If You're Building Your Closet From Scratch, These Summer Basics From H&M, Zara, and Mango Will Help


I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to embrace summer and soak in the sun. Lounging beachside, outdoor dinners, and movies on a lush grassy field are just a few of the activities that make me wish summer were here even sooner. While I’ve been prepping for the season ahead by auditing my wardrobe, it’s become very clear that I have some major wardrobe gaps. These missing pieces can easily be filled by adding a handful of essentials, so I’m officially on the hunt for some new summer basics to round out my closet. I’ve decided to take you all along for the journey in case you share similar sartorial problems. I’m digging through H&M, Zara, and Mango to find the perfect set of pieces to make my summer fashion favorites shine.
If you’re like me, finding elevated basic staples that you can wear repeatedly is of the utmost importance. Luckily, I’ve found some seriously good summer clothing contenders during my H&M, Zara, and Mango deep dive. Keep scrolling to shop my favorite pieces from my hunt. From light and airy blouses, dresses, and pants to the most beautiful everyday shoes, there’s truly such a great mix containing the best summer basics from these top retailers. Get ready to complete your fun summer outfit combinations with a few key buys ahead.
H&M
Zara
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.
-
36 Zara, Madewell, and H&M Essentials I'm Buying to Look Expensive This Fall
Elevated and easy.
-
I've Spent 3 Hours Looking Through Zara, H&M, And Revolve—These Items Are The Best
Top-tier picks ahead.
-
Hurry Before They're Gone—28 H&M New Arrivals That Will Sell Out by the End of the Month
A top-tier selection is ahead.
-
7 Dated Fall Basics I Just Found Hiding in My Closet and Immediately Removed
In with the new.
-
I Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Fall Outfits From Nordstrom, H&M, and Saks—You're Welcome
Everything you need to kick off September is right here.
-
It's Already Fall at Zara—44 Incredibly Chic Items Destined to Sell Out by Mid-September
Add them to your cart.
-
This Simple Fashion Person–Approved Layering Technique Changed the Way I Wear My Basics
Effortlessly cool.
-
I'm 29, and My Mom's 62—If We Both Walked Into H&M Right Now, Here's What We'd Walk *Out* With
Expensive-looking finds for fall lie ahead.