Zara is well known as a fashion favorite, but there are plenty of brands like Zara that are just as affordable and stylish.
Zara, despite not being a designer label, produces some great trend-led pieces. A huge brand it has the ability to turn around the most successful fashion trends has to offer almost as quickly as they walk off the runway. This means while you'll always find great basics, such as tailored blazers, great jeans, pretty midi dresses and strong shirting, the brand is also happy to throw itself into big trending looks Producing in relatively small runs compared to other big, fast-fashion brands, Zara's most successful items quickly become sought after, coveted pieces. But it does mean that popular items can often pop up all over the place, meaning you're constantly at risk of an outfit clash with friends and colleagues.
But while the Zara team definitely has the ability to interpret trends for the masses and create some stellar pieces, there are in fact a number of brands that are like Zara that deliver great styles that will bolster your wardrobe and also ensure you aren't turning up in the same look as someone else. From exceptional sweaters to brightly colored midi dresses and well-tailored blazers, these are the brands that are ticking all the fashion boxes for us right now.
10 brands like Zara you need to know
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Scandinavia's answer to Zara - & Other Stories is packed full of stylish gems putting them firmly on the best Scandinavian clothing brands list. Taking inspo from Stockholm, Los Angeles and Paris you’ll find everything from elevated basics to cutesy frocks. And don’t forget to check out its accessories too, from delicate jewelry to fuss-free shoes, the brand offer the perfect finishing touch to any look.
RRP: $89 / £75 | With its modern swirl print and sunny hue, this slip skirt offers instant holiday outfit ideas. Wear with a white tank and mules for an evening of alfresco dining and swap your tee for a cozy, chunky knit when the weather starts to cool down.
RRP: $129 / £95 | Every summer wardrobe needs a linen midi dress and this one is top of our wishlist. The tiered silhouette gives it a breezy feel that’s perfect when you're in need of ideas for what to wear in the heat. Keep it tonal and team with cream sandals.
RRP: $39 / £27 | Luxe-looking accessories, without the hefty price tag, this tortoiseshell design are some of the best sunglasses you’ll wear on repeat. Offering 100% UV protection, the angular shape will suit add definition to round and oval faces.
With a more affordable price point, when it comes to brands like Zara, H&M is our go-to for stylish pieces that won’t break the bank. It has seriously upped its fashion game over the past few seasons with iterations that look like they’ve stepped straight off the runway. We’re also strong believers that its jeans are some of the best in the biz. Whether you’re after the best t-shirt or one of the best midi dresses, H&M has you covered and its homeware section is utterly dreamy too.
RRP: $29.99 / £19.99 | H&M’s jeans fit like a dream and there are plenty of styles to choose from. Just as versatile as your skinnies, the straight-leg jean is having a moment right now and will give your look a retro edge.
RRP: $49.99 / £32.99 | The best blazers are well worth investing in and this bold-hued beauty taps into the dopamine dressing trend. With an oversized, slouchy cut, size down if you want a more fitted silhouette.
RRP: $29.99 / £19.99 | You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to everyday dresses. If you’ve yet to nab your dream little black dress, this bargain buy is a winner. The frilly trim adds a fun finish that will flatter smaller busts too.
Arguably Zara’s biggest rival, is fellow Spanish clothing brand - Mango. A store you can always rely on if you want to tap into the latest handbag trends 2022 or are searching for what to wear to a wedding. Brimming full of the printed frocks, feminine tailoring and designer-worthy shoes and bags, there’s certainly something for every taste and budget. It's also one of the best plus size clothing brands too, delivering trend-worthy looks and timeless classics.
RRP: $59.99 / £35.99 | This cute bag nails all the latest handbag trends in one with its summery raffia fabric, retro baguette shape and punchy green hue. If green’s not your thing, it’s available in five other colors.
RRP: $49.99 / £29.99 | We're a little obsessed with this lilac beauty, the oversized fit adds androgyny to your look. Layer over your swimwear for one of the best beach cover-ups or half tuck into your favorite jeans.
