Marie Claire Marie Claire
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Culture
  • Power
  • Nice Talk
  • Fashion Month
  • More
    • Politics
    • Career & Money
    • Health & Fitness
    • Power Play
    • Travel
    • Promo Codes
    • Food & Cocktails
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Sex & Love
  • Newsletter SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Marie Claire
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!


    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    You are now subscribed

    Your newsletter sign-up was successful


    Want to add more newsletters?

    Marie Claire Daily

    Delivered daily

    Marie Claire Daily

    Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

    Marie Claire Self Checkout

    Sent weekly on Saturday

    Marie Claire Self Checkout

    Exclusive access to expert shopping and styling advice from Nikki Ogunnaike, Marie Claire's editor-in-chief.

    Maire Claire Face Forward

    Once a week

    Maire Claire Face Forward

    Insider tips and recommendations for skin, hair, makeup, nails and more from Hannah Baxter, Marie Claire's beauty director.

    Livingetc

    Once a week

    Livingetc

    Your shortcut to the now and the next in contemporary home decoration, from designing a fashion-forward kitchen to decoding color schemes, and the latest interiors trends.

    Homes & Gardens

    Delivered Daily

    Homes & Gardens

    The ultimate interior design resource from the world's leading experts - discover inspiring decorating ideas, color scheming know-how, garden inspiration and shopping expertise.


    An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
    Trending
    • Colored Sneakers
    • DIY Facials
    • Anti-Blush
    • Sasha Compère
    • Micro-Trends
    1. Fashion

    30 Pieces at Zara and H&M That Will Instantly Elevate Your Summer Work Wardrobe

    Chic picks for $100 or less.

    Brooke Knappenberger's avatar
    By Brooke Knappenberger
    Published 15 May 2025 In News

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    zara model wearing gathered kimino skirt in front of straw roof house
    (Image credit: Zara)
    • Facebook
    • X
    • Pinterest
    Share this article
    Join the conversation
    Follow us
    Add us as a preferred source on Google
    Subscribe to our newsletter

    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.

    Latest Videos FromMarie Claire
    Watch full video here:

    Zara, Plain Knit Basic Short Sleeve Top

    ZARA
    Plain Knit Basic Short Sleeve Top
    $40
    $40 AT ZARA

    This knit T-shirt is an easy way to incorporate trendy colors into your workwear wardrobe.

    ZARA, Gathered Kimono Shirt

    ZARA
    Gathered Kimono Shirt
    $50
    $50 AT ZARA

    When you're bored with your basic button-downs, turn to this cool kimono-inspired top.

    ZARA, Pants With a High Waist

    ZARA
    Pants With a High Waist
    $50
    $50 AT ZARA

    I have these pants and they make even the most basic of tops look polished.

    ZARA, Wrinkled Effect Midi Skirt

    ZARA
    Wrinkled Effect Midi Skirt
    $50
    $50 AT ZARA

    Wrinkled-looking fabrics are the surprising summer trend I'm loving.

    zara, 100% Linen Palazzo Pants ZW Collection

    ZARA
    100% Linen Palazzo Pants ZW Collection
    $80
    $80 AT ZARA

    Elevated linen pants like this can easily be dressed up for the office or dressed down for the weekend.

    ZARA, Short Sleeve Knit Polo Top

    ZARA
    Short Sleeve Knit Polo Top
    $40
    $40 AT ZARA

    Give anything a polo neckline and it instantly becomes office-ready.

    ZARA, Combination Running Sneakers

    ZARA
    Combination Running Sneakers
    $60
    $60 AT ZARA

    We all need a pair of work sneakers, and this comfortable and on-trend pair does the trick.

    ZARA, Trf Mid-Rise Baggy Balloon Jeans

    ZARA
    Trf Mid-Rise Baggy Balloon Jeans
    $60
    $60 AT ZARA

    I'm still not over the barrel-leg denim trend, so I'm grabbing a pair in white for the office.

    ZARA, Zw Collection Polka Dot Halter Top

    ZARA
    Zw Collection Polka Dot Halter Top
    $80
    $80 AT ZARA

    Fashion girls have been obsessing over polka dots—if you want to try out the print, this top can be worn multiple different ways.

    ZARA, Linen Top With Lace Details

    ZARA
    Linen Top With Lace Details
    $50
    $50 AT ZARA

    For a summery take on a basic white top, turn to this pretty lacy pick.

    ZARA, Slingback Pumps

    ZARA
    Slingback Pumps
    $60
    $60 AT ZARA

    The buckle on these heels give them even more of a sophisticated feel.

    ZARA, Linen Midi Dress

    ZARA
    Linen Midi Dress
    $80
    $80 AT ZARA

    This linen shirtdress is sure to keep you cool and stylish on the hottest of summer days.

    ZARA, Smooth Knit Vest Top

    ZARA
    Smooth Knit Vest Top
    $50
    $50 AT ZARA

    A vest top like this says "I mean business."

    ZARA, Z1975 Crossover Denim Skirt

    ZARA
    Z1975 Crossover Denim Skirt
    $50
    $50 AT ZARA

    This is the coolest denim skirt I've seen in a while.

    ZARA, Pleated Linen Blend Shorts Zw Collection

    ZARA
    Pleated Linen Blend Shorts Zw Collection
    $60
    $60 AT ZARA

    Even on the most sweltering of days, you'll cool with these linen Bermuda shorts in your rotation.

    H&M, Fine-Knit T-Shirt

    H&M
    Fine-Knit T-Shirt
    $15
    $15 AT H&M

    I have this easy-going top in blush pink, but now I'm considering picking it up in classic white because I love it so much.

