I Asked My Coolest London Friends What They’re Buying From Zara—9 Pieces That Kept Coming Up
The elevated Zara staples my London friends swear by for effortless, vintage cool.
There’s a certain inimitable ease to the way people dress in London—a vintage-leaning, slightly eclectic aesthetic that feels instinctive rather than over-styled, and is notoriously hard to pin down unless you’re spending weekends trawling Portobello Road or uncovering gems in the Brick Lane.
That said, even my coolest friends; the ones whose outfits always look effortlessly right, aren’t dressing exclusively in vintage. More often than not, there’s a Zara piece quietly anchoring the look. Not the obvious, trend-led items, but the elevated staples that blend seamlessly into a well-crafted wardrobe and hold their own alongside worn-in denim, and perfectly broken-in leather. Whether it's a great bomber jacket, the perfect pair of Zara jeans or a great knit there are countless of gems waiting to be found.
Marina wearing a Zara Fur-Lined Jacket.
Below, I’ve rounded up the Zara pieces currently sitting in the baskets of my London friends; understated, expensive-looking staples that tap into that cool aesthetic, without trying too hard. Keep scrolling to shop.
Shop Cool London Zara Finds
A softly structured faux-leather jacket that delivers instant cool.
The brown and red striped combo is so good.
These pleated jeans offer a fresh take on everyday denim. The relaxed cut and subtle tailoring details make them feel elevated, while still remaining easy and wearable.
Crafted from leather with a classic bomber silhouette, this jacket adds instant depth and edge to everything from floaty dresses to straight-leg denim.
An elevated knitwear staple with a flattering V-neckline.
An easy, slouchy denim style with a subtle nod to vintage proportions. The relaxed fit and turned-up hem give these jeans a laid-back, fashion-person feel that works just as well with loafers as trainers.
There's something about this blue hue that screams effortless cool.
This fitted blazer works just as well over denim as it does with tailored trousers, making it a reliable wardrobe anchor.
A refined everyday essential with a soft, fluid finish. Designed to be worn tucked or loose, this shirt brings a polished ease to both work and weekend outfits.
A timeless leather bomber that feels both classic and current.
A tactile update on the barrel-leg trend. The corduroy fabric adds warmth and texture, while the sculptural shape keeps the look modern and directional.
Pair with fitted knits or oversized shirting for effortless contrast.
A true wardrobe staple. With a classic straight leg and mid-rise fit, these jeans strike the perfect balance between relaxed and refined.
A tailored blazer with subtle stripes for added interest. Sharp enough for work, but relaxed enough to dress down with denim and flats.
Classic loafers with a tactile twist. The embossed leather finish elevates this everyday shoe, making it a smart choice for both tailored looks and casual outfits.
A fashion-forward denim shape with volume through the leg and a softly tapered finish. These jeans make even simple styling choices feel considered.
A luxurious take on the biker jacket, softened by suede and refined detailing.
Crafted from suede, these ballet flats add a polished touch to jeans, tailoring and dresses alike.
A knit polo with a retro-leaning contrast collar. Easy, versatile and ideal for adding a touch of understated cool to everyday looks.
A modern update on the ballet flat, featuring lace-up detailing for a subtle statement. Perfect for grounding relaxed denim or soft tailoring.
A quietly sophisticated jacket with a clean, double-faced finish. Ideal for transitional dressing, it layers effortlessly over knits, shirts and dresses.
