Runway for Under $25: Zara Spring 2010
Although Zara began as an H+M and Forever 21 competitor, it quickly evolved into a chic, higher-end retailer (unfortunately, with prices to match). Zara’s Spring collection is full of amazing bohemian-chic looks that are perfect for spring. The collection has it all – denim, khaki, florals – what else do you need?
Fortunately, you don’t have to pay the Zara price for the Zara look. That’s because I’ve tracked down budget-friendly items to help you get the Zara Spring 2010 aesthetic for under $25.
The Tops
Most of the looks in this collection rely on layering and, subsequently, basic tops like white tees, chambray button-ups, and simple tanks. However, there are also pops of pattern and color in the form of floral camisoles, nautical striped tees and fringe-embellished tops. In colors that complement denim and khaki pretty perfectly, it’s no wonder that this collection is so easy on the eyes. Classic colors, fits and patterns are a chic addition to any summer wardrobe.
Product Information: Nautical Top – ASOS, Floral Cami – Pacsun, Tunic – NY and Company, Lace Top – Charlotte Russe, Chambray Shirt – Charlotte Russe, Denim Jacket – Charlotte Russe, Crochet Vest – Charlotte Russe
Get the Zara look:
- Stick to the basics. You don’t need sequins or neon colors here – a striped tee or a basic, well-cut tank will do the trick when layered with more flashy pieces.
- Experiment with a chambray button-up. Try it buttoned and tucked into a flowy skirt for a fun contrast, or unbuttoned and untucked over a white tank and khaki shorts.
- Mix prints! Thin, nautical-inspired stripes work with almost anything. Tuck a sailor top into a floral skirt for a fun way to mix prints this summer!
The Bottoms
For most girls, new pairs of jean and khaki shorts are on the summer to-buy list every year – and for good reason! They can be dressed up or dressed down, and worn everywhere from the beach to the city streets. They also go with almost any style or trend, and are definitely a must have for every girl’s wardrobe. In addition to durable basics, Zara’s spring collection included floral skirts, rompers and statement skirts in brown and lace.
Product Information: Romper – NY and Company, Brown Skirt – Forever 21, Tutu Skirt – Free People, Jean Shorts – Forever 21, Floral Romper – Tillys, Floral Mini Skirt – Old Navy, High-waisted Skirt – NY and Company
Get the Zara look:
- Stick to subdued colors that will mix and match with everything to double your wardrobe versatility and make getting dressed a breeze.
- Don’t be afraid of rompers! Give them a chance; I’ve seen styles that flatter every body type and personality. What have you got to lose by trying one on? Nothing!
- High-waisted skirts aren’t going anywhere, so keep stocking up! Still haven’t embraced the trend? Try it out. Depending on your body type, certain styles will flatter better than others – for example if you want to add shape to your hips, try a shorter and poofier style to create that hourglass silhouette.
The Accessories
In contrast to most lookbooks, Zara utilized a ton of different shoe styles for their looks. Take a look through the entire collection and you’ll see what I mean – they’ve got heels, clogs, platforms, flats, sliders..everything! The rest of Zara’s Spring 2010 accessories are pretty classic, perhaps with the exception of a few fun hats. The brown suede bags are completely versatile and capture the bohemian feel perfectly.
Product Information: Heels – Tillys, Suede Hobo Bag – Spiegel, Necklace – ASOS, Hat – Target, Studded Tote – Forever 21, Glasses – ASOS, Flats – Endless, Sandals – Spiegel
Get the Zara look:
- Keep your jewelry minimal; it’ll really help you to capture that fresh, young Spring look.
- Celebrities ranging from Demi Lovato to Demi Moore have embraced geek-chic glasses, and Zara’s lookbook featured quite a few pairs of the trendy style. Try Forever 21 for an inexpensive non-prescription pair of your own.
Tying it all Together
Zara’s collection has a young, flirty feel without being over the top. It’s simple, classic and chic – the perfect addition to any Summer wardrobe.
What do you think of the collection? Are these looks that you would like to recreate? I love to hear your opinions every week – and I always take suggestions into consideration! If you have any looks you’d like recreated here, let me know! Be sure to leave a comment.
Posted on on May 10, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Accessories, Clothing, Designers, Fashion Inspiration, How To, Inspiration, Outfits, Shopping, Spring 2010, Tips, Trends
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Julie
I totally love Zara, I’ve been shopping there since I was 6 (seriously, there has always been a Zara very near to where I live) and I remember that at that time it was so expensive the stores were empty all the time. Now, every time I go there, there are long lines and the store is stuffed with people buying all sorts of stuff. Maybe it’s because I’m so used to their prices that I don’t think they’re that expensive.
I love the new collection, I’m in love with the shoes, the flowy skirts and the jean jackets.
