A Fashion Editor Walks Into Zara—7 Trends She'd Buy and 7 She'd Skip

When it comes to shopping at Zara, I can safely call myself a bona fide expert at this point. As Who What Wear's associate shopping director, I cover all the chicest finds from the Spanish retailer weekly, and over half of my closet is made up of trend-forward fashion finds from the cool and affordable brand. I shop the brand whenever I need a wardrobe refresh or a dose of fashion inspiration. In short, I'm Zara obsessed.

This week, Zara dropped a whole host of chic new spring styles that I'm already excited about. Included are pieces that hit on spring's biggest trends (think sporty jackets, suede sneakers, and preppy polos) that are guaranteed to add a fashion-forward touch to your new-season wardrobe. Below, I'm sharing seven trends that I—and probably every fashion editor on our team—would buy from Zara this season as well as the trends I'm skipping for now. If you're looking to give your wardrobe a refresh with of-the-moment pieces, then keep scrolling.

Buying: Suede

Skipping: Corduroy

One trend Zara is 100% backing this spring? Suede. From cool barn jackets to soft sneakers, the Spanish retailer is offering a whole host of chic styles that will add a luxe touch to our looks this spring.

Buying: Sleek Slingbacks

Skipping: Chunky Platforms

Slingbacks are here to stay, and this season, Zara is bringing us the style with runway-approved details such as T-bar and thong silhouettes as well as must-have colors. I'm saying sayonara to my chunky platforms and choosing this elegant style instead.

Buying: Polo Tops

Skipping: Puff Sleeves

The fashion set has been embracing preppy polos thanks to their presence on the runways for the past few seasons, and the trend is only growing more popular this spring. I'll be stowing away my puff-sleeve tops and opting for a striped polo or one in buttermilk or cerulean blue.

Buying: Peplum Silhouettes

Skipping: Baby Doll Silhouettes

Once associated with cringeworthy 2000s-era style, peplum tops are making a fresh comeback thanks to designers such as Khaite, Alaïa, and Jil Sander. There are plenty of cool new styles at Zara—from knits to jackets—that are inspiring me to play with peplum this spring.

Buying: Sporty Jackets

Skipping: Cropped Leather Biker Jackets

Windbreakers, anoraks, soft shells, and zip-ups are set to dominate in 2025 thanks to a whole host of designers showcasing jackets with a sporty sensibility on the runways. I'm setting aside cropped leather moto and biker jackets for now and opting for a sporty silhouette that can be styled with everything from romantic dresses to chic tailoring.

Buying: Coastal-Cool Styles

Skipping: Cottagecore Styles

According to the runways—and now Zara—it's all about coastal-cool vibes right now. This season, we're seeing a blend of nautical style with East Coast prep, offering looks that embody breezy, effortlessly cool style. Lean into Breton stripe sweaters and tees, crisp button-downs, lightweight linen pants, and wind-resistant jackets to tap into the trend.

Buying: Soft Power Pieces

Skipping: Office Siren Pieces

I'm leaving the office siren behind and embracing new tailoring codes for 2025. Think soft power dressing—powerful suiting reimagined in relaxed silhouettes that are sophisticated and elevated. Zara has plenty of options that ooze a womenswear-meets-menswear take on work style.