With each new season, I'm tempted to max out my credit card to add the latest trends to my closet. Being the frugal shopper that I am, however, I resist. Instead, I rely on a few tried-and-true retailers for budget-friendly, yet rich-looking pieces. Zara and its ever-growing summer collection are one such retailer I always turn to for fresh capsule wardrobe finds ahead of the warm weather.
As we're gearing up for summer, I took a gander at my favorite affordable retailer, and I was not disappointed. Zara's summer fashion selection is massive, allowing me to find every kind of summery trend on my mental shopping list. Highlights include pieces in every trending color and print, from plaid and gingham to cerulean blue and butter yellow. I also discovered cool, pared-back styles suitable for the office on hot days, like Bermuda shorts and linen shirts. Don't get me started on the trendy summer shoes I found, either, including the retro sneakers I haven't been able to stop thinking about since spotting them.
That barely scratches the surface of my Zara summer haul. For a complete rundown of all the trendy Zara finds I'll be wearing all season long—and I suspect fashion girls everywhere will be too—keep scrolling.
Retro-looking sneakers like these are all I'm thinking about these days.
Just wait and see—this bright blue will be the It color of the summer.
This top has the kind of cool, pared-back minimalism the fashion set is obsessed with right now.
If you're scared to wear flip-flops, these polished sandals are the next best thing.
I'm still not over barrel jeans—for summer, I'm adding a white pair into my denim rotation.
Jennifer Lawrence made Mary Jane sneakers look cool, so this pair just shot up to the top of my wishlist.
You can't go wrong with a lacy white sundress for any summer occasion.
Dua Lipa recently stepped out in ballet sneakers, so naturally, I'm also on the hunt for a pair now.
I'm looking to add more lace to my summer wardrobe, and I'm beginning with this easy-to-style blouse.
Whoever said plaid was strictly a fall print clearly has not seen this cute skirt.
I can already envision these polished Bermuda shorts becoming the backbone of my summer work wardrobe.
My going-out outfits could use a refresh, so I'm adding this minimalist chic top into the mix.
Not only is this dress in one of the season's trendiest shades, but imagine all of the different ways you can style it.
This may seem like a basic top, but with its chic square neckline and trendy blush pink shade, it will stand out in your closet.
Feel free to overlook me wearing this embroidered blouse to work, on vacation, to date night, and everything in between.
This crinkled satin fabric was showcased prominently in the Pre-Fall 2025 collections, so expect to see it everywhere this summer.
Gingham is another print I suspect all of the It girls will wear during the warm weather months.
While not exactly new, linen pants return every summer, so I'm adding these to my cart to refresh my stock.
Why wear a solid-colored dress when this gorgeous scarf-inspired pick exists?
Designers have recently been fascinated with waists, so let this skirt do all the heavy lifting for your look.
A breezy butter yellow shirt is a shirt you can wear all summer long.
Replace your leggings with these sporty track pants, and you'll instantly look like a fashion girl.
