Our Fashion Editor Tried On The Best COS New In Pieces
From relaxed tailoring to designer-look denim, great work wear to luxe accessories, COS is always a favourite on the high street. As we continue our real-life high street try-on series, The Handbook’s Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor, Astrid Carter, takes to the changing rooms (chaos and smudged mirrors included) to show you all the pieces she rates for the upcoming summer.
There’s something about COS that feels sensible, grown-up and a considered buy. Perhaps it’s because, over the years, everything I’ve ever bought from the high street store I still own and wear. Yes, it’s still high street, and yes, we should all be buying less, but COS does feel like a smart option, both sartorially and longevity-wise. It just makes sense.
I also think it’s a great option if you really want to invest in a summer wardrobe. So often the promise of week-long holidays on a Baleric coastline or the talk of London heatwaves tempts us to dip our toes into those fun summer trends – a flirt with fringing or dabbling in layers or bohemian accessories. But is the secret to a warm weather wardrobe that stands the test of time, keeping it simple?
Is the secret to a warm weather wardrobe that stands the test of time, keeping it simple?
If so, COS is a great shout. Think tailored trousers in wafty linens that will take you from work looks to balmy summer evening dates, billowing maxi dresses to slip over a bikini or wear to brunch, punchy pastel-hued suits to wear to a wedding and up your cost-per-wear with myriad looks worn separately.
Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt – £30 | Relaxed Linen Wide-Leg Trousers – £95
So, in an effort to shop more mindfully on the high street, here are my top summer picks currently in store at COS..
I’m no stranger to a COS tee (some of the best on the high street – they have structure and wash so well), but I’ve only ever bought white, black or grey. I love the summer fruit sorbet hues to these stripes, which pair equally well with blue denim, pastel tones and navy tailoring. It’s almost sold out online, so it’s worth checking in-store.
Whilst these pale pink wide-leg linen trousers were my favourite piece of the whole collection. Super flattering (although quite long if you’re only 5’4″ like me) and impeccably cut, they feel really expensive.
I couldn’t find this black maxi online, which seems to be a common theme – COS’s online and instore offerings often don’t align – but there are plenty of similar options ideal if you have holiday plans on the horizon.
Wrap-Front Linen-Blend Waistcoat – £85 | Fluid Wrap-Front Trousers – £115
Summer tailoring is one of COS’s strong points, and I loved this minimalist look of a structured waistcoat paired with a more fluid shape of the drape-detail trousers.
Ablack, billowy maxi is a must for hot city breaks & beach vacays.
Relaxed Cotton T-Shirt – £35 | Bay Barrel Leg Jeans – £85
COS is excellent for denim, and while it is more expensive than most high street retailers, it’s also, more often than not, better. I bought a pair of COS denim shorts three years ago and they are pretty much the only denim shorts I wear in summer now – flattering fit, not too short, good on the bum, perfect mid-wash blue.
Their full-length designs are just as good, and this season they have tapped into the barrel leg in a more subtle, less obvious cut (very COS of them), and I can confirm they are excellent. I love these deep chocolate brown colours, but there are traditional washes to choose from too. Perfect paired with this buttermilk yellow tee – it’s giving retro Brownies uniform colour palette (in a good way), but is a nice way to do jeans and a tee with a more grown-up feel.
Anice way to do jeans and a tee with a more grown-up feel.
Longline Linen Blazer, £155 | Ribbed Knit Tank Top, £55 | Linen Slim-Leg Trousers, £115 | Denim Culottes, £85
I have a couple of summer weddings in the calendar this year, and there is nothing I love more than a women’s suit for a wedding. This yellow number instantly caught my eye – the linen fabric makes it hot weather-approved and the acid yellow hues were giving me a hint of Bowie – and I so desperately wanted to love it, but didn’t. I can’t fault the blazer, especially with a white tank and mid-wash denim, but the trousers were too slim-cut and cropped for the look I wanted. I was after something more ’70s, more statement, and these felt a bit corporate.
Other than that, COS is full of great summer pieces right now that will take you through seasons to come and last – the quality and cut are genuinely some of the best you’ll find on the high street. Scroll to shop my summer edit…
Best of COS accessories…
From striped shoppers to sweet beaded bow earrings, COS has a great edit of accessories in store right now…
SHOP THE EDIT…
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
