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.