Welcome to Let’s go find a room.a series of editors Eliza Huber Head to the dressing room to try on items from your favorite retailers, what’s trending, and new collections. Think of this as a guide to what’s actually worth buying and what, unfortunately, looks better online—no returns required.
I know everyone knows that by now. COS is the perfect affordable equivalent to brands like RowBut I want to make it clear that I have said this before. year and as such have relied on the Swedish fashion brand for expensive, luxurious and reliable wardrobe staples for a long time. Whether I need something to wear to an event or just need to restock a white t-shirt, I head to COS without much thought.
The latter is exactly what I brought into the brand’s Kings Cross store. London in the past few weeks. I was traveling there for a few days and needed a crisp, no-makeup white t-shirt to wear to dinner, but while I was in the store I stumbled upon so many dreamy items, from elegant off shoulder dress to cool off the red separates. With only a packed carry-on, I couldn’t be as selective as I wanted, which is why I headed to SoHo when I returned to New York to make amends. Below, see the damage I did to the four-story COS home, trying on at least 25 new arrivals that summer before picking out the 14 best. Trust me, these are not the kind of outfits you want to browse.
Late Summer Fashions I Found at COS This Week
Look 1:
I spotted this layered pencil skirt in London and then searched for it online, knowing that I Have I decided to try it out IRL when I got back to NYC, and I’m so glad I did. The material feels perfect, and the layered effect gives it a cool, different look that only adds to its appeal. There’s a matching layered tank online, but the SoHo store didn’t have one in my size, so I got creative and paired it with my favorite piece I’ve been trying on all morning, this red skinny ribbed knit sweater. It fits perfectly—in fact, I like it so much that I bought two colors and plan to pack both for my trip to Paris this week.
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Bandeau Knitting
Red has become a staple in my summer wardrobe.
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Multi-layered knit dress
A modern take on the classic knit dress.
Look 2:
This was the last look I tried on before heading to the checkout since I hadn’t seen the dress before heading to the dressing room. I always do one last look before leaving the store, and this fitted silhouette caught my eye in the corner of the top floor. I had picked out this perfect flowy blouse but couldn’t think of what to pair it with until I stumbled upon the dress, so it was really fate. Turns out, this is probably my favorite combination of everything I tried on. Classic, elegant, and timeless—I can see myself wearing this look to fashion week events, cocktail parties, and more in 2024, 2025, and beyond.
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The black is currently out of stock online, but this sage green is just as elegant.
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Tailored Linen Blend Maxi Dress
A long pencil skirt will make any outfit look polished.
Look 3:
These pants have been on my radar for a while after seeing them online, but they sold out so quickly that I never thought I’d see them in person. Luckily, the SoHo location has a wide range of sizes, so of course I grabbed a pair that fit me and ran to the dressing room. First of all, they’re super baggy and comfortable, so if you like that style, these will quickly become your favorite pair. The drawstring waist is great for adjusting the size as well as where you want them to sit at the waist or hips. The pants are a great find on their own, but paired with the right denim tie shirt, they’re hard to beat.
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Fabric Dyed Resort Shirt
This top would also look great tucked into a poplin midi skirt.
Look 4:
This isn’t a £110 dress. This could be a £1100 dress. If you have a wedding to attend any time next year, whether it’s summer or mid-winter, this is the dress to wear. The silhouette is gorgeous, the fabric is luxurious and high quality, and the little bow at the back allows you to adjust the way the dress fits your body to ensure it fits you perfectly.
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Satin midi dress with bow detail
Look 5:
While I do love a skirt or a mini dress, my comfort zone has always been baggy jeans and a loose-fitting poplin shirt. However, to be honest, I don’t really like the regular button-down poplin shirt because I always struggle to find one that is the right material and fits well. Instead, I always opt for a relaxed pullover. They’re great for the summer and make for a super easy, comfortable outfit that still looks chic at all times. For that reason, I had to bring this resort-style pullover home. The jeans, called Tide jeans, are equally sophisticated, with a perfect blue wash and a super relaxed fit.
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Short Sleeve Resort Shirt
Look 6:
I am a person who likes a pair of white loafers. linen pants. They’re simply the best, especially for a hot summer day when you still need to look polished and neat despite the heat. I styled these awesome pants with a brand new COS red tank top with a subtle hooded collar, ruched silhouette, and side cutouts. The fabric is so flattering—stretchy but still structured. Highly recommend.
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High Neck Sleeveless Tank Top
The fabric covering makes the outfit look sophisticated.
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Tailored linen trousers
These items will be a great addition to your wardrobe.
Look 7:
This slim champagne polo caught my eye from across the store when I popped in the other day. The fabric is really cool and comfortable for a hot day, so if you don’t mind it being very thin, I think this is a must-have. (I should—I brought it home anyway.) I kept the styling pretty simple here, wearing the sweater with the same Tide jeans as before, showing how they look tucked in instead of worn loose.
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Knitted round neck polo shirt
This champagne shade will go with all the neutrals in your wardrobe.
These things are so comfortable.
Look 8:
Me? Picking a white dress to try on? Shocking. As I type this, I’m actually wearing another white poplin dress, if that’s any indication of my obsession with the summer staple. This pick from COS is great because it’s a little shorter than the others I’ve seen lately and has a drawstring waist for added adjustability and comfort. Plus, it has pockets! I paired it with the same red tank top, layering it over the waistline of the dress, although it would be cute tucked in too.
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Front pleated mini skirt
Buy more New COS Products:
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Asymmetrical Silk Waist Dress
Sadly this scarf dress was not available at the store I went to, otherwise I would have definitely tried it.
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Denim open toe heels
Pair them with jeans and a loose t-shirt or maxi dress.
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Lace knit midi skirt
This is the other color I got for the dress – it’s just as beautiful as the black, if not more so.
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Mini Pleated Skirt with Tie Detail
I was seconds away from taking this mini dress home. I especially like that it’s not super short like many mini dress options these days. It’s knee length and super classic.
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Longline Open Back Wool Vest
This chic vest will become a new wardrobe favorite, whether paired with linen trousers or a silk midi skirt.
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Sleeveless midi dress
My friend has this dress and has worn it for three days straight—it’s that beautiful.
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Scallop Crossbody Bag – Leather
The color and design combine to create the most elegant bag to carry during fall.
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Maxi Slit Dress
I really like the darker denim.
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Short Trench Coat with Detachable Hood
The removable hood on this gorgeous coat makes it perfect for the unpredictable UK weather.
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Square toe leather high heel ballet flats
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PlissÉ Halterneck Maxi Dress
This dress is stuck in my head. It gives me a Phoebe Philo vibe.
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Round cut knit t-shirt
More shirts please!
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Contrast Color Maxi Dress
In my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with this midi tank top.
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Facade Jeans – Straight Leg
I own at least 50 pairs of jeans, and still want to buy these exquisite wide leg jeans.
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Swing Micro Crossbody Bag – Leather
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Long wool blend twill shorts
I will never hate Bermuda shorts. Never.
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Ruffled pleated blouse
This color is quite similar to Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent and I like that.
