I Test-Drove Zara's Top Fall Items and Fell in Love With These 8

Welcome to The Great Try-On. We're gearing up for fall, and that includes freshening up our wardrobes with some new pieces. We got to try on some of the best fall pieces from some of your favorite brands and documented it all from our at-home dressing rooms so that you can see how they actually look IRL. We hope that our photos and candid reviews will help you shop for fall wardrobe builders and trend-forward pieces that you'll wear over and over this season and beyond.

While I love perusing the new-arrivals pages of Zara, visiting the store IRL can be a tad stressful. The cashier line is almost always tremendously long, the dressing rooms aren't as roomy as I'd like them to be, and clothes are often strewed everywhere. I'm able to cancel out the noise if I make a trip right when the store opens on a weekday, but that's not always an option I have with a hectic working schedule. But luckily, my job as a fashion editor has a few perks, and getting to try on new collections from the comfort of my own home is probably among the top five. I tried on a lot of pieces, but below, you'll find my reviews and photos of the eight items that are keepers.

Zara Faux Leather Trench and Printed Tulle Dress

My review: If I had to pick one thing from this story to keep, it would be this leather trench coat. It's just as classic as a regular trench but with an edgier update that blends seamlessly into my wardrobe. The faux leather feels soft and expensive—dare I even compare it to brands like Nanushka? It's the kind of coat that you can throw over anything, from a statement dress like the above to a comfy T-shirt and jeans.

I don't usually opt for maxi dresses, but this one was a unique option I couldn't resist. Despite being tulle on top, the inner layer was stretchy and comfortable. It has pops of color that aren't too much but still feel fun and refreshing for fall.

Shop the Faux Leather Trench and Printed Tulle Dress:

Zara Satin Effect Midi Skirt

My review: As a modest dresser, maxi hemlines trending in 2022 has brought me nothing but joy. This navy silk number was right up my alley, as it hit just above floor length. Despite being a satin-like material, it's thick enough for the colder months that lie ahead. The silhouette is exactly what I look for in a satin skirt, as it hugs the hips slightly and then has a seamless flow toward the hemline. 

Shop the Satin Effect Midi Skirt:

Zara Buttoned Soft Overshirt and High Rise Straight Jeans

My review: I'll be honest. I don't like wearing shackets. They usually end up making me look way too boxy, but this one was different. While most shackets have square shoulders, this slouchy option added a slimming effect where others would make my shoulders look large. The material also wasn't itchy like other shackets I've tried and instead felt like a soft knit. 

Shop the Buttoned Soft Overshirt and High Rise Straight Jeans:

Zara Cargo Skirt

My review: I love dressing up, but relaxed outfits will always be my number one preference. This cargo skirt helps me look on-trend but keeps comfort high in priority. I've been on the hunt for a cargo skirt for quite some time, and this is the first I've seen that doesn't have too many pockets and is more minimal in design. Despite it being a "trendier" item in this mix, I can already imagine many ways I'll be wearing it this fall.

Shop the Cargo Skirt:

Zara Halter Vest and Pants With Side Vents

My review: I was intrigued by the "halter" neckline, but it's a simple change that differentiates the vest from the rest that I own. I also like that this is thicker in material, giving me a fall upgrade from the linen ones in my closet. 

While I would keep the vest, I'd have to pass on the pants or go up a size. On the model, they look like they have a relaxed fit, but when I tried them on, they were skintight on the top and flared out in a way that didn't suit me. If the flared effect is what you're looking for, these pants are for you. I'll just be sticking to the vest on this one.

Shop the Halter Vest and Pants With Side Vents:

Shop More of My Zara Fall Favorites

Next, I Tried 5 Cult Designer Accessories Everyone's Talking About