RRP: $119.99 / £69.99 | Solving sartorial dilemmas with the best summer dresses, this frock will work for any upcoming event. It has a fabric belt to pull you in at the waist and the cotton fabric will keep you cool.
Offering the same amount of polish as Zara, but with a cooler edge, Cos is one of our faves for curating a dreamy minimalist capsule wardrobe. Think oversized blazers, premium cotton tees and fuss-free flattering jumpsuits, they have plenty of pieces that will fit seamlessly into your closet and last for years to come. The brand's often muted palette is broken up with pops of vibrant color and the occasional abstract print.
RRP: $135 / £89 | Has a jumpsuit ever looked so comfy? Lightweight fabric, with a low gathered back and wide-leg trouser, it’s the perfect piece for weekend errands and lazy lunches. Layer over a white tee for extra coverage.
RRP: $39 / £25 | Cos are pros at premium basics and we recommend you stock up on some of its not-so-basic tees. This stripy tee has a boxy fit adding a contemporary spin to the classic Breton top. Ideal for what to pack for a beach vacation.
RRP: $120 / £69 | Ideal for summer outfits for work these chinos have a relaxed barrel leg and a high waist for a flattering finish. Style with a tucked-in blouse and loafers for a modern take on tailoring for your 9-5, before adding trainers at the weekend.
Zara’s sister brand Stradivarius is younger and cooler with a slightly lower price point, so certainly worth having on your radar. Despite the Gen-Z demographic, there are still plenty of options for everyone, including everyday denim, cute dresses and '90s-inspired accessories, all with that recognizable, laidback, Zara aesthetic. There’s plenty of color thrown in too, so it's a great pit stop if you’re looking to give your basics a fun upgrade with a splash of hot pink.
RRP: $22.90 / £15.99 | Breathe new life into your tees with this '80s-inspired shoulder pad design. The hot pink hue is perfect for tapping into that dopamine dressing trend and investigating the Barbiecore trend. This hue also looks great paired with denim.
RRP: $45.90 / £27.99 | You can’t beat a monochrome print when it comes to timeless style and we love the romantic sweetheart neckline on this design. Add pops of color to this look to make it directional and team with an on-trend neon green bag.
RRP: $45.90 / £27.99 | Cargo pants are back with a bang so get on board with this denim pair. They have a straight leg fit for a relaxed look. Drag them out of the '90s and give them more of a grown-up feel by teaming them with neutral heels and a blouse.
Everlane already has a huge fanbase to rival Zara’s but if you’ve yet to step into or scroll through the store, now’s your chance. The American clothing brand really excels in the wardrobe essentials department with a strong focus on longevity and sustainability so you're in good hands if you’re after high-quality basics that last. From workwear separates to holiday-ready looks, Everlane’s stylish pieces will make a worthy addition to your wardrobe.
RRP: $88 / £96 | For those nothing-to-wear days this pared-back dress is the perfect throw-on item. Available in four muted and easy-to-wear shades you can wear it on it’s own or layer it over a tee or fine knit come the fall.
RRP: $118 / £128 | Another timeless classic you’ll get endless wear from, these floor-sweeping pants feature a wide leg and pleat detailing for a flattering finish. Will oversized-tailoring appeal, the breathable fabric will keep you cool too.
RRP: $70 / £76 | We love how Everlane’s pieces style easily with each other. This boxy shirt has a cool check print and utility-inspired patch pockets. Ideal for what to wear on a cruise, wear open over a cami or your bikini.
London-based label Kitri has become increasingly popular amongst the style-set. With great midi dresses, pretty blouses, and sumptuous knitwear, they have the ability to elevate even the most classic of pieces. Working on a pre-order basis, to avoid waste, Kitri is one of the best sustainable clothing brands, marrying style and its ethical message together with ease.
