22 Zara Items to Bring on Your Next Summer Vacation (Starting at $16)

Name: Zara Striped Velour Beach Towel
Brand: Zara
Price: 50 USD

I did the packing for you

Author image: Stephanie Meraz Editor Bio Picture: editor with brunette hair in purple set at a beach in Cabo.

By Stephanie Meraz

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Published Jul 8, 2024

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zara items for summer vacation polaroid collage

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If you know me, then you know that Zara is my one-stop shop for all things fashion, beauty and even hair care. I can count on the Spanish retailer, which has a ton of stylish pieces at affordable prices, for all my last-minute shopping. I recently found so many Zara pieces for summer that I’ve incorporated into my summer capsule wardrobe, but what about more special, non-everyday occasions? Can I find everything I need to pack for a summer vacation at Zara? The answer is a resounding yes. So I sifted through thousands of items to bring you this list of 22 Zara pieces perfect for your next summer vacation, including bathing suits, linen dresses, comfortable sandals and more.

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Zara

1. Zara Flowy Voluminous Dress

Zara

If you don’t pack a long, flowy dress, then is it really a summer vacation? Zara has pretty much perfected the voluminous silhouette. It offers ample coverage, especially around the midsection, but also gives you some sex appeal, thanks to the V-neckline. Oh, and the shoulder straps are completely adjustable. The fabric is comprised of 19 percent polyester and 81 percent modal, which is a material commonly used in underwear and pajamas, so you already know this is going to be incredibly soft. To note: The brand mentions this style runs large, so you might want to size down, especially if you’re in-between sizes.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XXL

$50 at Zara

Zara

2. Zara Linen Blend Straight Pants

Zara

Another vacation essential: breathable linen pants ideal for giving your jeans a break. What’s not to love? They’re high-waist, have pockets, follow a straight leg and have an elastic drawstring waistband that’ll stretch and give with your body. They come in four colors, including a stark white and jet black, but I’m partial to this sand-colored pair.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XXL

$48 at Zara

Zara

3. Zara Poplin Shirt

Zara

I’m convinced we all could live in a white button-up all year round, no matter the climate, so it’s always a good idea to pack a crisp white cotton poplin blouse in your suitcase for safekeeping. Hey, it even makes a good layering piece for the plane or car ride. A rule of thumb I like to follow when shopping for a versatile button-up? Size up, so you can embrace the flowy look untucked, or create a more tailored silhouette by tucking in. There are a ton of ways to wear an oversize button-up, but on vacation, you can’t go wrong rocking it as a cover-up while poolside and as a Carrie Bradshaw-esque makeshift dress (you can always wear some micro knit shorts under for extra coverage) for a sunset dinner.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XXL

$36 at Zara

Zara

4. Zara Draped Open Back Dress

Zara

It’s always a good idea to pack a slinky, sexy dress for those spontaneous nights on the town, and this gorgeous green frock is made with a lightweight knit made from polyester that drapes down your body’s figure like liquid. It even gathers at the sides of the waist to smooth down any lumps and bumps. But my favorite part is the open back; the strappy design really catches your eye and helps the gown to fit your body like a glove.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XXL

$50 at Zara

Zara

5. Zara Striped Raffia Hat

Zara

Do yourself (and your face) a favor and wear this cute raffia hat in the sun. Not only does it make for a darling photo opp that’ll look straight out of an editorial photoshoot, but it’ll also protect your hairline and face from sunburns.

Fast Facts

Size Range: S to M

$40 at Zara

Zara

6. Zara Textured One-Piece Stretch Swimsuit

Zara

Does anyone else still remember Princess Diana’s blue swimsuit on The Crown? Same. Many of the turquoise one-pieces sold out in an instant after that episode aired, so I was thrilled to find this gem. The one-size-fits-all swimsuit is made of a super stretchy fabric that’s designed to adapt to your body, and the low, open back is absolutely jaw-dropping. It’s one of those one-piece bathing suits that can totally double as a bodysuit. Just throw on those aforementioned linen pants or denim shorts and call it a day.

Fast Facts

Size Range: one size

$50 at Zara

Zara

7. Zara Tied Heeled Sandals

Zara

Strappy heeled sandals on vacation just hit different, and I’m all for these tied kitten heels from Zara. They have dainty bows along the toe straps, and you can tie the ankle straps up the legs for a spicy look when you want a night out. The heel is thin, so its stability won’t feel as sturdy as a block heel, but the two-inch height will make up for it.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 5 to 11

$60 at Zara

Zara

8. Zara Mom Fit Shorts

Zara

PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint loves Zara’s denim shorts, especially a mom fit like this that puffs out on the sides and cinches in the waist to give the illusion of hips and curves. The five-pocket design is such a classic, and not only are they available in four washes, but they’re *so* affordable, too.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 25 to 32

$40 at Zara

Zara

9. Zara Open Back Asymmetric Textured Top

Zara

If you’re going to wear a daring top, vacation is the time to do it. So go on and show off your tan skin in this open-back textured top, which is made from a poly-cotton blend. The knotted straps at the back will look darn cute, as will the asymmetric hem and neckline at the front.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to L

$36 at Zara

Zara

10. Zara Sunlight Bouquet Perfume

Zara

It’s not a summer vacation without a signature scent, so what better perfume to mark the occasion (and yourself) with than one called sunlight bouquet? “Created with delicateness and audaciousness, this fragrance is a symphony of delicious and uninhibited accords, designed to captivate,” says French perfumer Jérôme Epinette. With bright citrus and spicy pepper top notes and hints of earthy lily butter, bamboo and rhubarb to ground it, this is a delectable fragrance that strikes an impressive balance between sweet and savory.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 3.4 fl. oz

$36 at Zara

Zara

11. Zara Poplin Top with Bow

Zara

While it may be tempting to live in that plain white T-shirt because it’s versatile and familiar, you can find similar qualities in an easygoing camisole. Zara’s poplin top has adjustable spaghetti straps and elastic at the back, so the comfort level should be next level. And how cute would that frilly V-neck and empire silhouette look with a pair of cut-off shorts and sandals?

