8 Zara Outfits That'll Earn You Instant Compliments
On a recent Zoom call, my friends and I found ourselves discussing our most recent purchases. With autumn just a few weeks away, it seems we've all indulged in a spot of new-season retail therapy for the season ahead. Now, it's worth noting that all of my friends have different looks—some subscribe to the minimal aesthetic, while others are all about ruffles and frills. Me? I'm somewhere in the middle. But what I found most interesting was the fact that with polar-opposite styles, every single one of my friends had bought fresh pieces from one brand in particular: Zara.
How is it that Zara can create tiered, floral-print dresses with oversized, pounced collars then produce the sleekest blazer-and-trouser set, and somehow, they both feel distinctly on-brand? We're not sure. But this broad appeal is what makes Zara so impossible to resist. You're always guaranteed to find something you love there.
Just like my friends and me, some of my favourite influencers have also been treating themselves to new-season Zara wares, forming some of the best outfits I've seen on the 'gram in a long while. Some are preppy, some are pretty, and some are pared-back, but all of them are brilliant. Scroll below to see the Zara outfits that have caught my eye, and then shop the items you need to re-create them.
JESSICA SKYE
Striped knitwear is having a moment right now, and we think it looks its coolest when paired with black leather. Jessica Skye's Zara knit is now out of stock, having gone into sale, but we're very pleased with this homage.
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THANDI MAQUBELA
Zara does neutrals exceptionally well (as this feature will prove), but the brand is also masterful at creating colourful must-haves. Thandi Maqubela managed to snap up this beautiful green dress before it sold out. Now, we're eyeing this number.
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LOLLI LEWIS
Though double-denim outfits never go out of style, they are back in a big way for autumn 2021. If you haven't done so already, follow Lolli Lewis's lead by investing in a pair of wide-leg jeans, which will bring the look bang up to date.
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CLAIRE WAKEMAN
Claire Wakeman always unearths the best Zara finds, and this skirt is of no exception. We love how she's given it a relaxed spin with an oversized linen shirt.
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AÏDA SANÉ
Aïda Sané's neutral colour palette always looks expensive, and right now, she's wearing Zara's tan and black pieces on rotation.
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HANNAH LEWIS
Hannah Lewis has the ability to make all of her ensembles look chic. Her secret? Sizing up her outerwear. Case in point: this Zara blazer.
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LAURA HUNTER
When we first clocked Laura Hunter's dress, we assumed it was designer. Lo and behold, it's actually Zara. True to form, it swiftly sold out. This puff-sleeve, collared dress, however, will make an excellent substitute.
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MARIANNE SMYTH
Marianne Smyth has the sleekest collection of wardrobe staples around. Her Zara vest looks incredible tucked into high-waist ecru jeans.
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JESSICA SKYE (AGAIN)
All-black outfits take a spin with asymmetric straps and minimalistic sandals.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up: All I Have to Say About These New Zara Items Is OMG
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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