Regular readers of Who What Wear will know–we’re bonafide experts when it comes to shopping on the high street. With so many options on the market, there is an overwhelming amount of new buys landing weekly, and it takes a keen eye (and a lot of patience) to sift through the new-in sections to find the very best pieces. Thankfully uncovering hidden gems happens to be our speciality, and for me there’s no better place to find moments of greatness, than Zara.
Sure, it’s often the store with the longest queue, and yes the website feels like a jam-packed catalogue of endless scrolling, but when you do take the time to sort through Zara’s bumper list of buys, you tend to find the pieces that get the most compliments. In order to test that theory, I popped into the store to try on a load of its new shoes (all in the name of journalistic research), and was pleasantly surprised by what I found. To say there’s something for everyone is an understatement, as this spring there are plenty of flat shoes, party heels, easy loafers, classic ankle boots, casual trainers and wedges to cater to just about every style and budget. A very good start.
While I always head to Zara to top-up the basics in my wardrobe (the shirts, jeans and trousers never disappoint), there is something to be said about their shoe offering. If you’re looking for pieces that are on-trend but will still be wearable in a years time, or shoes that focus on comfort and affordability, Zara should be on your list as one of the best on the high-street.
After spending time trying on my favourite pairs IRL, I’ve picked out 5 shoe trends that I predict will sell out by the time spring gets into full swing. There’s plenty of easy-to-wear loafers that I can see myself wearing with everything from dresses to jeans until the end of the season, as well as chic party heels and off-duty sandals perfect for wearing right now. Keep scrolling to see my verdict and shop the best.
Style Notes: What did we wear before loafers? I’m not sure I remember. The easiest way to dress up a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt, loafers look make any outfit they’re paired with look premium, and Zara have delivered on the designer-looking loafer for under £50. The exact pair I’m wearing here are almost sold out, but others are available. It’s tough to choose a favourite, but with sunnier weather (hopefully) around the corner, the backless mule-loafers are an instant winner for me. Just imagine how good these will look with just about everything you already own.
You’d have a hard time convincing people that these didn’t cost three figures.
They look equally luxe in cream too.
A spring dress + mule loafers = my new season uniform.
Style Notes: By now you’ll have noticed that the ballet flat shoe is back with a vengeance, and with it, a tsunami of pumps have flooded the market. Some are simple leather styles, others may have a mini heel, but the ones that have caught my eye the most are the Mary-Jane flats with a strap that I find painfully adorable (especially in pretty pastels). Zara’s velvet flats sold out almost immediately online and have only just come back into stock, so my advice is to act fast on getting your heads on these shoes of the season. Alexa Chung, eat your heart out.
Wear with jeans, mini skirts, midi dresses, wide-leg trousers, leggings, shorts…
Because nothing says “spring” quite like pastels.
Call off the search. I just found a comfortable flat evening shoe.
Style Notes: If there’s one thing Zara’s always going to get right, it’s fashion-forward, runway-inspired pieces that won’t break the bank. A case in point: the statement flat. Marks and Spencer might have comfy soles and COS might have directional design, but Zara has managed to combine the two and produce some of the most attention-grabbing flats on the market right now, just look at these embellished mules. Every simple outfit deserves a conversation-starting accessory and you’ll be hard pressed not to find a shoe that does exactly that in Zara right now.
Schiaparelli, anyone?
Animal print is back in a major way, that is, if it ever left.
Nailing party shoes for under £50 is no easy feat.
Style Notes: Sorry knee-high boots, it’s now sandal season, and boy have I missed it. Zara was quick off the mark to showcase its huge array of sandals this season, but it’s the comfy block heeled sandals that made the biggest impression on me—this exact pair are close to selling out in all sizes, but there’s plenty more to choose from. High enough for a little extra lift but not painful stilettos, the block heel is not only practical, but has a strong silhouette too. It took me a while to separate myself from this cool square-toed pair, but if tan leather isn’t your thing, Zara have got you covered with just about every colour and print you think of.
A very elegant option.
Great for weddings and going with every single possible dress.
Okay, not technically a block heel, but I those these deserved a special shout out ahead of wedding season.
Style Notes: Firstly, these shoes really do speak for themselves, so there’s no need to discuss the design too much. But what I do want to mention is just how good they feel. It would take a lot to convince me that a pointy, ankle-tie slingback would be comfortable (especially with a thin heel), but I spent a lot of time walking around the shop floor waiting for these to pinch, and… nothing. They really are some of the easiest heels I’ve worn in an age, which is a good sign for anyone looking for an occasion shoe that will last as long as the party does. Not immediately sold on orange? There’s rose pink too. But whichever colour you buy, you’re about to be impressed by just how well they wear.
Slingbacks are having a moment, and it’s a trend I can easily get onboard with.
I just know there’s someone who is seeing this shoe for the first time and feeling immediately happier.
