I Always Turn to Mango, Zara, and H&M for Elevated, Affordable Basics—These 29 Are It

If you're an avid Who What Wear reader, you're already well aware that basics are the foundation of a great wardrobe. Items like T-shirts, jeans, sweaters, and blazers act as the backbone for most outfits, and the directional pieces and accessories are the fun accoutrements. Having a capsule of refined basics is the key starting point for an elevated wardrobe, so I'm constantly updating my collection to ensure I have the right building blocks.

I'm a firm believer that it's possible to find the intersection of chic and affordable when it comes to basics—if you know where to shop. That's why I always turn to high-street retailers like Mango, Zara, and H&M when my collection is in need of a refresh. Not only do they offer a chic selection of basics, but they also happen to be at affordable price points (which is a win-win in my book). Since the top of the year is the perfect time for a closet refresh, I went searching for the best options from all three of the aforementioned retailers. From fitted cardigans to silk tank tops and suede loafers, below I'm highlighting 29 elevated basics from Mango, Zara, and H&M worth adding to cart.

MANGO

Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

So much more than your average long-sleeve.

MANGO

Long-Sleeved T-Shirt With Perkins Neck

These look three times the price.

ZARA

Plain Knit Sweater Vest

Picture this over your favorite button-down.

MANGO

Cotton Halter-Neck Top

ZARA

Pointed Toe Leather Slingback Flats

These are already in my cart.

MANGO

Turtle Neck Sweater

Obsessed with the sweater and the styling.

MANGO

Structured Straight-Fit Blazer

If you're looking to get in on the soft power trend for spring.

MANGO

V-Neck Knitted Cardigan

Prepare to see olive green everywhere.

MANGO

Turtleneck Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

Satin is always a chic choice.

MANGO

V-Neck Knitted Cardigan

I love the subtle piping detail.

Every closet needs a black blazer.

MANGO

Short-Sleeved Cotton T-Shirt

You can never have too many T-shirts.

MANGO

Straight-Fit Suit Trousers

I can't resist good tailoring.

MANGO

Wool-Blend Round-Neck Sweater

A color that's also a neutral.

ZARA

Pants With a High Waist

Cigarette pants are having a resurgence.

Buy now; wear through spring.

ZARA

Trf High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

Perfect jeans if I ever saw them.

H&M

Oversized Mohair-Blend Sweater

You can just tell this is soft.

I would like this top in every color, please.

The powder pink is giving Khaite.

The styling is perfection.

Just think of the styling possibilities.

MANGO

Slim Fit Draped T-Shirt

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Zara
Mango
H&M