6 Zara New Arrivals for Summer, Reviewed by an Editor

Whenever I want to treat myself to a mini shopping spree without leaving a huge dent in my wallet, Zara is my first stop. The affordable mall brand is unrivaled when it comes to trendy, seasonal pieces, but it also does closet staples like T-shirts and denim so well. I found all of the above and more on a recent trip to the Zara near my office, and I decided to try a few—well, more like 10—new summer arrivals to help fellow budget-conscious shoppers determine which are actually worth spending money on.

Below, I’m sharing six standouts, including one of the softest T-shirts I’ve ever worn, a breezy butter yellow midi dress, and the cutest matching set.     

6 Zara New Summer Arrivals

Striped T-Shirt

As soon as I felt the buttery-soft fabric of this striped tee, I knew I had to try it on. (Plus, I can’t resist a nautical navy and white striped moment during the summer.) Not only does the luxe material of this T-shirt make it feel way more expensive than it is, but it has the perfect snug stretch for a curve-hugging fit.   

Z1975 High-Waisted Mom Fit Shorts

After a lifetime of being a micro-mini devotee, I’ve been gravitating towards longer shorts recently. These vintage-inspired “mom shorts” are a happy medium, hitting mid-thigh with a baggy, laidback fit. Jean shorts are not exactly known for their comfort, but the oversized silhouette and slightly stretchy denim make this pair an exception.

Flowy Midi Dress

As an early adopter of the butter yellow trend last summer, I’ve been thrilled to see its continued popularity this year. So, it’s no surprise that I fell in love with this flowy sundress. Featuring a skin-baring tie-back, smocked waist, and airy midi skirt, this dress is the embodiment of sunshine. I can envision myself wearing it for a wide variety of occasions—with flip-flops at the beach, ballet flats for dinner in NYC, or strappy heels for a wedding.

Striped Tie Top

I’m a sucker for a good matching set that takes the stress out of getting dressed in the morning, like this breezy top and shorts duo. Between the pink pinstripe print, bow detailing, and peplum silhouette, this top is as adorable as it gets. If you’re not into the matchy-matchy vibe, it would also look amazing with jeans.

Striped Poplin Shorts With Side Ties

Like the top, these boxer-like shorts would make a valuable addition to your closet, either as part of the set or on their own. Thanks to the breathable cotton poplin fabric, these shorts are the only thing I’d want to wear on a steamy summer afternoon. I love the idea of wearing them to the pool over a bikini.

Ruffled Embroidered Short Dress

Everyone needs a LWD (little white dress) in their wardrobe, and this ruffled babydoll mini is a surprisingly versatile choice. You can style it casually with flip-flops or colorful sneakers for a cute and comfy everyday look, but it can also be dressed up with sandals or kitten heels.