I Spent 3 Hours in the World's Largest Zara—14 Items I Brought Home With Me
If you know me at all, then you're probably well aware that I have a soft spot for Zara. I've been shopping there ever since the Spanish fashion brand opened its doors at my local mall, expanding my fashion horizons. Though I admittedly don't go wild on the site like I once did when I'm in the United States, my restraint goes out the window when I'm in Madrid, where the world's biggest Zara is located. Twice a year, I stock up on all of the best pieces when I'm visiting my parents abroad. Mostly, I focus on heavy discounts and first-to-arrive pieces that aren't available in the United States for another month or so.
After touching down in Madrid earlier this summer, naturally, my first stop was the brand's four-floor, 7700-square-meter flagship on Madrid's buzziest commercial street. Three hours and countless dressing room pictures later, I walked away with 14 items that were deliciously irresistible, including one I wore that same night. Usually, I might find one or two pieces that I want to try on, but this time around, that number was in the double digits.
Although I whittled down my items to sub-20, there are so many new Zara arrivals I can't stop thinking about. Scroll down to meet every one of them. Trust me—it'll be a delight.
Starting off strong with the dress that earned me so many compliments.
A chic, soft pajama set I'll be taking with me on every stop of my European summer tour.
Bubble hems have made their way to the U.S. this summer, but Spanish women did it first. Example A: this can't-miss skirt.
A classic tank top that goes well with everything and looks great doing it!
After buying this billowy shirt, I can't stop wearing it around the city as a simple, no-fuss outfit I can throw on with jean shorts or linen pants.
Another bubble skirt I suggest you add to your cart before it's sold out forever.
I had been searching for these sandals in my size for months. After I saw them IRL, I simply fell in love. Plus, they're nearly all back in stock. Run, don't walk.
I'm a massive mesh-flats truther, so when I saw these for $50, I almost had to grab two pairs.
Shop more Zara summer items:
Embrace Zara's Spanish roots with this cute take on timeless espadrilles.
Another pair of Zara earrings I forced myself to say no to since my jewelry box was already too heavy.
I picked up this clutch in gold earlier this year, but I'm eyeing the silver now.
No words—just another pair of toe-ring sandals I'm screaming from the rooftops about.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Copenhagen Fashion Week, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the re-branding of jorts, or, jean shorts for the uninitiated. At Who What Wear, Ana crafts sharp, irreverent features that speak to a digital-first generation, bringing her signature wit and unapologetic tone to long-form fashion and beauty content. If it’s smart, snarky, and a little unexpected, you'll probably find her name on it.
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