Every so often, there comes along a dress with such universal appeal that it is a guaranteed success. You know the type—styles that spawn Instagram accounts, waiting lists and people stopping you in the street to ask, "Excuse me. Where is that dress from?” I’m pleased to tell you not only have I found that dress but also it’s an affordable hidden gem from COS.
I love minimalist dresses in bold colours, so COS is often my go-to. At Who What Wear, we're all in agreement that whether it's a statement sleeve, a subtle detail or simply a great cut, the brand always manages to get its dress silhouettes right, and the current collection is no exception. It was on one of my regular trips to the store to find the next It dress that I came across a distinctive shade of orange that immediately caught my eye, and so I found the dress. Not quite bright orange and distinctly darker than yellow (I’m going to call it clementine for now), the slightly A-line midi is made in a pleasingly sculpting stretch cotton with a ruched side detail to emphasise the waist. So far, so good.
The real test came from wearing it for the first time to the office in my first week as shopping editor at Who What Wear, where it proved an across-the-board hit with all of our editors—petite, tall, bright-colour skeptics and all, which is a testament to its broad appeal.
And although we haven't seen it everywhere just yet, I have a feeling I may be letting one of the best-kept secrets out of the bag in sharing this number because once COS pieces sell out, we're on tenterhooks waiting for them to come back in.
A quick aside for those of you unsure about pulling off the colour (although, I assure you it works on just about everyone): It also comes in powder blue and black, so if you prefer soft pastels or a classic monochrome, you're covered.
Shop the Dress
At the moment, I’m wearing it with chunky Birkenstock sandals and a crossbody bag for casual weekends (the best-selling COS bag is perfect for this) or dressing it up with pointy shoes for more formal occasions. In fact, it even works with platform sandals for dinner, which goes to prove its real selling point is its versatility.
Shop More Must-See COS Dresses
The romantic, oversized bow details on the back made me add this dress to my wish list.
Pair with leather sliders, and you have my summer uniform.
The colour! The chic length! The pockets! You've also got to love a built-in accessory.
The kind of flattering column dress that COS specialises in in a new sporty knit.
Up Next: 8 Elevated Outfits Our Fashion Editors Wear on Rotation in Summer
-
This Is *the* Pretty Dress Trend to Wear With Flats If You Want to Get Compliments This SummerSpotted in the South of France.
-
The Future Is Clear: This Pretty Dress Trend Will Dominate Lake Como, Capri, and Cannes Next MonthJ.Lo is leading the movement.
-
Fresher Models Have Eclipsed These 5 Outdated Dress Trends—Sorry, I Said ItOne thing about me is that I'm honest.
-
COS Has Been Inspiring My Spring Wardrobe—27 of My Favorite Chic FindsThe best.
-
If You're Going to a Spring or Summer Wedding, These 26 Pieces Will Make You the Best Dressed GuestThe only warm-weather dress list you need.
-
I Took My Tax Refund Straight to COS, Massimo Dutti, and The Row—Here's the DamageNo regrets.
-
33 Cool and Classic Handbags Under $500 That Look Triple the PriceLuxe-looking bags for less.
-
This Stylish New Yorker Has Has Impeccable Taste—35 Chic Spring Picks That Have Her AttentionThe dresses alone are gems.
