My Hack for Elegant Summer Outfits Starts With These Non-Basic Tops

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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.

A one-shoulder top like this is an easy way to elevate your going-out outfits .

$13 at H&M

With its sweetheart neckline and ruching, this find is nothing short of sweet.

$15 at H&M

A tube top appears in many of the most iconic Sex and the City outfits on my fashion legend, Carrie Bradshaw, so naturally, this top is in my cart.

$7 at H&M

The draping against the neck on this tank takes it up a notch.

$18 at H&M

Show a peek of skin without going overboard with this top in your rotation.

$10 at H&M

Use this striped find to take on the fisherman aesthetic with ease.

$18 at H&M

The high square neckline elevates this black tank to new heights.

$20 at H&M

Try a strapless top in the cherry red color trend to shade to steal attention.

$13 at H&M

A polo neckline instantly makes any shirt polished.

$18 at H&M

I would live out my ballerina fantasies with this top in my summer outfit rotation.

$15 at H&M

Olive green is a favorite shade among the fashion crowd right now.

$13 at H&M

I’d wear this drapey top with baggy jeans and strappy heels for an easy going-out look.

$13 at H&M

This top looks so much more expensive than its $13 price tag.

$13 at H&M

The twisted neckline on this bodysuit is such a cool detail.

$25 at H&M

This butter yellow top will add a punch to your summer office outfits.

$40 at Zara

I have multiple white T-shirts in my closet, but none are as elevated as this one.

$15 at Zara

I love a classic white tube top, but I may have to grab it in baby pink and green, too.

$26 at Zara

The next time you’re tempted to wear a simple black tank, reach for this halterneck instead and see what a difference it makes.

$15 at Zara

This squareneck tee may seem basic, but it's a surefire way to add polish to your look.

$26 at Zara

"Obsessed" is an understatement when it comes to this buttery yellow find.

$20 at Zara

You can wear this tank in multiple ways by switching up how you wear the twisted straps.

$26 at Zara

A square neckline is always a good idea to update your tanks.

$18 at Zara

Bright blue is a spring color trend I see carrying over well into summer.

$46 at Zara

Teeny tiny straps gives this tank even more of a summery feel.

$26 at Zara

A cool bodysuit like this was amp up the simplest of outfits, even flip-flops and jeans .

$30 at Zara

A simple, yet polished silhouette makes this a T-shirt I want to wear every day.

$20 at Zara

Zara styled this T-shirt with linen pants and it's a look I plan on recreating immediately.

$30 at Zara

This chocolately brown shade is simply delicious.

$26 at Zara