29 Basics From H&M, Zara, and Mango That Changed My Brain Chemistry

Do you ever wonder how you can have so many amazing statement styles with the prettiest colors, fabrics, and patterns but still feel like something in your wardrobe is off? I've recently been dealing with this problem, especially on days when I just want to go the simple route. After I did a closet audit, it became quite apparent that I lacked a selection of solid basics and staples to serve as the foundation for my wardrobe. While I love a bold, unique statement piece just as much as the next fashion person, there's something about having easily wearable, versatile pieces ready to go that just hits differently. Since I desperately needed to flesh out my closet staples and everyday basics, I took to H&M, Zara, and Mango for these wardrobe necessities.
Not only are these retailers incredibly affordable, but they also have über-stylish, elevated basics like no other. I'm on the hunt for tops, bottoms, outerwear, and simple staple shoes to serve as the building blocks of my wardrobe. Ahead, scroll through for a curation of the best spring basics I came across while hunting online at H&M, Zara, and Mango.

Chinazor "Chichi" Offor is a Georgia-born, Los Angeles–based associate editor who relocated from Brooklyn, New York, and joined Who What Wear's West Coast office in 2022. At WWW, she utilizes over 10 years of editorial experience to dish out shopping advice to the masses and analyze key pop-cultural moments. Chichi previously worked at Refinery29, where she helped revolutionize the brand’s plus-size and inclusive fashion coverage. In her spare time, she’s keeping up with the latest movie releases, enjoying a relaxing day at the spa, or obsessing over her latest ADHD-fueled hyperfixation (e.g., Jesse McCartney's underrated career, the negative effects of bicoastal intellectual elitism, and Gen Z’s loneliness epidemic). You can find her online @thechichio on Instagram.
-
I’m Sorry, But These 39 Stunning H&M New Arrivals Will Sell Out By Month's End
Fall and winter arrivals never looked so good.
-
Don't Make Me Say I Told You So—42 Zara Studio F/W 25 Items That'll Be Sold Out by Next Week
You've had fair warning.
-
My Mom Is in Her 50s and Asked Me for Fashion Advice—8 Chic Nordstrom Outfits I Put Together for Her Under $425
Outdated prints and "ugly" shoes included.
-
I'm Buying My Cold-Weather Basics From Gap, J.Crew, and Banana Republic—Here's What's in My Cart
Stocking up on layers.
-
Fashion People Have Been Waiting for the Alex Eagle x J.Crew Launch—29 Chic British-Meets-American Pieces Worth Scooping Up Now
Wait until you see the sneakers.
-
If You Want Your Clothes Mistaken for Designer, Try These 7 Zara Outfits
Expensive-looking styles ahead.
-
30 Things I'm Buying From Zara to Dress Like Ayo Edebiri This Fall
She's my style inspiration.
-
Calf-Hair, Suede, Espresso—30 Luxurious Nordstrom Items I'm a Little Too in Love With
Simply stunning.