When it comes to shopping on the high street, we've all felt that frustration of trying to track down 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, I'm cautious about which stores I shop in. However, one brand that never fails to impress me is Zara.
With its finger always on the pulse of the biggest trends whilst simultaneously maintaining a timeless aesthetic, Zara focuses on creating high-quality items at accessible price points that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe. And it's not just me who thinks this. Most recently, I spotted Who What Wear UK's shopping editor, Florrie Alexander, in a pretty polka-dot blouse and wide-leg trousers from Zara, which inspired me to do some browsing of my own for the summer season.
Shopping editor Florrie wears the Polka Dot Halter Top (£46) from Zara.
I'll be honest: the number of items on the website can be overwhelming, so I decided to narrow my search down to 11 stand-out pieces 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 perfectly blend classic with trend-led, and can be easily mixed and matched for any occasion.
From pretty blouses to dress up your jeans to easy throw-on midi dresses that need minimal styling, I've rounded up 11 buys from Zara that look so much more expensive than they are. Keep scrolling to see and shop my edit.
11 items from Zara's 2025 Summer Edit That Could Pass for 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 Florrie's polka-dot style (pictured 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 summer.
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 occasions.
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 and last for many years to come, even at an 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 all we can talk about right now.
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, loose pieces when you want to look elegant at summer weddings, parties and other formal events.
Shop Relaxed Tailoring:
I'd wear this with the coordinating trousers or throw it over a satin slip dress.
Shop the matching Linen Blend Wide-Leg Trousers With Darts (£36).
Bermuda shorts always look so sophisticated.
This subtle peplum silhouette has caught my eye.
These will go with everything in your wardrobe.
5. Suede Bag
Style Notes: High-street bags can sometimes look cheap, which is why I always stick to natural fabrics. 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 dresses to classic linen, Zara has so many expensive-looking options.
Shop Midi Dresses:
Another item that went straight into my basket.
An easy choice 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-Style Loose-Fit Jeans
Style Notes: There's nothing worse than feeling restricted in hot weather, so I'd never opt for skinny jeans around this time of year. Luckily for us, Zara has premium-looking denim options in looser, flowy cuts reminiscent of my favourite '90s styles.
Shop 90's-Style Loose-Fit Jeans:
I love this pale-blue wash.
White jeans always look elegant in summer.
If white isn't for you, black denim is just as good.
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 of them sit under £50.
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-Down Shirt
Style Notes: Nothing says timeless like a crisp button-down shirt. 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-Down 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: We can't talk about Zara without mentioning its 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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