Recently, I have been needing more looks than ever before. After several years of being inside and only cautiously coming outside, it seems like we are all prepared to have a post-pandemic, "almost back to normal" summer. This means things are back on, including weddings, birthday celebrations, vacations, graduations, first dates, etc. I mean, my calendar is filling up more and more every week. With that said, the days of throwing a cute top over my pajama shorts for a virtual event are behind me, and I am back to full-on head-to-toe outfit planning. As an NYC girl, I really dislike leaving the house in an outfit that I don't totally love. My clothes are like my armor. I need to feel my most powerful when wearing them, and this is very important to me. Staying on budget is also something I value, so when I'm looking for cool, affordable pieces to add to my wardrobe or when I want to experiment with any of the chic new trends I've been seeing all over my Instagram feed, I head to Zara.
Lately, the brand has really been bringing it. I'm seeing pieces that could easily pass for designer, great basics, bold colors, and tons of lightweight summer fabrics like linen and silk. I made a list of the 30 items that my wardrobe absolutely needs.
Keep scrolling to see which finds made the cut.
Next, check out these shopping guides.
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I Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Spring Outfits from Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom—You're WelcomeOutfits for everything from a wedding to brunch.
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The $25 H&M and $50 Zara Flats I'm Buying Because This Shoe Trend Is Suddenly EverywhereIt's good enough to buy in multiples.
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I Shop for a Living—30 J.Crew, Zara, and H&M Items That Will Elevate a Spring OutfitThese are all so chic.
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Step Aside, Leopard Print—This Is Unquestionably 2025's It PrintAlaïa and Zara both agree.
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Zara Just Delivered 8 Spring Shoe Trends That Will Make Your Outfits Look 10 Times ChicerFrom chic T-bar silhouettes to cherry-red shoes.
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I'm Looking for Great Spring Basics—Yes to These Styles From Zara, Vince, J.Crew, Nordstrom, and RevolveVersatile and chic.
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A Fashion Editor Walks Into Zara—7 Trends She'd Buy and 7 She'd SkipChic styles for the new season.
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Zara Is So Good RN—34 Spring Items I Think Are Worth ItThese are all but guaranteed to sell out.
