Zara and Its Sister Brand Have Never Been Better—16 Epic Fall Finds I Tried On

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 own personal "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.

I don't know about you, but I wait for Zara's fall new arrivals all year. There's just something about the selection of sweaters, jackets, jeans, and boots that's irresistible to a loyal Zara shopper like myself, and it's where I beeline to as soon as I get the urge to do a little fall shopping. As you can imagine, that desire for a haul came on strong this year, and I have the receipts the show for it.

I promptly placed an order for my fall faves from Zara, but while I was at it, I tabbed over to its sister brand, Massimo Dutti, as well. I'd been eyeing a few pieces from the latter brand but had never tried it out IRL until now, and all I have to say is wow. I was seriously impressed by the quality of the Massimo Dutti pieces I tried, and after this, I will certainly become as loyal a shopper as I am to Zara. I did a little damage on both sites and am sharing the results of my try-on here. From the coolest leather skirt set to the most stunning black-tie-ready dress and lots of A+ knitwear, continue on to read my Zara and Massimo Dutti fall clothing reviews and see how I styled each piece.

Zara Faux Leather Jacket and Pocket Skirt + Massimo Dutti Low-Heel Boots

My review: Distressed-effect leather jackets are, no doubt, one of fall's biggest trends, and Zara's version hits the nail on the head. Initially, I was drawn to the faded look of the faux leather on this cool cropped jacket, but once I discovered that there was a matching skirt, it was game over for my shopping cart. Both pieces make for the coolest ready-made outfit that I can confirm receives plenty of compliments IRL.

I paired the outfit with these gorgeous knee-high boots from Zara's sister brand Massimo Dutti, and before I was even done slipping my foot into the first boot, I knew they'd become my fall hero shoes. Their slim-heel, square-toe shape reads as designer, as does the buttery-soft leather and comfortable insoles. I personally wouldn't say they're an affordable purchase at $299, but I'd consider the elevated details and wearability to be worth every penny.

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Massimo Dutti Striped Knit Cardigan and Straight-Fit High-Waist Jeans + Zara Flat Slingbacks

My review: Despite being a loyal Zara shopper, I'd never tried anything from Massimo Dutti before. I knew the Zara sister brand came with a slightly higher price point and more sophisticated aesthetic, but I was still blown away when I tried on this particular outfit. Eighties cardigans are having a moment right now, and Massimo Dutti's striped iteration just might take the cake. The fabric is soft but weighty, and the fit is ideal for wearing as a top like I did here or layering over a tank or tee. Even the buttons feel luxe and premium, something that's worth clicking on the product page and zooming in to appreciate.

The straight-fit jeans were a hit as well with their button fly and perfectly-lived-in fit. I sized down so they would be more fitted and sit higher on my waist, but take your typical size if you're looking for a more relaxed fit that's similar to the on-model image. I styled the outfit with Zara's wildly comfy slingback flats for a cool everyday denim look that's very fall 2023 coded.

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Massimo Dutti Long Dress + Zara Faux Pearl Box Bag

My review: Is your jaw on the floor too? Mine sure is. I don't know if I need to get married or attend a black-tie affair in this, but I'm certain of one thing: This is easily the most beautiful dress I've ever put on my body. It comes from Massimo Dutti's Studio collection and is cut from a luxurious satin-effect material. According to the brand's site, it is actually made from 50% recycled polyester, a fabric that's produced largely from plastic water bottles. Not only is it elegant and sophisticated, but it's also eco-friendly. It features a strappy low back with a '90s cowl. I paired it with Zara's faux-pearl clutch for the ultimate eveningwear look.

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Zara Asymmetric Vest and Contrast-Waist Straight-Leg Pants

My review: Zara has the best suiting separates, and that's a fact. This asymmetric vest hits on the waistcoat trend but feels a little fresher than a lot of what's in the market now. I wore it with the matching contrast-waist trousers and flats for a versatile combo that would be perfect for the office or dressed up for drinks with heels. I sized down in the vest and would recommend you do the same.

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Zara Oversized Quilted Bomber and Shoulder Pad Fitted Dress

My review: Last fall, the oversize bomber jacket was one of Zara's best-selling items, so I was excited to try this year's quilted version, a super-soft and oversize layer that I wore with a red midi dress but would also throw on with jeans and a tee too. Speaking of the dress, it's so… wow. Online, it looks quite simple, but the material is surprisingly sculpting, and with a subtle padded shoulder, the silhouette is so striking. Not to mention, it's an easy way to embrace fall's It color—fiery red.

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Zara Strapless Cut Out Midi Dress + Massimo Dutti Suede Slingback Shoes

My review: Did I just stumble upon the perfect LBD? If there are any weddings or cocktail events in your future, I highly suggest ordering this chic strapless number. It's simple but features a single under-bust cutout that I found to actually be quite wearable since I didn't need to spring for fashion tape or endure a complicated sticky-bra situation to make it work. Easy, cool, and rather timeless—I'm obsessed.

I wore it with a pair of T-strap kitten heels from Massimo Dutti that reminded me of a Celine pair I saw once. They offered the tiniest lift that immediately made them the most walkable heels in my closet, and the supple suede feels so right for fall.

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Massimo Dutti High V-Neck Sweater

My review: It takes a lot for a sweater to impress me, but this one definitely did. I love the high V-neck and thick ribbing along the cuffs and hemline that give it a directional, designer-like look. The wool-blend fabric was deliciously warm without being scratchy, and the hemline was perfect for wearing with high- and mid-rise denim as I did here. I would recommend sizing up if you want it to fit more oversize.

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Zara Linen Halter Dress

My review: Before cooler weather completely takes over, I tried on this cool halter dress from Zara. Halters are in the midst of a comeback right now, and this one feels especially modern. The main event is, of course, the buckle strap that makes the entire dress adjustable according to your preferences on fit and style. Adjust it tighter for a closer fit and looser for a more sultry vibe. This is definitely one of those pieces that will have people saying, "Wait, that's Zara?"

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