30 Pieces at Zara and H&M That Will Instantly Elevate Your Summer Work Wardrobe
Chic picks for $100 or less.
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I may spend most days in the office, but putting together a cute summer work outfit isn't something that comes easily to me. And don't even get me started on the struggle of getting dressed in hot weather, either. That's why I'm turning to two of my favorite affordable retailers—Zara and H&M—to refresh my work wardrobe with rich-looking finds that I can buy on a budget.
I'm all about looking cool while staying cool this summer. That means I'm prioritizing breezy, on-trend finds like linen separates, easy-to-style basics, and summery dresses. What's more, I'm looking to add a few new pairs of shoes to my workwear mix, like retro sneakers and elegant slingback heels. Thankfully, I only need to head to Zara and H&M for everything I need to build a chic minimalist capsule wardrobe.
Keep scrolling for my complete summer workwear curation. I searched high and low for must-have items from both retailers, like linen pants, summer shoes, polished tops, and more. Better yet, my finds are $100 and under, making them truly affordable wardrobe refreshes.
This knit T-shirt is an easy way to incorporate trendy colors into your workwear wardrobe.
When you're bored with your basic button-downs, turn to this cool kimono-inspired top.
We all need a pair of work sneakers, and this comfortable and on-trend pair does the trick.
I'm still not over the barrel-leg denim trend, so I'm grabbing a pair in white for the office.
A vest top like this says "I mean business."
This is the coolest denim skirt I've seen in a while.
Even on the most sweltering of days, you'll cool with these linen Bermuda shorts in your rotation.
Keep this summer sweater at your desk to battle the harsh office A.C.
A slip skirt is a staple for any minimalist. For summer, consider a white version.
This pencil skirt would look so cool paired with a simple white T-shirt and slingback heels.
Fisherman sandals are fashion girls' number one choice of footwear this season.
Lean into summer's boho fashion trend with this pretty floral top.
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Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.
She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.