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XXL

$36 at Zara

Zara

12. Zara Low Heel Sandals

Zara

These flat sandals are simple but pack a stylish punch with the woven fabric detailing and topstitching along the perimeter of the insole. They’ll become your go-to slides in no time when you’re running from breakfast to the pool to the bar and back.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 5 to 11

$50 at Zara

Zara

13. Zara Jewel Skort

Zara

My rule of thumb when it comes to packing for a summer vacation: Always pack a fun mini skirt. This flirty piece is a skort, so it gets extra kudos for its comfortability and security, because the last thing you want to worry about is how short your skirt is. The jewel appliqué really transforms this into such a fun number without going overboard, and you can always dress it down with a tank top or T-shirt and flats or up with a blouse and heels.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XXL

$50 at Zara

Zara

14. Zara Basket Shoulder Bag

Zara

You’ll want to bring this beach bag with you everywhere you go. Considering how much you can stuff inside the bag, from beach reads to SPF to towels, you might just have the whole fam asking you to hold something. There’s an attached interior bag with a ruched closure that’ll keep all of your belongings from spilling out the second you swing it over your shoulder. The black straps create such a striking contrast against the basket texture, and, yes, that (removable!) flower charm comes with purchase.

Fast Facts

Size Range: one size

$90 at Zara

Zara

15. Zara Linen Blend Cutout Midi Dress

Zara

From the side ruching to the cutouts to the twisted shoulder, there’s a lot to gush about when it comes to this linen dress. The fact that it just so happens to come in one of the top summer color trends of the season, aka Bridgerton green, is simply kismet. There’s a hidden zip closure, too, that’ll make getting it on and off a breeze.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XL

$70 at Zara

Zara

16. Zara Interlock Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Zara

There’s that versatile tee I’ve been talking about that can get you from the plane to the day tours to the club with a few styling swaps. Made with cotton and elastane, the stretch knit is soft and dense, so it won’t be see-through in the slightest. The brand does note that this style runs small, so if you want it to sit slightly loose on your body, I suggest sizing up.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XL

$26 at Zara

Zara

17. Zara Sparkly Rhinestone Bikini

Zara

Like a little black dress, a little black bikini is a must, and this triangle bikini set is adorned with sparkly rhinestones that’ll catch the light while you soak in the sun. The triangle style will look great on women with big and small boobs alike, plus the tie closures ensure the best fit for your body. (You’ll find those same adjustable ties on the bikini bottoms, too.)

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XL

$36 at Zara for the Top

$30 at Zara for the Bottoms

Zara

18. Zara Linen High-Waisted Shorts

Zara

Move over baggy jorts, because Bermuda shorts are here to stay. On vacation, these Zara shorts are a great bottom to pack since they’re made from a light, airy linen blend, and they really do go with almost everything in your suitcase. From heels and sandals to button-up blouses and tank tops, they’ll instantly elevate any look with the utmost ease.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XL

$40 at Zara

Zara

19. Zara Poplin Dress

Zara

One word: WOW. This cotton poplin mini dress is classy, fun and flattering. Between the dramatic balloon sleeves and the bright popsicle orange shade, this number will surely garner some attention. As someone who runs chronically hot, I’m a big proponent of wearing cotton all vacation long because it’s breathable, soft and oh-so lightweight.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XXL

$50 at Zara

Zara

20. Zara Buckled Suede Sandals

Zara

Birkenstock-inspired sandals are one of the hottest summer fashion trends of 2024, and I totally get why. These buckled slip-ons are convenient, comfortable and cute, and it helps that they’re finished in a super soft and luxe suede made from 100 percent cow leather. I only wish they came in more colorways because I want ‘em in all the hues.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 5 to 11

$80 at Zara

Zara

21. Zara Travel Size Sea Spray

Zara

I never know how to style my hair after a long day on vacation, and the last thing I want to do is take a curling iron to it. This travel-size sea spray is the ultimate minimalist girly’s dream to achieving a low-maintenance hairstyle. The lightweight mist will give your hair that natural air-dried finish you get after swimming in the ocean, complete with natural waves and volume at the roots. And it won’t leave your hair feeling dry, either.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 2.53 fl. oz

$16 at Zara

Zara

22. Zara Striped Velour Beach Towel

Zara

I still own beach towels from when I was a child, so it’s about time I upgrade my beach essential with a new model that’s chic, striped and Instagrammable. I’m so taken by how this velour cotton towel looks, and the forest green was the finishing touch I needed to get me to add it to my cart.

Fast Facts

Size Range: one size

$50 at Zara

Stephanie Meraz

Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Covers all things fashion and shopping
Boasts over 23 years of experience as an avid shopper, having secured a personal stylist at Limited Too at the age of four
Studied English literature, communications and creative writing at the University of San Diego, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University in New York

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