My French Best Friend Always Makes Zara Look Expensive—9 Elegant Pieces Currently In Her Basket

If a French woman walked into Zara, what would she buy? It’s a question I ask myself more often than I’d care to admit. As I scroll through Zara’s virtual aisles, I can’t help but slip into that very particular Parisian mindset; buy less, choose well, and make it look effortless. Before I know it, my basket is full of timeless staples that feel ten times more expensive than they actually are.

Of course, the key is knowing where to look. Finding the chicest French pieces at Zara requires a little digging, dissecting the new-in section for elegant items that don’t scream trend, but promise longevity. Think knitwear made interesting with subtle details: a Peter Pan collar here, a funnel neck there, or a softly sculpted cable knit that looks as good tucked into denim as it does layered under a coat. Tailoring, too, is having a strong moment in 2026, with blazers reworked through sharp high-neck cuts, scarf-like details and cleaner, more sophisticated silhouettes.

The common thread? Simplicity. The French approach is never about excess, but refinement. Building outfits around a few well-chosen pieces that do the heavy lifting: a great coat that instantly pulls a look together, a pair of trousers that sit just right, a polished flat that makes denim feel intentional.