There aren’t any fashion brands I swear by just as much as I do with COS. One look inside my wardrobe will reveal that this British brand is responsible for the entirety of my capsule fashion essentials. Yes, I’m talking about everything from my structured blazers and my trusty trench coat to my chic midi dresses and, of course, – how could I forget? – my go-to white tee.
What is it so special about COS in the first place? I applaud the brand’s minimalist aesthetic that stands the test of time and it never feels like they’re chasing after a fleeting trend. That’s also not to say that you wouldn’t find a few items that still echo some of the more prominent viral moments in the fashion industry. Think: mesh ballet flats, burgundy red, leopard print and barrel-leg jeans.
Above all, I appreciate the high-standard quality. Some of my clothes from COS are over seven years old, and trust me when I tell you that you would never be able to tell. Everything from the tailoring to the material and structuring has an expensive-looking edge, which all the more justifies the higher price point (compared to other UK-based high-street brands).
If I were to reveal my all-time favourite purchase from the brand, I would be obliged to tell you about the viral COS quilted bag. Although I imagine if you’re reading this, you’ve already heard all there is to know about it and are probably aware that it’s also loved by none other than BLACKPINK’s Jennie Kim. Yep, as a K-pop fan, I can indeed confirm that this bag has even been dubbed the “Jennie bag” ever since.
No surprises there, its cute bubbly and padded design looks just as good in oversized form as it does in the brand’s miniature and even micro (!) iterations – all coming in a range of colours, ofc. Today, you can find this bag made in various finishes too; be it leather, metallic or the good ol’ recycled polyester.
If you’re new to COS and are still contemplating whether or not some of the items on your wishlist are worth it, let me put your mind at ease and remind you that if there’s one thing that the brand absolutely nails it’s their Autumn/Winter collection. I’m talking cashmere staples, winter coats, scarves, turtlenecks and everything in between. Truthfully, whenever Autumn comes around, COS is always my fool-proof choice for a seasonal switch-up.
Naturally, with October coming to an end and the weather starting to reach a “questionable” state, I decided to visit COS once again – this time at its Kings Cross location, which I’ve actually never visited before. While on a mission to hunt down my new A/W favourites, I tried on a mix of the brand’s “new-in” collection as well as some of the pieces that I’d bookmarked before. So here goes my honest verdict…
Ready for an A/W wardrobe upgrade? Welcome to my Cos Dressing Room Diary…
The chic scarf jacket
A stylish scarf jacket can elevate your outfit in the most sophisticated way, and this wool-blend number from COS is proof. I adored the striped pattern and the oversized fit, which paired beautifully with the brand’s chic leather shoulder bag and my go-to black trousers. Sure, given its £200 price tag, it’s far from affordable, but as someone who can attest to the brand’s quality, I have no doubt that this jacket can serve me for years to come.
The denim dress
Whoever said that denim dresses should only be reserved for the warmer seasons didn’t meet this iteration from COS. I rated the panelled design, vertical seam detailing and the lengthened zip at the back of the dress, as well as the black denim material. I can already see myself wearing it all through autumn, paired with knee-high boots and a cute trench. Hands down, one of my favourite pieces I’ve worn.
The leopard print cardi & wide-leg denim trousers
I hate to admit it, but to my surprise, I don’t actually own anything with a leopard print. Yes, I know, I don’t know how that happened either. But given its viral comeback, I simply couldn’t resist this leopard jacquard cardigan as soon as I spotted it on one of the clothing rails.
