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.
-
The 2 Tank Top Trends That Make Every Outfit Look Peak 2025
It's all in the details—er, necklines.
-
Believe Me—You'll Still Want These 36 Items in 2026 (and '27 and '28)
Timeless with a capital T.
-
Let Me Cure Your Zara Fatigue One Chic Massimo Dutti Find At a Time
From summer-sale deals to brand-new arrivals.
-
A Rich-Looking Closet Is the Goal—31 Amazon Picks That Surprisingly Fit the Bill
Bring on the compliments.
-
I'm Basically My Sister's Personal Stylist—36 Chic, Summer-Ready Zara Pieces I'm Sending Her Way
Plus, some hot new arrivals.
-
There Are Over 500 Tops and Jeans at Zara, But Only These 32 Chic Picks Need Your Attention
I'll bet they'll sell out before July's over.
-
I'm a Shopping Editor—These 31 Under-$50 Amazon Finds Are Giving Main Character Energy
These were really hard not to gatekeep.
-
'90s Minimalism Is My Summer Aesthetic—This Is My Capsule Wardrobe
Timeless.