Our favourite buys as stores reopen

As lockdown restrictions ease and non-essential retailers begin to reopen, many fashion brands have launched sales online and in-store to make up for the lost footfall.

High street fashion label Zara is one of the best places to hunt for a bargain. While stores have seen hoards of shoppers queueing to browse, you can save yourself the bother by heading online instead.

Chances are your summer wardrobe has barely seen daylight, least of all any new prints, patterns, cuts and co-ords, since we went into lockdown back in March, so taking advantage of the sales is the best way to invest in some new pieces at discounted prices.

As going outside for socially distanced meet-ups, picnics and barbecues become more frequent, there’s even more of an excuse to show off some new outfits.

So use the sale to stock up on basics, bold standout pieces and new accessories and make dressing up fun again, after months spent in loungewear.

We’ve trawled every bit of Zara’s website and handpicked 10 of our favourite stylish bargains to buy now.

You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

Shirts, skirts and jackets

As the weather gets hotter, look for lightweight fabrics, shorter sleeves and lower necklines.

We love this printed pyjama style-shirt (was £12.99, now £9.99). It’s perfect for easing you back into regular clothes, while the collar and colour-coordinated buttons still keep it looking smart for working from home.

To avoid looking like you’ve actually stepped out in your pyjamas, ditch the matching trousers and pair it with denim jeans and sandals.

Thanks to Britain’s temperamental climate during summer, it’s highly likely there will be more barrages of rain, so keep this khaki water-repellent parka (was £49.99, now £29.99) to hand.

It won’t swamp your figure and can be easily rolled up and folded away in a handbag. The roomy pockets are perfect for storing bigger phones, keys and sunglasses.

For your bottom half, this midi buttoned skirt (was £25.99, now £15.99) is an easy-to-style piece that will make everyday looks that little more dressy.

Tuck in a white t-shirt for a tonal look, and use accessories, such as statement earrings, to add colour.

Dresses, T-shirts and trousers

If you’ve had to cancel your wedding due to the ongoing pandemic, this midi dress with draped detail (was £59.99, now £39.99) is ideal for a socially distanced celebration with friends to commiserate the postponed big day.

The rich purple hue makes it ideal for other formal occasions all year round too, so snap this bargain up now and thank yourself later.

Think ahead when shopping and consider the weather when offices reopen, as if it’s later in the year, this pair of jacquard chino trousers (was £29.99, now £19.99) will suit all climates.

When it’s sunny, team with strappy sandals and a white blouse, and when it gets colder, a pair of boots and a coat will look good too.

For more casual attire, this strappy top (was £12.99, now £7.99) is a versatile buy for the warmer months.

Layer under blazers and denim jackets or wear on its own tucked loosely into your favourite pair of jeans.

Shoes and accessories

If your wardrobe is feeling bland, the easiest way to transform it is through accessories, such as these seashell hoop earrings (was £12.99, now £9.99).

A modern take on a classic hoop style, they’re a great way of bringing the beach to your outfit if you’ve been pining for sand between your toes.

Layer with this necklace with stone pendant (was £17.99, now £9.99) for a top-to-toe gold look.

If you’re a get-up-and-go type of person, this contrast braided basket bag (was £19.99, now £12.99) is ideal for holding all your valuables and a jacket for when it’s cold, without weighing down your shoulder.

These satin strappy high-heel sandals (was £39.99, now £29.99) are the perfect compromise between the formality of a high heel and the comfort of a sandal. With a reasonable 3in block heel, you’ll be able to wear these all day without complaint.

The ankle buckle will keep them securely on your feet and the jewel-toned purple colour will add a spring to your step.

IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.