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For many years, I had a love/hate relationship with Zara. I’d see someone wearing something impeccably chic on the streets of Chicago, inquire about their outfit, and nine times out of ten, the Spanish retailer’s name would drop from their lips. But whenever I went into the store, I never had quite that same luck … until my latest Zara haul.
Before, a piece would catch my eye, and they’d have it in my size, but when I’d go to try it on, something about it was always just a hair… off. If the heel fit my foot, there would be a weird little gap at the sides that made it impossible to walk in. If I spied a dress I desperately wanted, it be would be sewn just a titch lopsided. If the jeans fit in the waist, they would be laughably long. (You get the idea.)
I had resigned myself to admiring the store’s wares from afar — until Kate Moss debuted her own Zara collection in November 2024 that proved too irresistible for me not to succumb to. I ordered three pieces, fully expecting to send them all back. Miraculously, all of them fit.
Emboldened, I tried Zara again a few months later with some non-Kate merch. Not only did I have the same luck in the fit department, I was super impressed with the design of the items I received, with one of my new rompers looking like it was custom-made.
Apparently, the brand has gone through some sizing changes as of late, and while I’ve seen mixed feedback overall, its new cuts are an absolute dream for petites, meaning I’m officially on good graces with Zara. Only one (gorgeous) Kate Moss-designed dress failed my fit tests, and honestly, I suspect the fact that it was short enough to show cheek on one side could have been a purposeful ploy by Moss herself.
For fall, I nabbed five pieces that not only had me salivating over their impossible chicness, but their versatility, too. Without even meaning to, I found myself with a brand new capsule collection.
Below, the Zara haul I’ll be living in this autumn—and beyond.
Zara Haul: Fall Edition
1. Zara Double-Layer Poplin Shirt
One thing about me: Basics can be a hard sell. I’m a maximalist through and through, and I love things that look super unique. This layered piece managed to capture my attention like no other button-down ever has thanks to its original cape-like design, but can still be filed under “classic wardrobe staple.”
3. Zara Collection Lace Camisole Top
If you’re a regular Zara shopper, you’ve probably heard tell of the asymmetric lace dress that’s been blowing up on Tiktok (a.k.a. selling out at record speeds). It’s definitely a head-turner, but after my aforementioned experience with the Kate dress, which was cut in a similar fashion, I decided not to take my chances. Instead, I opted for this similarly cut lace cami, which comes at a fraction of the price without the risk of flashing anyone. (Win-win!) My only complaint? The straps aren’t adjustable.
3. Zara Sleeveless Floral Top
This little shell has a lot going for it. In fact, between the rosette detailing, the built-in lining at the chest (no hint of my black bra here!) and the “add-to-cart now” price tag, there’s not a whole lot stopping me from buying it in the two other colors it comes in of black and red.
4. Zara Soft V-Neck Sweater and Zara TRF High-Waist Crop Flare Jeans
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to appreciate a plain old V-neck jumper. Flashy, she is not, but if Ashley Olsen can wear one to the CFDA Awards and be hailed as “easy elegant,” I can make room for a lookalike in my closet. This one is perfectly oversized and reasonably soft to boot. It’s also supposedly machine washable, though I’m a bit skeptical of the claim. (TBD.)
As for the jeans, these might just be my new (second) favorite pair. While they don’t quite make me feel like Bella Hadid in quite the same way my Moussy Vintage Wynwood’s do (premium Japanese denim will have that affect on a gal), these fit, and they fit well. It’s no doubt thanks to the little disclaimer that calls out that “This item is smaller and shorter than usual.” (Finally, a pair for us shorties!) I’m wearing them in Blue here, but the light blue is so good, I just ordered a second pair.
What are you buying from Zara this fall? Let me know in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
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