    H&M, Fine-Knit Cardigan

    H&M
    Fine-Knit Cardigan
    $15
    $15 AT H&M

    Keep this summer sweater at your desk to battle the harsh office A.C.

    H&M, Long T-Shirt Dress

    H&M
    Long T-Shirt Dress
    $25
    $25 AT H&M

    Not only will you be comfortable in this pick, but you can run the gamut with accessorizing.

    H&M, Eyelet Embroidered Dress

    H&M
    Eyelet Embroidered Dress
    $60
    $60 AT H&M

    This pretty dress makes for an easy one-and-done outfit for when you don't know what to wear.

    H&M, Knit Top With Collar

    H&M
    Knit Top With Collar
    $40
    $40 AT H&M

    The gold buttons and classic colorway make this top look so much more expensive than its $40 price tag.

    H&M, Maxi Skirt

    H&M
    Maxi Skirt
    $40
    $40 AT H&M

    A slip skirt is a staple for any minimalist. For summer, consider a white version.

    H&M, Linen-Blend Blazer

    H&M
    Linen-Blend Blazer
    $45
    $45 AT H&M

    This lightweight blazer will add instant polish to any look.

    H&M, Draped Bodycon Dress

    H&M
    Draped Bodycon Dress
    $25
    $25 AT H&M

    This dress fits the definition of day-to-night dressing to a T.

    H&M, Linen Shirt

    H&M
    Linen Shirt
    $33
    $33 AT H&M

    Prepare to wear this linen button down a thousand different ways over the course of the summer.

    H&M, Coated Pencil Skirt

    H&M
    Coated Pencil Skirt
    $40
    $40 AT H&M

    This pencil skirt would look so cool paired with a simple white T-shirt and slingback heels.

    H&M, Linen-Blend Jacket Dress

    H&M
    Linen-Blend Jacket Dress
    $60
    $60 AT H&M

    This dress has a classic silhouette that can be worn year after year, plus the camel shade is so rich-looking.

    H&M, Wide-Leg Linen-Blend Pants

    H&M
    Wide-Leg Linen-Blend Pants
    $48
    $48 AT H&M

    Swap out your go-to trousers for this breezier version, which are just as polished for the office with belt loops and pleats.

    H&M, Fisherman Sandals

    H&M
    Fisherman Sandals
    $43
    $43 AT H&M

    Fisherman sandals are fashion girls' number one choice of footwear this season.

    H&M, Oversized Tie-Neck Blouse

    H&M
    Oversized Tie-Neck Blouse
    $30
    $35 AT H&M

    Lean into summer's boho fashion trend with this pretty floral top.

    H&M, Chiffon Maxi Skirt

    H&M
    Chiffon Maxi Skirt
    $43
    $43 AT H&M

    Just imagine how pretty this skirt would look paired with a ribbed tank top and sandals.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Explore More
    Zara H&M
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Social Links Navigation
    Former Associate Commerce Editor

    Brooke Knappenberger is the former Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specialized in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversaw 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.

    Read more
    Work shirts
    Fashion The Best Tops to Wear to Work
    By Julia Gall
    three zara models with plaid tweed and a trench coat
    Fall fashion I Edit Fashion for a Living—Here's What I'd Buy From Zara Right Now
    By Cortne Bonilla-Oliva
     
     
    models from J.Crew, Cos, Le Specs campaign, wearing a black button down, blue dress, and small sunglasses
    Fall fashion J.Crew, Alex Mill, Chan Luu, and More Elevated Affordable Finds to Covet Now
    By Cortne Bonilla-Oliva
    two side by side campaign images: one model wearing a zebra print skirt, another model wearing sunglasses and a black leather jacket
    Fall fashion The Chicest Things You Can Buy for Fall for Under $350
    By Cortne Bonilla-Oliva
     
     
    Latest in Fashion
    Aritzia fall campaign
    Fall fashion Aritzia Is Making a Very Convincing Case for a Softer Fall
    A close up of Queen Camilla's red tartan skirt and hands holding a green Demeillier bag
    Royals Queen Camilla Carried This It-Girl Fall Bag Before It Hit Stores
     
     
    Launchmetrics, @Cortnebonilla, Net-a-Porter, Malene Birger
    Fall fashion The Best Personality Accessories to Shop Now
    Alexa Chung's corset and trousers look at the McQueen Spring/Summer 2027 show at London Fashion Week
    Celebrity Style Alexa Chung Found the Coolest Way to Wear a Corset for Fall
     
     
    Latest in News
    Earl Spencer, Prince Harry, Prince Philip, Prince WIlliam and Prince Charles standing in front of Princess Diana's coffin with their backs to the camera
    Royals Earl Spencer Reveals One Royal's "Brilliant" Role in Princess Diana's Funeral
    A close up of Queen Camilla's red tartan skirt and hands holding a green Demeillier bag
    Royals Queen Camilla Carried This It-Girl Fall Bag Before It Hit Stores
     
     
    Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince George, Prince William, and Princess Kate in Scotland on August 1, 2026
    Royals The Royal Family Is Being Targeted in Concerning AI Attacks
    Alexa Chung's corset and trousers look at the McQueen Spring/Summer 2027 show at London Fashion Week
    Celebrity Style Alexa Chung Found the Coolest Way to Wear a Corset for Fall
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Marie Claire
    RSS
    • About us
    • Contact Future's experts
    • Contact us
    • Advertise Online
    • Newsletter
    • Terms and conditions
    • Privacy policy
    • Cookies policy
    • Careers
    Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google

    Marie Claire is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

    © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.