Ask any of our Who What Wear fashion editors where they shop for expensive-looking yet affordable items, and I can guarantee Zara will likely be everyone's top choice. The cool-girl brand always gets luxe-looking pieces that are always on-trend right.
With the summer season officially upon us, dresses are on my mind—and probably yours, too—and I've been keen to get my hands on a handful of chic options from Zara. To get inspired, I asked my fellow Who What Wear editors to share the Zara dresses they're eyeing now that are affordable but look pricey. From minimalist '90s silhouettes to silky fabrics, keep scrolling for the best Zara dresses to add to your cart right now that will make your outfit look luxe.
"I love how chic yet understated this dress is. We saw '90s tube dresses all over the runways this season, including at The Row and Prada, and this satin-effect version honestly looks just as good as the designer ones." — LaPlaca
"I always have at least one easy everyday dress on hand in the summer to throw on with flats or sandals, and right now, this drop-waist midi is checking all my boxes. The shape is so pretty and is sure to earn a ton of compliments." — LaPlaca
"The gorgeous ruching detail gives this strapless stunner seriously luxe vibes. I'd style this with strappy black flat sandals (and that beaded hat) for a casual-chic summer evening look." — Jones
"Can you tell I'm into strapless dresses?! This one is so effortless—perfect for day or night. Plus, it's definitely giving The Row vibes." — Jones
"This versatile little navy dress looks far more expensive than it's price tag!" — Payer
"This would be great to pack for pretty much any vacation destination." — Payer
"This off-the-shoulder, long-sleeve maxi dress feels so elegant and effortless to me. I love the way it looks styled with oversize earrings. Let's just say the Khaite vibes are strong." — Huber
"I cannot get over how expensive the hardware on this dress looks. I still remember the day it was first released and how shocked I was when I saw that it was only $70. Now, it's $46." — Huber
"It's giving Sofia Richie Grainge, and that says a lot." — Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
"There's something about a breezy, smocked summer dress that just does it for me. While everyone and their mother usually owns a pristine white version, this elevated black take on the iconic warm weather style is calling out to me. The strappy tie details on the side make it feel straight out of an Italian countryside fantasy. Sign me up." — Escalante
"Maybe it's the perfectly ruched satin or the deep mushroom color, but this dress looks rich. The cowl neckline and silhouette inspired me to join the board of a charity so I could wear this dress to a gala. The fact that it's still in stock and well under $100 is a message that you need this dress." — Escalante
"This dress is a minimalist's dream. It can be styled in so many different ways, but I'm partial to pairing it with all-white pieces for a monochrome look." — Fitzpatrick
"I love wearing shirtdresses to the office because they're so practical. This army-green one looks so chic thanks to the classic silhouette and beautiful belt." — Fitzpatrick
"There are a plethora of summer outings on my calendar, and I simply can't wait for all of them. I'm shopping for my outfits well in advance so I won't have to think twice before heading out the door. This dress is perfect for days when you want to slip into something chic and walk out of the house looking amazing." — Mayhew
"You haven't lived if you haven't tried wearing something metallic. The metallic trend is everything and basically guarantees compliments. Next time I want to look like a walking disco ball, I'm wearing this dress." — Mayhew
"Denim is so [hot] right now. I feel like this is an updated silhouette of the traditional denim dress, and I'm all about it. Bonus points if you layer it with denim shorts." — Mayhew
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