23 New Zara Dresses Our Editors Are Buying That Look Pricey (But Aren't)

Photo:

@_sierramayhew; Pictured: Zara Midi Bustier Dress ($90)

Ask any of our Who What Wear fashion editors where they shop for expensive-looking yet affordable items and I can guarantee Zara will be practically everyone's number one choice. The Spanish brand always gets it right when it comes to luxe-looking pieces that are always on-trend.

So now that the temps on my weather app keep rising (hurrah!), I have dresses on my mind, and I've been keen to add a handful of chic options to my Zara cart for the warm-weather season ahead. To get inspired, I asked my fellow Who What Wear editors to share the Zara dresses that they're eyeing right now that are affordable but actually look triple the price. Who doesn't want a luxe-looking outfit? Keep scrolling for the best Zara dresses to get your hands on this season, from minimalist '90s silhouettes to silky fabrics.

Kristen Nichols, Senior Editor

Photo:

@kristenmarienichols

"Hemlines are getting longer, and I'm here for it."

"Exactly what I'd pack in my suitcase for a future vacation."

Erin Fitzpatrick, Senior News Editor

Photo:

@fitzpatrickerin

"When in doubt, go for a satin-like dress when you want to look expensive without shelling out a ton of money. This white one is so pretty."

"I live in midi dresses for spring and summer, and this one is at the top of my list. I think the topstitched detail and sleek silhouette make it look like a million bucks."

Grace O'Connell-Joshua, Assistant Shopping Editor

Photo:

@gracejoshua13

"This satin fabric is so dreamy. The cutouts are also very on-trend for this spring and summer."

"Catch me wearing this strapless minidress to brunch or a spring daytime event."

Kat Collings, Editor in Chief

Photo:

@katcollings

"Nothing has ever looked more '90s, and that is precisely why I love this dress."

"This looks like it could be from The Row. Enough said!"

Anna LaPlaca, Editor

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

"Simple but stunning—that's how I'd describe this silky minidress that easily looks triple its price."

"This is what I like to call 'suitcase worthy' because it's exactly what I want to wear on vacation."

Judith Jones, Senior Market Editor

Photo:

@joiedejude

"Everything from the elegant neckline to the satin fabric makes this dress look pricey. It's perfect to take you from day to night in style."

"The statement beads add a unique touch to this sleek silhouette. I'll be packing this on my upcoming summer vacation."

Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour, Senior Market Editor

Photo:

@nicoleakhtarzad
 

"It's officially linen-dress season, and you can bet this one is making its way into my closet."

Sierra Mayhew, Associate Editor

Photo:

@_sierramayhew

"I am almost exclusively buying into maxis right now, and this one has totally caught my eye. The print feels like such a luxe take on resortwear and would be perfect for summer nights."

"I already bought the dress that Kat recommended. The bustier style is going to be huge this year, and I can't wait to get invited to the perfect event to wear it to. So next on my list is this one. It has a similar aesthetic, but the feminine details make me want to wear it during the daytime."

Eliza Huber, Editor

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

"Everywhere I look recently, all I see are crochet beach cover-ups that I desperately want to wear on and off the beach. I love that this one has elevated details like the neckline and sleeve style that take it from beachwear to ready-to-wear." 

"People sleep on Zara's lingerie far too often. The fact that this dress isn't yet sold out is proof of that."

Alyson Payer, Senior Editor

Photo:

@allypayer

"The tweed fabric and slightly structured shape of this make it look expensive."

"Simple black Zara dresses such as this are a smart buy when it comes to versatility and bang for your buck."

Yusra Siddiqui, Assistant Market Editor

Photo:

@thatgirlyusra

"This dress went viral on TikTok in pink, but I think I much prefer the lilac version."

"This dress is just the epitome of elegance. The bold hue, the draping… I love everything about it. I would add minimal accessories like a cuff bracelet and simple heels."

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, Editor

Photo:

@fashionwithjazz

"The draping on this dress is jaw-dropping."