The 5 COS Items That Always Look Like They're Designer

When it comes to minimalist shopping on the high street, COS is one of my favourite places to go. Free from seasonal trends, the store's ethos preaches influences from outside the fashion world, incorporating design aspects from art and architecture into its collections. Brittany Bathgate and Ume Romaan are among the influencers who repeatedly wear COS pieces, often pairing its affordable minimalist items with designer brands like Acne Studio with great ease.

But how to know what to buy from COS? With its overall Scandi-cool vibe, more directional or challenging designs and slightly higher price points mean it can be difficult to decide which pieces are right for you. A little insider intel combined with my personal love for the brand has resulted in us doing the work for you. Keep scrolling to shop the six items to invest in this season (and any given season) at COS.

1. Structured Jackets

From blazers to outerwear, the well-cut shapes of COS jackets are one of the best-kept secrets on the high street, as they look much more expensive than they are. 

2. Shoes

COS is one of my favourite spots for logo-less footwear, and it's a top spot for investing in simple shoes, like flats, oxford shoes (which Brittany Bathgate wears on repeat) and sandals you can spend hours and hours in.

Related: I Just Tried on All the Best Minimalistic Pieces From Arket, Weekday and COS

3. Spring Dresses

This might be an unexpected suggestion, but I've been loyal to COS for easy-breezy spring/summer dresses for ages. The cotton fabric the brand uses is so light and breathable, plus the loose silhouettes make them the best for slipping on and running out the door, no matter how you're feeling. The silk pieces are also so fantastic because they are, indeed, 100% silk. A rarity on the high street.

4. Denim

I know finding one's favourite denim on the high street is a very personal experience, but I have to say I was so surprised to find out how excellent COS denim was a few years ago. The jeans do fit large, so I'd suggest sizing down, but I would also recommend the brand's wide-fit and barrel-leg pieces first. I now have them in a few colours.

5. Tailored Trousers

Our very own editor Joy Montgomery gave COS's tailoring her own stamp of approval when she tried on the best minimalistic pieces on the high street. The trouser selection is minimal, but it's a capsule edit of wardrobe classics.

Up Next: I'm a Minimalist, and These 6 Outfits Are Totally My Jam