After an unusually warm autumn here in the UK, I can't wait for winter to fully kick into gear. This is because I am someone who takes cold-weather dressing very seriously—so much so, my search for the most polished winter capsule staples is already underway. The top of my priority list? Finding a polished and expensive-looking jumper that I can rely on day after day without having to splurge out hundreds of pounds. You see, despite having high-end taste on a very modest high-street budget, I hate looking scruffy, and I think we all probably know by now that a knit can make or break an outfit.

Well, luckily for me (and now you), I recently purchased a jumper on the high street that can genuinely pass as designer and, sitting under the £100 price mark, isn't completely unattainable, either. Enter COS’s Rounded Wool Crew-Neck Jumper.

Made from 100% wool, available in sizes XS (UK 4) to XL (UK 18), and with five versatile colours to choose from, COS’s rounded wool crew-neck jumper might only be my first purchase of the season, but it’s already set to be the smartest investment I make this winter.

With a slouchy, relaxed fit that feels effortlessly chic and laid-back, as well as a versatile rounded neckline, this is the type of knit that can easily be dressed up or down for a wide range of occasions. I invested in the black hue, and the styling possibilities are truly endless. I’ve already worn it with a pair of black barrel-leg trousers and animal-print accessories to the office as well as with a polka-dot slip skirt and kitten heels for a dinner date. Not to mention that its natural fibre composition means that it’s not only biodegradable but durable, ensuring it will last in my autumn/winter capsule for a significantly longer time than synthetic knitwear.

And the price? At £95, I appreciate you can find more affordable jumpers on the high street; however, for a versatile item that you'll wear from now and well into early spring for many years to come, as well as the 100% wool composition, I personally think this jumper is well worth the money and genuinely rivals a number of luxury finds in this aspect.

Keep scrolling to see and shop COS’s Rounded Wool Crew-Neck Jumper for yourself, and then take a browse at some more designer-passing COS jumpers I currently have my eye on.

Shop COS's Rounded Wool Crew-Neck Jumper

Shop More COS Jumpers I Have My Eye On

We've officially entered cold-weather territory. Like you, I've also been contemplating what pieces to add to my wardrobe to get me through the chillier seasons ahead. Well, if your goal is also to look elevated this fall and winter, you've landed in the perfect place. I've done my shopping editor due diligence and combed through the latest arrivals at top retailer hotspots: COS, Shopbop, and Zara, so you do not have to.

Yes, you've read that correctly. You can expect the latest and greatest shopping picks worth adding to your cart expeditiously. In the mix, you'll find a variety of sophisticated-looking jackets, coats, sweaters, and more that'll give you an overall elevated appearance. Keep scrolling to uncover these luxe-looking finds ahead.

Shop COS New Arrivals

You can count on COS for a range of elegant pieces to carry you through the fall and winter. I'm partial to their famous chunky sweaters, but the Scarf Jacket and Croc-Effect Leather Loafers are perfect pieces to add to your wardrobe, too.

Shop Shopbop New Arrivals

Shopbop is not messing around with these latest additions. If you want boots that'll get you stopped in the streets, the perfect dark-wash jeans, or chic dresses, look no further.

Shop Zara New Arrivals

If your budget is $100, then try these Zara clothing picks. I've also thrown in a few footwear styles that are all under $200 worth that you'll surely wear for many months to come.

Want to look chic? Of course you do. Same. COS is a perfect place to start—especially with the range of new cashmere sweaters. I look forward to the cashmere drop every year because the collection is filled with directional silhouettes that you just want to live in. Basically, I get compliments whenever I wear one, and I know that's going to happen with the fresh selection.

Below, I rounded up the best cashmere sweaters from COS, including the most beautiful brushed argyle style, new iterations of the chunky mock-neck style, and a cable-knit dream. Keep scrolling to get chic.

French women possess an innate je ne sais quoi—an effortless charm that permeates their demeanor and style. That understated elegance is why we, editors at Who What Wear, spend a lot of time analyzing their fashion choices.

