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 spottedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 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:
This immediately went into my basket.
Romantic blouses are a big trend this year.
I'd wear this with a long skirt or tailored linen trousers.
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:
This striped iteration is perfect for summer office days.
A black midi is a year-round staple.
I love this more subtle take on the bubble-hem skirt trend.
Perfect for holidays.
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:
Fisherman sandals will never date.
These look like so many designer pairs I've seen recently.
Elevated flip-flops are having a moment.
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:
I'd wear this with the matching trousers or throw over a satin slip dress.
Bermuda shorts always look so sophisticated.
This subtle peplum silhouette has caught my eye.
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:
Real suede for under £50? Yes, please!
This paler suede will look so good with white, cream or butter yellow.
This has sold out many times already, so act fast.
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:
Another item that went into my basket immediately.
An easy throw-on style for casual days.
This is the perfect wedding guest dress, in my opinion.
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:
I can't get enough of heeled flip-flops at the moment.
These look way more expensive than their £40 price tag.
The block heel gives these a real Y2K vibe.
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:
I love this pale-blue wash.
White jeans always look elegant in summer.
It doesn't get much chicer than black denim.
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:
Proof that sunglasses can look premium at any price point.
This shape is one you usually only find on the luxury market.
The bigger, the better.
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:
Linen shirt season is upon us, and this is one you'll turn to year after year.
Head-to-toe white always feels so polished.
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:
I'd also wear this with barrel-leg jeans.
This set also comes in a pretty pale yellow hue.
This genuinely looks designer.
Wear as a set or mix and match with other bits in your wardrobe.
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