With spring just around the corner, I’m looking to upgrade my wardrobe to fit the warmer weather ahead. Think light layers, crisp cottons, pretty pastels, and breezy linens. The problem is, my standards are high, but my budget is not. My solution: Gap, H&M, and Madewell.

I can always count on Gap for quality crewnecks and linen-blend pieces that last me well into the summer months. Not to mention Gap’s denim always hits the mark. Consider the High Rise ’90s Slim Straight Jeans as proof. Right now in H&M’s new arrivals, you can find luxe-like lace-trim slip skirts, sophisticated collarless blazers, CBK-esque ensembles (shout-out to my fellow Love Story binge-watchers), trendy barrel-leg jeans, and Pilates girl–coded workout sets. Don’t worry, this best-basics roundup doesn’t end there: Madewell completes the edit with the best jeans to wear with flats, ’90s-style tees, and an upcoming spring 2026 trend: silk bandanas.