The primary appeal of well-dressed French women lies in their commitment to simplicity. Rather than chasing trends, they rely on foundational wardrobe basics. These are pieces that are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featuring refined cuts, sharp tailoring, and high-quality fabrics.

When it comes to brands, French labels such as Sézane, Loulou de Saison, Celine, and Dior remain staple choices. However, Parisian tastemakers also return to names like Zara and COS. This season, it's especially apparent because these two labels offer elevated wardrobe essentials that look designer without the price tag and are versatile enough to pair with pieces already in one's wardrobe.

To showcase this, we looked through the latest fall arrivals at Zara and COS and put together an edit of 40 finds we believe Parisians would buy for themselves, from wool jackets and belted knits to tailored trousers, leather loafers, and closed-toe wedges. Keep scrolling to shop the French girl–coded items.

Zara Finds

COS Finds

Although I no longer shop during back-to-school season as I did as a child, fall always brings in that spirit regardless. Even with it being mid-October, the new-season shopping is still going strong, especially as the temperatures continue to drop in New York City. Pre- and early fall were less about staying warm, but this part of the year, we get inspired to start thinking more about outerwear, cashmere knitwear, and cold-weather accessories—from wool coats to scarves.

Since each season brings many new arrivals across retailers, I curated a selection from some of the ones our readers love the most—including COS, Gap, and J.Crew—as well as independent brands and even a few luxury houses. My favorite items include the new Eckhaus Latta x J.Crew Rollneck and a high-neck coat from Rue Sophie. Whether you're looking for a new jacket or a fun pair of shoes, keep scrolling to shop new arrivals for fall 2026.

Shop the Best New Arrivals

As a shopping editor, I spend hours browsing the latest finds across a range of retail websites. This week, I've been so into the newest arrivals from Banana Republic, Madewell, COS, and Free People. Don't worry. I included the best of the latest drops from these retailers below for your shopping pleasure.

With fall officially in full swing, you can expect an array of cold-weather-friendly clothing items. Beautiful coats and jackets, lovely sweaters and knits, and fall-ready shoes are just a few of the categories you can expect. Keep scrolling to uncover your new favorite wardrobe items for the season.

Banana Republic New Arrivals

Madewell New Arrivals

COS New Arrivals

Free People New Arrivals

It’s a new season, which means my biannual wardrobe reassessment has officially begun. The charity and Vinted piles have been set aside, leaving some rather convenient gaps in my wardrobe that I’m already itching to fill. With a strict budget and expensive-looking pieces at the top of my wish list, there are three brands I immediately headed to: Zara, H&M and COS.

Each has its own speciality. Zara’s outerwear never ceases to impress me, from reversible jackets that could easily pass for designer to beautifully cut trench coats I’ll rely on for years. H&M is where I turn for the foundations of my winter wardrobe—think premium-feeling knitwear, great denim and elevated basics that make everything else I own work harder. Then there’s COS, which consistently excels at the pieces I’m willing to spend a little more on, from 100% cashmere knits and sumptuous scarves to impeccable tailoring and seriously good accessories.

So, if you’re also looking to give your wardrobe a winter update without the designer price tags, keep scrolling for the Zara, H&M and COS pieces I think look far more expensive than they are.

Shop The Best Zara, H&M and COS Winter Buys

With temperatures still relatively high here in the UK, it might seem odd to already be talking about knitwear. But trust me, anyone who lives or has visited here knows that the weather can change in the blink of an eye. So with this in mind, I’ve decided to be prepared and start my hunt for the most expensive-looking knitwear to add to my autumn 2026 capsule wardrobe. And as someone with designer taste on a very modest budget, I’m aware I need to be particularly picky when shopping for jumpers and cardigans on the high street.

You probably already know that the cut, fabric composition and colours you opt for play a key role in how expensive your affordable knits look, so as someone who wants to spend this autumn in refined, put-together outfits that look way more premium than their budget-friendly price tags, I’ve spent hours scouring my favourite high-street stores to find the best of the best.

