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

If you're an avidBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 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 needs 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.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

-
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.
-
Cool Dressers in NYC Are Wearing This Off-Kilter Basics Trend—25 Pieces I'm Shopping Because of It
Unexpected but so cool.
-
Found: The $60 Designer-Coded Zara Skirt Chic People in Milan Will Love
It's runway-worthy.
-
Enjoy Your End-of-Summer Ice Cream Trips in These 26 Chic Pieces From J.Crew,Replica Store, and Zara
Keep cool without sacrificing style.
-
Cue the Makeover Montage: My Bestie Wants a Closet Refresh, so I Sent This List of 11 Must-Have Basics
Lace-trimmed skirts and mesh ballet flats ahead.
-
Put Down That Crewneck—*This* Is the Neckline Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing Instead
Throwback.