop Elevated Sunglasses:
ZARA
Tortoiseshell-Effect Cat Eye Sunglasses
Proof that sunglasses can look premium at any price point.
This shape is one you usually only find on the luxury market.
ZARA
Acetate Cateye Sunglasses
ZARA
Oval Tortoiseshell-Effect Sunglasses
Tortoiseshell sunnies are surprisingly versatile.
10. Classic Button-Up Shirt
Style Notes: Nothing says timeless like a crisp button-up. Whether thrown over a bikini at the beach or tucked into a pencil skirt for the office, this item will serve you well no matter the occasion.
Shop Classic Button-Up Shirts:
ZARA
Oversize Linen Blend Shirt
Linen shirt season is upon us, and this is one you'll turn to year after year.
ZARA
Zw Collection 100% Linen Shirt
Head-to-toe white always feels so polished.
ZARA
Poplin Shirt With Pocket
This butter yellow shade will pair nicely with black, white or chocolate brown trousers.
Stripes will make any outfit look sophisticated.
11. Summer Co-Ord
Style Notes: You can't talk about Zara without mentioning their stylish co-ords. An easy way to look put together whether on holiday or for days out in town, a chic co-ord makes dressing for the warm weather incredibly easy.
Shop Summer Co-Ords:
ZARA
Crinkled-Effect Kimono
ZARA
Crinkle-Effect Shorts
This set also comes in a pretty pale yellow hue.
ZARA
Zw Collection Lace Blouse
This genuinely looks designer.
ZARA
Zw Collection Lace Midi Skirt
Wear as a set or mix and match with other bits in your wardrobe.
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