Top of the shops? It should come as no surprise that COS, Massimo Dutti and Sézane led the pack for designer-passing knits. Of course, these three premium high-street brands sit significantly higher price-wise than their more affordable counterparts. However, the timeless cuts and elegant colourways and patterns—plus commitment to prioritising natural fibres—mean they not only rival some luxury finds, but are also guaranteed to stand the test of time in your wardrobe.

Now, I’m well aware that the sheer number of jumpers and cardigans at each of these stores can feel overwhelming, so I’ve narrowed my edit down to nine standouts that look expensive, will never date and will make every outfit more polished this season.

Keep scrolling to discover nine knits from COS, Massimo Dutti and Sézane to consider adding to your autumn wardrobe.

9 COS, Massimo Dutti and Sézane Knits On My Autumn Wish List

Shop More Premium-Looking Knitwear

It’s safe to say that COS has redefined high street shopping. Taking a peek at the Great British high street, the brand has carved out its own space, focusing on refined pieces with a minimalist edge, and has become a one-stop shop for great staples and trending styles alike. Looking for sleek tailoring? COS has you covered. Wondering where to find the best white Tee on the market? It’s the Clean Cut T-shirt I always recommend. And if you’re wondering which COS item is currently at the top of every editor’s wish list, it’s the Chord Straight-Leg Jeans.

One of the most defining denim trends of 2026 has been the stovepipe cut. A little more streamlined than a classic straight-leg, with an innately French finish and refined silhouette, stovepipe jeans have been steadily making their way into great wardrobes across the globe, and of them, the best affordable version is COS’s pair. If you're yet to try out COS's stellar denim collection, this is a great place to start.

It’s not just me who thinks this either. As a denim-obsessed editor, I’m often recommended styles to try out, and recently all my stylish friends and colleagues have been raving about the Chord Jeans. Naturally, I decided to put them to the test.

True to form, COS has got these jeans just right. The fit is true to size, the denim is soft and comfortable, and the high-rise waist sits in just the right place. As I like my research to be thorough, I headed to two different stores to test out different shades of the Chord jeans. Whilst both my try-ons featured a neutral top and ballet flats, I've also seen these taken to evening with heels and a leather jacket, or worn casually with a soft knit and trainers for the perfect off-duty look.

As a now-classic cut, the Chord jeans have become part of COS’s capsule collection, available in a series of sleek washes from a vintage-look light blue to a versatile black.

Shop the COS Chord Jeans

Shop More COS Jeans Fashion People Adore

Some people, like Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz, share clothes with their partners. Others, like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, co-own pieces with their sisters. However, when it comes to my mum and me, we’ve taken a Rory and Lorelai Gilmore route and made it quite the habit to shop each other’s wardrobes. They say necessity is the mother of invention, and I would argue that this adage certainly applies to us, especially since this unorthodox way of dressing emerged from our constant fawning over the same things. Rather than buying two identical items and running the risk of wearing them at the same time, we decided that taking turns would alleviate any sartorial-related arguments.

You see, we only have an age gap of about 16 years—told you we’re the real-life Gilmore Girls!—so sharing references, shopping together and picking out outfits for one another has been a common thread throughout my whole life. However, now that I’m a fashion writer, my recommendations have a little more weight behind them. These days, it’s rare for my mum to run out and buy something without consulting me first. She won’t take my advice every time, but when she does, it’s because she knows she’s doing us both a favour by investing in something we’ll both cherish.

All this to say, the changing of the seasons was the perfect invitation for us to consider building out our cold-weather outfits. COS is somewhere we always turn to when stocking up on thoughtful autumn basics. The designs are always premium, worth the money and timeless enough that work for both our tastes. Truly the definition of expensive-looking high-street finds. After all, she’s a 44-year-old elder millennial whilst I’m a 27-year-old older Gen Z. More so, as we shift into brisker temperatures and grey skies, the high-street favourite is striking that balance between function and form, offering mood-boosting pieces that still make you look put together in spite of the elements.

Consider this a shopping list to see you through the months ahead. From elevated knitwear to sumptuous coats and a few wardrobe enhancers that can uplift your jeans and trousers even in the darkest depths of winter, scroll on for an over-50s COS autumn edit that comes editor-approved.

