I Tried Zara's Most Expensive-Looking Spring Items—These 9 Are Game Changers
If you live near a Zara store, consider yourself lucky. The closest brick-and-mortar location to where I live is hours away. On the plus side, I'm not a fan of trying things on in dressing rooms. I'd much rather do that in the comfort of my own home. Speaking of, I've been dying to try some pieces from Zara's spring collection after seeing how luxe they look, so I did. Below are my reviews and IRL photos of seven trend-forward and expensive-looking items (or sets) as well as two pairs of shoes that I doubt will stay in stock for long. Get my candid thoughts, and shop them all below.
Zara Fitted Blazer and Mini Skirt With Pockets
My review: This skirt suit hits on many trends (cobalt, miniskirts, suiting) but not in a way that makes it look like you're trying too hard. The fabric doesn't wrinkle, which is a big plus for me, and the pieces seem very well-made. The fit was true to size, and I liked that the skirt was short but not too short (for reference, I'm 5'4").
Shop the Fitted Blazer and Mini Skirt With Pockets:
Zara Printed Puffer Jacket
My review: This patchwork jacket was right up my alley. (I tend to wear mostly simple pieces and have more fun with my outerwear, shoes, and accessories.) It's lightweight but still cozy, so it's perfect for spring weather or a breezy summer night. I would definitely buy this if I were doing a Zara haul.
Shop the Zara Printed Puffer Jacket:
Zara Oversized Knit Vest and Zippered Knit Skirt
My review: I was clearly feeling colourful when I selected which items to try on. Orange is the colour of the season, so I was instantly drawn to this set. The fabric is a nice thick knit, and it's super comfortable. I think it would look great with anything from sneakers to loafers to heels. Plus, you can mix and match the pieces, which always adds more value.
Shop the Oversized Knit Vest and Zippered Knit Skirt:
Zara Gold Button Cargo Pants
My review: In case you haven't heard, cargo pants are very much a thing again, and Zara has several cool pairs to choose from. I went with this one because it felt a bit safe (in a good way—not too low and not too pocket-y). The gold buttons also make them feel more elevated than your average cargo pants. These are undoubtedly worth it.
Shop the Gold Button Cargo Pants:
Zara Tied Mini Dress
My review: Short dresses and skirts with platforms is the look of the season, and I'm on board. This dress had a bit of a '60s feel to it, and the tied collar makes it look like you're wearing a matching neck scarf, which I enjoyed. The material is a bit thick, so it would make a great spring dress as opposed to summer. But I'd wear it in the fall too.
Shop the Tied Mini Dress:
Zara Striped Knit Top and Knit Skirt
My review: All of my fellow editors are obsessed with this set, so I had to do my due diligence and try it, obviously. It's not the most "me" thing that I tried (I'm not big on maxi skirts; although, they're a trend this season), but I could see myself wearing it on vacation. I also really like how it looked with the chunky fisherman sandals. The skirt can be worn low-rise as well to make it even more relevant for the season, but I'm not brave enough for that.
Shop the Striped Knit Top and Knit Skirt:
Zara Bustier Midi Dress
My review: I have to say that my favorite feature of this dress was the pockets. I love a dress with pockets. I also liked how pretty and flattering the neckline was. This is a dress that could easily be dressed up for a wedding or other special occasion, and the colour is especially trendy this season. This shade of pink looks good on everyone.
Shop the Bustier Midi Dress:
Zara Leather Fisherman Sandals and Heeled Platform Shoes
My review: I'm obsessed with shoes, so I couldn't do a Zara haul try-on without a couple of pairs. These fisherman sandals are pricier than most Zara shoes, but I can honestly say that they're worth it. They're extremely comfortable, and the quality was impressive.
My review: I should preface by saying that I was not initially on board with the ultra-high platform trend, but these shoes changed my mind. I wouldn't attempt to walk for miles or stand for hours in them, but they look so cool with mini-length pieces. And they were more comfortable and walkable than I thought they would be. Fingers crossed that they'll restock sizes soon.
Shop the Leather Fisherman Sandals:
Shop the Heeled Platform Shoes:
Next up, our spring summer 2022 shopping guide.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
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