But it isn't just about the production. Consumption plays a huge part in the ecological cost of fashion, so the versatility of its pieces is key to the Kitri message too. Items work in multiple settings, answering those age-old questions of 'what to wear to a job interview' and 'what to wear to a christening' in one go.
RRP: $235 / £150 | This all-in-one is a ready-made outfit that needs minimal styling. You can wear it on or off the shoulder and the elasticated waist and wide-leg offers a figure-flattering silhouette whatever your body shape.
RRP: $215 / £125 | This big frill blouse is bang on-trend. Ideal for adding volume to smaller busts, we love the statement stripe too. Mid-weight, this shirt will work all year through. Pair with your best jeans for a fun and stylish brunch outfit idea.
RRP: $315 / £185 | Florals are such a popular print and this sweet pink and white dress will certainly enhance your summer style. The coordinating belt helps to pull you in at the waist and the oversized sleeves give it a dramatic finish.
Never Fully Dressed is another independent label that packs a serious style punch. With lots of color and great prints, its combination of dresses and separates means they'll have something for a range of tastes. With plenty of statement looks, this is the brand to turn to when you want to turn some heads. Better still, it carries a good selection of plus size pieces too.
RRP: $140 / £99 | If you’re looking to switch up your prints, this fun strawberry design will do just the trick. It’s cut to a classic wrap silhouette with a tie fastening and swishy skirt and the fruity print will ensure you’ll stand out from the crowd.
RRP: $115 / £79 | This retro floral print is one that will get you noticed. Team with the coordinating shorts for a cute beach-ready look or weave this shirt into your everyday looks and wear with your best skinny jeans and the best white trainers.
RRP: $69 / £45 | The best swimsuits have plenty of attitude and this leopard print design will certainly up your poolside posing game. The adjustable ties on the shoulders will help to give a great fit and it’s made partly from recycled polyester too.
Not that many exciting fashion things happened during the pandemic, let's face it, we were largely stuck in a blur wearing our best joggers, but one good fashion beginning was the launch of Omnes. In just a matter of months, it made a firm impact on the fashion scene, quickly becoming a favorite amongst celebrities, influencers and the general shopping public who took the fabulous wares of this small up-and-coming brand to heart. With a big focus on sustainability, Omnes uses sustainable and recycled materials to create pieces that are trend-led whilst standing the test of time.
RRP: $86.52 / £65 | A white cardigan is always a classic buy. Great for throwing on over a lightweight dress in the summer, or pairing with jeans for a softer finish. We love the pattern on this design.
RRP: $78.53 / £59 | We love this color block slip dress. In two dreamy blue hues, you can wear it all year, making for a really versatile buy. For layering ideas try a roll-neck in winter and a t-shirt in summer.
RRP: $99.82 / £75 | Omnes has some great printed midi dresses and we love the pretty floral print of this V-neck design. An all-year wear, pair this dress with tights and boots in the winter for a versatile look.
Nobody's Child, like Kitri, is just one of many brands that is making sustainability cool. The brand promise to use conscious fabrics that have been sourced and manufactured responsibly and with that, it produces some of the dreamiest fashion pieces, all at an affordable price point too.
While the brand started out predominantly making pretty printed tea dresses, they have now expanded into multiple categories including activewear, separates, maternity, kidswear and plus size. With stockists such as Marks and Spencer, its meteoric rise is a welcome one in the fashion landscape.
RRP: £75 (International shipping available) | You can never have too many printed midi dresses especially when they look this good. The nipped-in waist adds structure to the otherwise billowing style and it will look just as stylish with boots or sandals.
RRP: £59 (International shipping available) | It’s all in the details with Nobody’s Child’s dreamy designs. From the vintage-inspired blooms to the cute collar neckline, this flattering jumpsuit in a floral print might actually be groundbreaking. Add trainers for a sporty spin.
RRP: £42 (International shipping available) | It’s not all dresses and prints, these stylish pants deserve a look-in too. The self-tie waist, soft pleats and wide leg offer a flattering fit whilst the lightweight fabric will keep you cool and comfy in the warm weather.
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