Advertisement

Zara summer sale: As stores reopen, here's our favourite buys

From wardrobe staples to statement pieces, the Zara summer sale is a treasure trove of bargains: Zara/The Independent
From wardrobe staples to statement pieces, the Zara summer sale is a treasure trove of bargains: Zara/The Independent

As lockdown restrictions ease and the high street gradually reopens, many fashion brands have launched sales online and in-store to make up for the lost footfall.

The government permitted all non-essential retailers in England to reopen from 15 June. Wales followed suit from 22 June, while non-essential stores in Scotland reopened a week later, on 29 June.

High street fashion label Zara is one of the best places to hunt for a bargain. While stores have seen hoards of shoppers queueing to browse, you can save yourself the bother by heading online instead.

Chances are your summer wardrobe has barely seen daylight, least of all any new prints, patterns, cuts and co-ords, since we went into lockdown back in March, so taking advantage of the sales is the best way to invest in some new pieces at discounted prices.

As going outside for socially distanced meet-ups, picnics and barbecues become more frequent, there's even more of an excuse to show off some new outfits.

So use the sale to stock up on basics, bold standout pieces and new accessories and make dressing up fun again, after months spent in loungewear.

We’ve trawled every bit of Zara’s website and handpicked 10 of our favourite stylish bargains to buy now.

You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

Shirts, skirts and jackets

As the weather gets hotter, look for lightweight fabrics, shorter sleeves and lower necklines.

We love this printed pyjama style-shirt (was £12.99, now £9.99). It's perfect for easing you back into regular clothes, while the collar and colour-coordinated buttons still keep it looking smart for working from home.

Wear under jackets on milder days, and when it's hot, wear on its own with jeans (Zara)
Wear under jackets on milder days, and when it's hot, wear on its own with jeans (Zara)

To avoid looking like you've actually stepped out in your pyjamas, ditch the matching trousers and pair it with denim jeans and sandals.

Thanks to Britain's temperamental climate during summer, it’s highly likely there will be more barrages of rain, so keep this khaki water-repellent parka (was £49.99, now £19.99) to hand.

Layer up with khaki, the colour and cut never goes out of style (Zara)
Layer up with khaki, the colour and cut never goes out of style (Zara)

It won’t swamp your figure and can be easily rolled up and folded away in a handbag. The roomy pockets are perfect for storing bigger phones, keys and sunglasses.

If you can't decide between a skirt or shorts, get both with this ruffled bermuda skort (was £12.99, now £9.99)

Functional and stylish, a skort will make a handy addition to your summer wardrobe (Zara)
Functional and stylish, a skort will make a handy addition to your summer wardrobe (Zara)

Ideal for hotter days, dress it up with a blazer and colourful earrings or down with trainers and a graphic t-shirt.

Dresses, T-shirts and trousers

If you've had to cancel your wedding due to the ongoing pandemic, this midi dress with draped detail (was £59.99, now £19.99) is ideal for a socially distanced celebration with friends to commiserate the postponed big day.

This strapless purple midi dress is a steal for formal occasions (Zara)
This strapless purple midi dress is a steal for formal occasions (Zara)

The rich purple hue makes it ideal for other formal occasions all year round too, so snap this bargain up now and thank yourself later.

Think ahead when shopping and consider the weather when offices reopen, as if it's later in the year, this pair of jacquard chino trousers (was £29.99, now £9.99) will suit all climates.

While returning to the office feels a long way off, these chinos are smart and comfortable for when that day rolls around (Zara)
While returning to the office feels a long way off, these chinos are smart and comfortable for when that day rolls around (Zara)

When it’s sunny, team with strappy sandals and a white blouse, and when it gets colder, a pair of boots and a coat will look good too.

For more casual attire, this strappy top (was £12.99, now £4.99) is a versatile, yet bold buy for the warmer months.

A strappy top is a timeless layering piece that you'll always get wear out of (Zara
A strappy top is a timeless layering piece that you'll always get wear out of (Zara

Layer under blazers and denim jackets or wear on its own tucked loosely into your favourite pair of jeans.

Shoes and accessories

If your wardrobe is feeling bland, the easiest way to transform it is through accessories, such as these seashell hoop earrings (was £12.99, now £5.99).

Upgrade a neutral outfit with these statement shell hoops (Zara)
Upgrade a neutral outfit with these statement shell hoops (Zara)

A modern take on a classic hoop style, they’re a great way of bringing the beach to your outfit if you've been pining for sand between your toes.

Layer with this necklace with stone pendant (was £17.99, now £5.99) for a top-to-toe gold look.

This long drop pendant necklace is an easy addition to your wardrobe if you're looking for accessories that take minimal effort to style with everything else you own (Zara)
This long drop pendant necklace is an easy addition to your wardrobe if you're looking for accessories that take minimal effort to style with everything else you own (Zara)

If you’re a get-up-and-go type of person, this contrast braided basket bag (was £19.99, now £12.99) is ideal for holding all your valuables and a jacket for when it's cold, without weighing down your shoulder.

This spacious handbag is ideal if you're forever losing your stuff (Zara)
This spacious handbag is ideal if you're forever losing your stuff (Zara)

These v vamp high heel shoes (was £29.99, now £19.99) are the perfect compromise between the formality of a high heel and the comfort of a strappy sandal. They'll brighten up any outfit.

Treat yourself to a new pair of heels to wear when meeting friends, while socially distancing of course (Zara)
Treat yourself to a new pair of heels to wear when meeting friends, while socially distancing of course (Zara)

The adjustable ankle tie will keep them securely on your feet and the jewel-toned blue colour will add a spring to your step.

Read more

Best TV deals in the summer sales from Amazon, Argos, Currys, and more

Summer furniture sales 2020: Best homeware deals

Summer beauty sales 2020: Best offers on skincare and make-up

The best offers in the summer fashion sales 2020