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    1. Fashion

    These Affordable Zara Tops Capture Fall's Classic Back-to-School Energy

    Even if you're wearing them to the office.

    Brooke Knappenberger#039;s avatar
    By Brooke Knappenberger
    Published 13 August 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 the Zw Collection Embroidered Romantic Blouse on grey background
    (Image credit: Zara)
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    After filling my closet with warm-weather trends, it's time I start thinking about my fall fashion rotation. Summer's slow days and weekend beach vacations are coming to a close, and I'll be getting back to my regular routine. As such, I'm looking to get in the back-to-school (or in my case, back-to-work) spirit of fall, and I'll be doing so with the help of Zara.

    Even if I'm well past my classroom days, there's no denying the need for reinvention as summer comes to a close. So, I'm taking that "I need something new" energy to Zara. The retailer has always been my go-to for new-season styles that won't break the bank. This time around, I particularly have my eye on transitional tops that will take my outfits from summer to fall. Think: lightweight sweaters, elevated neckline tops, button-down shirts, and more, all in autumn's trendiest shades.

    Below, I've rounded up the Zara tops that capture the transitional, back-to-school energy of early fall. Not only do my picks top into fall's biggest trends, but they all ring in at $100 and under, too.

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    Draped Textured Top

    ZARA
    Draped Textured Top
    $40
    SHOP NOW

    Yes, I'll still be wearing butter yellow well into the fall.

    Gold Button Wrap Shirt

    ZARA
    Gold Button Wrap Shirt
    $70
    SHOP NOW

    Button-down shirts don't have to be boring—this pick proves it.

    Cotton Gauze Blouse

    ZARA
    Cotton Gauze Blouse
    $50
    SHOP NOW

    A breezy top like this is the perfect thing to reach for on in-between weather days.

    Tassel Pleated Blouse

    ZARA
    Tassel Pleated Blouse
    $50
    SHOP NOW

    This top is a prime example how you transition summer's boho trend for fall.

    ZARA, Zw Collection Embroidered Romantic Blouse

    ZARA
    Zw Collection Embroidered Romantic Blouse
    $70
    SHOP NOW

    Pair this top with a suede skirt and knee-high boots for a transitional boho-inspired look.

    ZARA, Striped Oversized Poplin Shirt

    ZARA
    Striped Oversized Poplin Shirt
    $50
    SHOP NOW

    You can never have too many button-down shirts, especially when they come in a fun color.

    Fine Knit Cardigan

    ZARA
    Fine Knit Cardigan
    $46
    SHOP NOW

    Prepare to see purple everywhere in the coming months.

    ZARA, Lace Strappy Top

    ZARA
    Lace Strappy Top
    $26
    SHOP NOW

    I used to layer lace camis like this all the time in the 2000s—I'm so glad the look is coming back.

    ZARA, Short Sleeve Knit Cardigan

    ZARA
    Short Sleeve Knit Cardigan
    $60
    SHOP NOW

    Consider this the perfect summer-to-fall sweater.

    Wide Sleeve Knit Sweater

    ZARA
    Wide Sleeve Knit Sweater
    $50
    SHOP NOW

    I'll be getting behind the chocolate brown color trend with this top.

    Asymmetrical Combination Knit Top

    ZARA
    Asymmetrical Combination Knit Top
    $70
    SHOP NOW

    The peek of lace on this top is so cool-girl coded.

    Rustic Cotton T-Shirt

    ZARA
    Rustic Cotton T-Shirt
    $40
    SHOP NOW

    Wear this lightweight sweater now on cool summer nights, then layer it over tanks and tees come fall.

    ZARA, Z1975 Short Denim Shirt

    ZARA
    Z1975 Short Denim Shirt
    $50
    SHOP NOW

    Denim is the ultimate fall material.

    ZARA, Zw Collection Ramie Plaid Shirt

    ZARA
    Zw Collection Ramie Plaid Shirt
    $100
    SHOP NOW

    Have you seen a cooler checkered shirt? I certainly haven't.

    ZARA, Zw Collection Lace Trim Sleeveless Blouse

    ZARA
    Zw Collection Lace Trim Sleeveless Blouse
    $60
    SHOP NOW

    I'm already imagining how cool this blouse would look underneath leather and suede jackets.

    ZARA, Short Sleeve Basic Knit Top

    ZARA
    Short Sleeve Basic Knit Top
    $46
    SHOP NOW

    I found an even more elevated version of your go-to T-shirt in this pick.

    ZARA, Flowy Pocket Shirt

    ZARA
    Flowy Pocket Shirt
    $46
    SHOP NOW

    This versatile top pairs easily with all of your denim, skirts, and pants.

    ZARA, Short Sleeve Knit Polo Top

    ZARA
    Short Sleeve Knit Polo Top
    $40
    SHOP NOW

    I'm predicting polo tops will be the next It-girl favorite for fall.

    ZARA, Plain Knit Boat Neck Top

    ZARA
    Plain Knit Boat Neck Top
    $36
    SHOP NOW

    An elevated neckline makes a world of difference in your basics.

    ZARA, Smooth Knit Vest Top

    ZARA
    Smooth Knit Vest Top
    $50
    SHOP NOW

    A vest top like this is always a safe bet if you want to look put-together and polished.

    V Nck Strp Jrsy

    ZARA
    V Nck Strp Jrsy
    $70
    SHOP NOW

    If I didn't know any better, I would think this top was designer.

    ZARA, Double-Layer Trim Cardigan

    ZARA
    Double-Layer Trim Cardigan
    $50
    SHOP NOW

    Navy and white is a color combination that's nothing short of elegant.

    Rib Knit Sweater

    ZARA
    Rib Knit Sweater
    $46
    SHOP NOW

    I would wear this top with dark wash jeans and ankle boots for an easy, yet polished fall outfit.

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    Zara
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Brooke Knappenberger
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    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.

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