My capsule wardrobe is as minimalist as can be. Most of the time, I go with some version of a tank top or T-shirt and trendy denim, but don’t mistake my summer outfits as basic. After several years working in fashion, I’ve learned a few tricks to zhuzh up my simple looks. My best-kept hack? Opting for basic tops with elevated necklines.
Allow me to explain—there’s a time and place for your average crewneck tee, but I’ve found that a top with an unexpected neckline can take your outfit from simple to rich-looking. Whether it’s a boatneck Breton striped shirt for the office or an off-the-shoulder corset for a night out, a slightly out-of-the-box neckline can make a world of difference. What’s more, it’s a low-cost way to create easy, stylish summer outfits, thanks to the under-$100 selection at H&M and Zara.
Whenever I feel the itch for something new, stylish, and (most importantly) budget-friendly, H&M and Zara are two of the first retailers I shop. They’re also the first sites I checked when I was searching for fresh new tops—and my search proved plenty fruitful. Ahead, I’m sharing the elevated neckline tops that caught my eye at H&M and Zara so you, too, can create polished summer looks with ease.
H&M
Gathered Sleeveless Top
With its sweetheart neckline and ruching, this find is nothing short of sweet.
H&M
Draped Sleeveless Top
The draping against the neck on this tank takes it up a notch.
H&M
Ribbed Off-The-Shoulder Top
Show a peek of skin without going overboard with this top in your rotation.
H&M
Rib-Knit Off-The-Shoulder Top
The high square neckline elevates this black tank to new heights.
A polo neckline instantly makes any shirt polished.
H&M
Ballerina-Neckline Top
I would live out my ballerina fantasies with this top in my summer outfit rotation.
Olive green is a favorite shade among the fashion crowd right now.
H&M
Draped Off-The-Shoulder Top
This top looks so much more expensive than its $13 price tag.
H&M
Twist-Detail Thong Bodysuit
The twisted neckline on this bodysuit is such a cool detail.
ZARA
Short Sleeve Knit Polo Top
This butter yellow top will add a punch to your summer office outfits.
I have multiple white T-shirts in my closet, but none are as elevated as this one.
ZARA
Interlock Bandeau Top
I love a classic white tube top, but I may have to grab it in baby pink and green, too.
The next time you’re tempted to wear a simple black tank, reach for this halterneck instead and see what a difference it makes.
This squareneck tee may seem basic, but it’s a surefire way to add polish to your look.
ZARA
Asymmetrical Ruched T-Shirt
“Obsessed” is an understatement when it comes to this buttery yellow find.
You can wear this tank in multiple ways by switching up how you wear the twisted straps.
A square neckline is always a good idea to update your tanks.
ZARA
Rib Knit Polyamide Strappy Top
Teeny tiny straps gives this tank even more of a summery feel.
ZARA
Draped Fitted Bodysuit
A simple, yet polished silhouette makes this a T-shirt I want to wear every day.
ZARA
Ruched Asymmetric T-Shirt
Zara styled this T-shirt with linen pants and it’s a look I plan on recreating immediately.
Zara
Textured Bandeau Top
This chocolately brown shade is simply delicious.