Tiia Dodge
It’s good that all theres items are under 25$ but Zara really isn’t that expensive.
bex
I don’t think Zara started off with H&M…
Rachel
@bex – Oh I know, I meant within the realm of Swedish imports to the U.S. Both stores are often grouped with each other in terms of discount fashion retailers – but thanks for clarifying!
@Tila Dodge – I agree, but a lot of the readers of CF have requested posts with items less than $25 citing that spending more on a piece is too expensive – which you would often have to do at Zara :)
Grace
Not to be nit-picky, but Zara is a Spanish store. Just because Zara and H&M are both European fast fashion stores doesn’t make them sister stores!
I love this site but this is the second time this week (the first being with the whole etsy most people don’t know about company CEO things) that I’ve felt as though the authors are cranking out pieces without being careful of how they’re wording things. It’s really not a big deal, but part of putting yourself out there as a writer means taking responsibility for the way your words come across, not just what you intended for them to mean.
Dominique
Yeah to me, spending more than $30 on something is a splurge… I just don’t have the money for it. Which is why I love these articles! Great job, and keep them coming.
Rachel
@Dominique – thank you! Glad you enjoy them :)
Jennifer
I love the look of Zara’s items, though I only just discovered them this year so I never got a chance to experience their cheaper items, I still cannot help but want to buy out the shelves every time I go in there.
Sara
Zara didn’t start as a sister of h&m!! It’s the most important fashion retailer here in spain and started as a small family business in a city in the norrh of spain. Now the group is called inditex and has a lot of different brands with a huge range of prices and stuff! Zara is quite affordable here in spain, i know that in other countries is a bit expensive but you go to zara when you want fashion items at small price (although lately it has been increasing its prices a lot =( )
i think the only con is the lack of an online store =(
as i say, Zara is totally affordable in Spain and it’s weird for me to read about how to get the zara look for less! Here less than that we have Zara small sisters like Pull and Bear, Stradivarius and Bershka, but they are only for young people, the prices are quite similar with those of Zara and the lattest is focused on “chavs” most of the year: lycra, neon colours, plastic… (sometimes there is good and cute e stuff) and if you want even lower prices you have primark and pimkie but the quality is not very good…
Anyway, great post! I’m glad to see that spanish fashion is also recognised outside our frontiers =)
xx
Dee
Zara might be a bit more expensive but I find the quality much better than let’s say Forever 21 and Old Navy. I think it’s just a choice you have to make – buy more or buy better quality, differs for different lifestyles.
Rachel - Northeastern
@Grace – Thanks Grace, what I wrote was taken the wrong way and I’ve since edited and replied to others who made the same comment. CF readers work really hard on their posts, and Zephyr works even harder to edit them and bring you guys great content – in no way are we cranking out articles! But I appreciate the input
Carina
FYI guys, I’ve read that both Zara and H&M will be opening shop online come fall (and hopefully this isn’t just a rumor). Keep your fingers crossed!
yamile
I don’t believe Zara is expensive at all!!! Last week I bought one of those floral skirts with elastic waistband for around $15 … ok , I understand Zara is a little bit more expensive in USA than in Dominican Republic (where I live) , but the difference is tiny. I lived in NYC for almost a year and shopped there all the time, quality is way better than H&M’s, F21 or Old Navy, and so is the fit. Have somebody notice that F21 clothes are huge lately?? sometimes even XS is too big for me and my mother got a few Small tops last month!! And just in case, i’m not an anorexic toothpick like girl, you can see pictures in my blog that prooves it.
Eva
Zara is still cheap in Europe. It’s mango that became expensive.
Anyway, if you wan cheap mango and zara you should go to Spain.
Emily the Panda
I agree with the above comments that Zara is expensive too. It’s similar to h&m as in they have cutting edge pieces that are trendy, but at the Zara I shop at there are several different sections with different price ranges. the most expensive things I’ve seen there are the shoes which can go up to $129. Down from there I got a faux leather jacket for $79 which it’s pretty decent. I’ve been getting a ton of skirts @ $39 a pop and I think it’s very reasonably priced. Especially for being on trend and in range compared to other retailers i.e. Urban Outfitters
Zara has become my go to this Spring and I think will continue for awhile unless something better comes along or I start making more $$!
Kittie
I didn’t know it was considered expensive in the US. Here, Zara is regarded at the same level as other imported fashion brands, with a price range somewhere between Topshop and Forever 21. Even F21 has similar prices to Zara sometimes, due to the high customs costs or something like that. I’m not a rich girl who always shops at imported stores but I like that their sizes are reasonable so it’s worth spending a little more on something that actually fits. The last thing I got was a $7-ish basic tee and I think that’s a pretty reasonable price for something like that.