3 Must-Have Zara Finds That Only Look Expensive

Monday, November 25, 2013

Zara is my absolute favorite fast fashion store. This is for one simple reason: many of their super affordable items look and feel expensive.

Over the weekend, I hit up my local Zara location to scout the newest arrivals for must-have items. After plowing through a dressing room full of options, I settled on these three pieces as the current must-haves.

First, this little black dress is an amazing steal. It looks, feels, and fits just like a REISS dress! The perfectly blended, mostly-synthetic fabric – a mix of polyester, viscose, cotton, and elastane – fits and feels like a lightweight stretch wool blend, and it’s substantial enough to smooth over little bulges and ripples.

This shift fits true to size – I’m a size 2 and the Small fit perfectly. The demure cut can go to work, but the slim fit makes it sleek enough for a night out on the town. If you are a LBD person when it comes to holiday parties, snap this up before the season really kicks in.

Zara Shift Dress


→ Buy the Zara Shift Dress, $99.90, at zara.com.


This v-neck top with an asymmetrical hem may be crafted from 100% viscose, but it feels remarkably like a substantial weight silk blouse. A warning, though: the shoulders are tailored, and the overall fit is slim through the shoulder, so I can see how this wouldn’t fit quite right if you have broad shoulders.

But, I found the fit magical – a structured shoulder flowing to a breezy hem, with enough weight to really make the blouse lay well. I’ll pair this with skinny jeans and heeled sandals for a dressy-casual look.

Zara V-Neck Top


→ Buy the Zara V-Neck Top, $69.90, at zara.com.


Finally, this “tee shirt,” which really looks and feels like a super lightweight sweater, is a diamond in the rough. On the hanger it looks straight up odd – an oversized body with dolman-like sleeves to the elbow, which narrow to these super slim arm bands that reach to 3/4 length. I don’t know how else to describe it.

I tried it on based on the fabric, which looks like a high quality linen weave but actually is a polyester/ viscose blend. I’m so glad I did! The fit is remarkably Vince-like, but at a fraction of the price.

Zara Oversize T-Shirt


→ Buy the Zara Oversize T-Shirt, $35.90, at zara.com.


What are you favorite Zara finds of late? Have I missed anything fabulous?