I'm Looking for Cool Spring Basics—These 29 Zara, H&M, and Mango Finds Hit the Spot

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.
Try out this off-the-shoulder top with your favorite blue jeans.
Pair with easy trousers and cool flats for a simple, sophisticated ensemble.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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 Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Spring Outfits from Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom—You're Welcome
Outfits for everything from a wedding to brunch.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Sunscreen Filters Abroad Are Totally Elite—Here's Why They're Not Available in the U.S. Yet
It's a bummer, but I have hope.
By Shawna Hudson
-
I Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Spring Outfits from Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom—You're Welcome
Outfits for everything from a wedding to brunch.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Found: The Only Nordstrom Spring Sale Picks You Need for Expensive-Looking Outfits
These gems are all under $150.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The 30 Items That Will Define Style This Spring
From Prada to Phoebe Philo.
By Eliza Huber
-
These Are the 2025 Versions of Every Basic Your Closet Needs
Bookmark this.
By Allyson Payer
-
I Already Have an Elevated Closet, But If I Were to Start Over, I'd Go for These 5 Staples
Effortless outfit ideas ahead.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
These 5 Inspiring Outfits Are Proof You Can Easily Merge Classic and Trendy Styles
Trust me, you're going to want to re-create these looks.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The $25 H&M and $50 Zara Flats I'm Buying Because This Shoe Trend Is Suddenly Everywhere
It's good enough to buy in multiples.
By Allyson Payer
-
The 2025 It Girl's Wardrobe: 9 Highly Specific Brands and Buys They're All Wearing
From handbags to jeans to jewelry.
By Anna LaPlaca