With so many options landing in our new-in sections daily, it takes a particularly keen eye (and a lot of patience) to uncover the very best pieces on the high street. Sure, we might not have to take the time to physically stalk around brick-and-mortar stores anymore, but it still requires some serious effort to look through the lists and lists of seasonal drops online. But, luckily for you, sorting through the sub-par to find the sublime is our specialty. And for me, there’s no better place to find designer-looking pieces at high-street prices than Zara.
I’ll admit that it’s a love/hate affair when it comes to embarking on a Zara haul—more often than not it’s the store with the longest queue, and the website is so densely packed that you could spend a lifetime scrolling. But should you fancy tackling the challenge to find something truly special, it always ends up well worth it. After looking at the new-in section on the site (and in need of a new pair of shoes) I popped into Zara on my lunch break to see if what I loved online would look as good IRL. Suffice to say, I wasn’t disappointed, and there’s something in the mix for everyone.
Whilst I always head to Zara first to top up the basics in my wardrobe, there’s also something to be said about its fashion-forward footwear at particularly good prices. Looking for on-trend pairs? There are runway-fresh kitten heels. Something you’ll still be wearing in a year? Loafers
never go out of style. Affordable shoes that are comfortable too? Sorry, M&S; Zara should top your list as the high-street giant.
After spending my break trying on my favourite pairs (so you don’t have to), I’ve picked out five shoe trends that I predict will fly off the shelves by the time spring blooms. From the classic flats that are enjoying a revival to the seasonal boot style that looks just as chic year in, year out, these are the best new Zara shoes in-store and online.
Keep scrolling to see and shop them.
1. GRANDAD LOAFERS
Style Notes: If hashtags are to be believed, “grandpacore” and the “eclectic grandpa” are currently having a moment, and there’s no better shoe to encapsulate this old-school approach to styling than the loafer. You might not be on board with argyle knits, sweater vests and corduroy, but there’s a lot to love about a chunky-soled loafer with just enough distressed detail to look vintage—just ask Zara. Wear with grey socks, a miniskirt and a cosy knit to bring the look into 2024.
SHOP LOAFERS:
2. “OFFICE SIREN” SLINGBACKS
Style Notes: What we’re calling the “office siren” aesthetic in 2024, you may recognise as simple power dressing. It’s Giselle in The Devil Wears Prada, it’s blazers with cinched waists, and it’s a heeled shoe (always a heel), with an equally powerful pointy toe. They’re ultra-feminine, super glam, and though court shoes will also do the job, this year is all about the slingback, especially with a trending pencil skirt. Thank you, Zara design team, for giving us several pairs of slingbacks to choose from, but also for varying heel heights for the days you’d like a more comfortable pair.
SHOP SLINGBACKS:
3. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS
Style Notes: It feels wrong to call knee-high boots a “trend” as their appeal is eternal, but over the past few months, tall boots really have been everywhere. From glossy, block-heel styles to razor-sharp stilettos, these boots pair perfectly with every skirt and dress length possible. My personal favourites? This faux-snakeskin pair that are heavy on the noughties nostalgia. I can’t think of better way to elevate an outfit than a pair of shoes that look like they cost four figures but don’t even break three.
SHOP KNEE-HIGH BOOTS:
