I’m Overhauling My Closet with These Smart Spring Picks from COS

Come try ‘em on with me

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Paula Boudes for PureWow/Original Photos by Stephanie Meraz/COS

If you’re a fan of stores like Eileen Fisher, Massimo Dutti or Zara that combine a certain elevated elegance, edge and modernity, then you’re going to love British fashion retailer COS. (I, for one, haven’t been able to stop shopping at the super chic store since living in London.) In fact, it’s practically an English uniform among It girls. I’ve been familiar with the brand for many years now, but it wasn’t until I saw almost every stylish editor at the SheerLuxe offices wearing COS that I knew I had to take the plunge and finally check out their new line IRL.

After trying on just about everything, I curated my ultimate spring shopping list, which includes some trendy funnel-neck pieces as well as staple items like a little black dress and comfy jeans. (Given how chilly the season has been, I leaned toward more transitional pieces that’d help you stay cozy as the temperatures eventually shift upward.)

Without further ado, here are 8 spring pieces from COS worth buying this season, with photos of me trying on each item to assess fit, feel and quality.

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  • Size Range: XS to L
  • Size I’m Wearing: M

This cool stunner caught my eye immediately, stopping me in my tracks and sending me back into the dressing room for a second round to try it on. It’s 100 percent nylon, making it the perfect piece to wear on a stroll, while running errands or over your trusty jeans as I did, pictured above. It has such a cool, sporty vibe that effortlessly elevates any look, and I especially liked that it was quite thick and warm without being stuffy.

Plus, it has buttoned pockets and a drawstring hem that can be cinched tighter for a bubble effect or loosened up for a more flowy structure. I grabbed a size medium for a more oversized look, but I actually wish I had gone with a small instead, as the relaxed fit is extra roomy.

  • Size Range: 23 to 32
  • Size I’m Wearing: 27

As much as I love a trendy silhouette like the barrel-leg jean, I much prefer a classic, straight-leg option like this one from COS. Last year, I found a similar pair that I ended up walking away from, and I’ve never thought about jeans more in my life since, so these came home with me. They’re made from a blend of organic and recycled cotton, giving them a stiff, rigid quality that holds its shape without making me feel like I can’t move at all. Whenever I find a pair of jeans with a loose-but-tailored design around the thighs, I know I’ve hit the jackpot. I tried it on in my usual size, 27, and can attest that it runs true to size. Best of all, they make my bum look nice and perky.

  • Size Range: 2 to 14
  • Size I’m Wearing: 6

If you want to round out your closet, make sure you own a ‘90s-approved little black dress like this darling piece from COS. It's classy, timeless and forgiving, with a sophisticated boatneck and boxy shape that gently skims your frame without actually clinging to it. Despite the forgiving silhouette, it doesn’t look frumpy in the slightest, thanks to darts at the waist that create a nice, sculpted shape. That being said, I wish I'd sized down to a 4 for a more bespoke fit. I know it might seem unsuitable for early spring at first glance, but don’t be fooled by the mini length—it's actually made from a merino wool blend that will keep you warm underneath.

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Size I’m Wearing: M

My closet is overflowing with mostly black-and-white neutral garments, so I’ve made it my mission to add more color when I can. Enter: this bright blue beauty. It's comfortable, cozy and incredibly soft—everything that makes a great sweater. I’ve been really into layering my knits over white tees (this one I’m wearing is also from COS and among the best white T-shirts on the market), and the V-neck works perfectly for this. I also thought it would be great to drape it over my shoulders and tie it around my neck as a cute accessory, an extra layer of warmth (just in case it gets cold) and a splash of color.

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Size I’m Wearing: L

Speaking of color, I couldn’t help but gravitate towards this blood orange stunner as I headed to the dressing room. Unlike the aforementioned piece, this 100 percent cashmere knit has a classic crew neckline that still looks great layered over a T-shirt (which I opted for), but will also look super chic on its own. The feel is incredibly soft and buttery, and if it weren’t labeled dry-clean-only, I would probably sleep in it whenever I could. Regarding the fit, it’s typically true to size, but if you want a relaxed, slouchy look like I did, definitely size up one or two; the large on me provided plenty of room to tuck and roll without overwhelming my figure.

  • Size Range: n/a

As an avid Bottega Veneta fan, the second I laid eyes on this COS cutie, I thought of The Pouch—with a better price tag, might I add. The bag is crafted from premium leather and has a dumpling-like shape, with fluffy folds that give it a nice texture and knotted drawstrings at the sides to emphasize the gathered material tenfold. The deep wine-stained hue will complement browns and navys but will also look fabulous when paired within the same color family, such as with bright reds or soft pinks. The main reason I took this accessory home was because of its versatile use. It can function as a crossbody, shoulder bag or clutch when needed (I know, I’m freaking out, too).

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Size I’m Wearing: S

If I could live in T-shirts, I would, but there’s something nice about switching it up every now and then. Options like this polo shirt are great to have because they’re just as versatile and comfortable as plain tees, but they add a little more oomph to your look—especially when they feature color-blocking like this gem, pairing a moody chocolate with the trim’s vibrant blue (the same blue I fell in love with on the sweater above). It also makes a great piece to pack for trips because it's lightweight despite its warm wool blend. One thing to note: as the name suggests, it has a shrunken fit, so if you prefer the ribbed hem to sit loose along your hips, I’d recommend sizing up.

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Size I’m wearing: S

This muted neon green-and-black checked piece was the most out of my comfort zone of the bunch, but I had to remind myself that sometimes the best outfits often come from being a little adventurous—i.e., giving those black and grey knits a much-needed break. When I tried this on, I felt like a different person in the best way. From the bold print to the tonal green colorway, everything about this button-up was fun, daring and completely polished. It genuinely boosted my confidence, making me stand a little taller and push my shoulders back. The jacquard-knitted fabric is crafted from a soft cotton blend that, while not as soft as a sweater, remains stretchy and form-fitting due to its slim design. (And don’t worry, it’s not itchy, either.) Unlike the matching skirt, it didn’t cling to my body but rather skimmed my silhouette, and it had a gathered effect along the seams that was flattering, especially considering how noisy the fabric can be.

  • Size Range: n/a

Calling all CBK stans! This wide headband has Carolyn Bessette Kennedy-core written all over it. Unfortunately, I didn't see this beauty when I was shopping in the store, but if I had, I would’ve chucked the Amazon one off my head and into the bin. I’ve seen my fair share of accessories, including headbands of all colors and widths, but I have never seen one with a thoughtful topstitching detail like this. That, coupled with the COS’s signature luxe leather, makes it look like it could be well over $100—but thankfully, it’s not.


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Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

  • Covers all things fashion and shopping
  • Boasts over 23 years of experience as an avid shopper, having secured a personal stylist at Limited Too at the age of four
  • Studied English literature, communications and creative writing at the University of San Diego, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University in New York

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