I Wore COS Every Day for a Week—These Were My Favourite Outfits

Like most people, when it comes to getting ready for work during the week, I'm an outfit-formula repeater. Sure, on weekends I might experiment with colours, print and styles, but there's just something about the 9-to-5 that favours function over fashion, and before you know it, the dreaded "style rut" sets in. After wearing the same combination of t-shirt + trousers + blazer jacket for the last few months, I decided to shake up my workwear selection. I needed something fresh, fashion-forward and smart enough to meet the office dress code, so where better to start than COS. 

Proving that workwear needn't be all ill-fitting tailoring and uncomfortable court shoes, COS have always bridged the gap between premium casual and ultra-smart chic (in fact, I even wore COS on my first day in the Who What Wear office), so with the new season landing in stores and online, I set about finding the pieces that would liven up my Monday to Friday look and be easy enough to wear on weekends too. And the results were unsurprisingly good. 

To help take the drab out of your daily routine, I headed to the high street and picked out my favourite new COS pieces in order to put together five easy desk-to-dinner outfits that I'm confident you'll love (I know I do). So whether you work in an office, from home, or a little bit of both, there's something in the mix that is bound to work for you. The only thing I didn't get to try is COS' range of outfit-elevating accessories (a girl can only carry so much), so not pictured is the crossbody bag I've been relying on daily, and the leather loafers that have been on my wish list for weeks. But fear not, I've rounded up some of the best accessories at the end of this article anyway, so you won't be missing out. 

Keep scrolling for the new-in pieces this fashion editor would highly recommend from COS. They really are every bit as good as they sound. 

MONDAY: STRIPE SHIRT + DENIM MIDI SKIRT 

Style Notes: You'll have almost certainly noticed that denim midi and maxi skirts are having a moment right now, and I'm happy to back any trend that makes the most of denim. Styling it in the same way as I would a leather skirt, my first thought was a satin shirt, and this striped number looks even better worn loosely than it does on the hanger. And, there's something about the almost pencil-skirt fit that makes this skirt feel more polished than an A-line maxi, so this outfit feels like the definition of "business casual", perfect for the laidback Who What Wear office. I'd wanted a knee-high boot for this look but COS' seasonal selection focuses on spring shoes, so I wore my old faithful Reformation boots instead. Something that proved to be a smart decision as this spring is prone to sporadic showers. At least I wasn't wearing wide-leg jeans... 

SHOP THE LOOK:

TUESDAY: CROPPED JACKET + BLACK TROUSERS 

Style Notes: If there's one thing that COS always get right, it's coats and jackets, and this cropped jacket is the perfect example. If the words "cropped" and "utility" fill you with dread, allow me to reassure that this jacket doesn't cut you off mid-torso, and it doesn't need to have a thousand pockets and straps to nod to the utility trend. Instead, this luxe-looking jacket looked so expensive that I test it's prowess by trying it on with just about everything in my wardrobe. I can confirm, it looks just as good with a printed dress as it does with a plain white tee and tailored black trousers. My favourite piece in the store right now, by a mile. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

WEDNESDAY: DENIM JACKET + LEGGINGS 

Style Notes: By now the Who What Wear team are quite used to seeing me in denim (and right now, plenty of double denim), but this shapely, longline jacket feels entirely different from my usual boxy boyfriend shirts. Firstly, the wash–the deep inky blue looks so premium. Secondly, the fit–it nips in at the waist without the need for a belt. And thirdly, the detailing–the hidden buttons, contrast stitching and large pockets make this look more like an elegant blazer rather than a casual jacket. I decided to wear it with a pair of split hem leggings that I bought from COS a couple of years ago, but I've spotted new zip hem leggings on the site that do exactly the same job. 

THURSDAY: MIDI SHIRT DRESS AND LEATHER SLIDES

Style Notes: Okay, hear me out. I'm aware that it isn't exactly the height of summer, but I knew as soon as I saw this I would have to try it on. Shirt dresses are good, but this is great, and even the most cut-out wary shopper will admit that this doesn't show too much. Instead the subtle vent and waist-tie feel like the kind of Jacquemus-esque details that deserve to be walking around the south of France rather than East London. But mark my words, as soon as we get a day over 20 degrees, you'll find me in this and a pair of leather slides (and it'll be in my holiday suitcase too). So right now might feel too chilly for a dress like this, but I have a sneaky suspicion that once this is snapped up by holiday-goers, it's going to be difficult to get your hands on. 

FRIDAY: TURTLENECK AND MIDI DRESS 

Style Notes: Finishing the working week in something a little more weather appropriate, I reverted back to a combination that I wore throughout autumn: A midi dress, turtleneck and knee-high boots. There's nothing not to love about this look (and it looks particularly good with the COS crossbody bag), so instead of having to either pile or peel off layers to accommodate the change in temperature, this outfit has you covered whatever the weather. It's perfect now layered up and worn with boots, but come summer all you'd need to do is swap the shoes for sandals and a raffia bag, and this subtle nod to safari will never go out of style, so you can consider this a wise investment.

SHOP THE LOOK:

SHOP MY FAVOURITE COS ACCESSORIES:

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