Shop My Mum and My's Over-50s Cos Autumn 2026 Edit:

Shop More Chic COS Pieces for Autumn 2026:

Soon the leaves will fall, and NYC sidewalks will be covered in snow, but until then I'll be wearing my ballet flats. If you saw my shoe rack, you'd think I hate heels. On the contrary, I love a casual pump. But my feet don't. I've always struggled to accept that beauty is pain. Sometimes, beauty is comfort. Especially when you're a commuter. With summer sandals demoted, three spots have opened up on my shoe rack, and I'm looking for new ballet flats to fill them.

With a strict budget, I set out to find the best ballet flats under $200. I'm turning to my favorite budget-friendly retailers: J.Crew, COS, and Dolce Vita. After hours spent, I found three contenders. The first is a modern take on a classic; the second is ready for the barre; and the third is a true, timeless ballet flat. Each met my standards for comfort, wearability, and chicness. Scroll on to see which ones I've added to my shoe rack, and shop more editor-approved under-$200 ballet flats.

The Best Ballet Flats Under $200

The J.Crew Verona Ballet Flats

My review: From morning meetings to happy hour, the J.Crew Verona Ballet Flats ($148) were a comfortable companion. I logged around three miles walking the streets of NYC; through potholes and puddles, the high-vamp silhouette and elastic trim kept me snug. The center-seam detail was a pleasant surprise when I looked down at the round-toe flats. With any new shoe, I expect a "break-in" period, eased with Band-Aids, but with the J.Crew Verona Ballet Flats, I didn't need a single one. That alone earned them a spot in my shoe rotation. Simply, slip on and go.

Colorways: To fill the ivory gap on my shoe rack, I chose Rosey Vellum in Italian leather. They also come in rich burgundy, Eggplant Athene, and the classic Black.

Sizing tip: True to size—Available in half sizes from 5 to 12; I'm an 8.5.

Shop the J.Crew Verona Ballet Flats, $148:

The COS Satin Ballet Flats

My Review: Clearly, I'm picky about flats. From the fit to the look, I make no excuses. The COS Satin Ballet Flats ($149) meet all my standards. True to the flats' ballet origins, this square-toe shoe features a satin construction, dainty bow, and soft frame. The ruched effect on the sides creates a beautiful visual detail unique to them. These satin flats appear in the "In Our Closets" section of the fall 2026 edition of the Who What Wear 100 list—worth a read if you like to be in the know.

Colorways: In addition to the chocolate, you can find them in an olive Khaki shade as well.

Sizing tip: Available in sizes 6 to 12, with no half sizes—I recommend sizing up.

Shop the COS Satin Ballet Flats, $149:

The Dolce Vita Ritla Ballet Flats

My Review: A friend recently asked me for my go-to classic all-black ballet flat. I told her the Dolce Vita Ritla Ballet Flats ($135); they're another top choice that requires no "break-in" period. The cushioned sole provides comfort. The slim, short-toebox look will remain timeless for years to come. And the ease of styling makes these true everyday ballet flats.

Colorways: Four colorways in total—the Black Leather, Dark Brown Suede, Light Pink Crinkle Patent, and Silver Crinkle Patent.

Sizing tip: True to size, with sizes available from 5 to 13 and limited half-sizing.

Shop the Dolce Vita Ritla Ballet Flats, $135:

Shop More Editor-Approved Under $200 Ballet Flats

Keep scrolling to shop more under-$200 ballet flats from editor-loved brands like Madewell, Tony Bianco, Massimo Dutti, and more.

If there's one colour winning fashion week street style right now, it's royal purple. Yes, the hue once associated with royalty—and, of course, Daphne Blake from Scooby-Doo—has officially emerged as one of the season's most unexpected colour trends. And there's one piece in that exact shade that stylish women can't seem to stop wearing this fashion week: COS's £35 Clean Cut Long-Sleeved T-Shirt.

Already a perennial bestseller, the COS tee has earned something of a cult following as the ultimate elevated basic. With its structured silhouette, heavyweight cotton and perfectly boxy fit, it's the kind of simple piece that makes an outfit look instantly more considered. And whilst it's available in an array of classic shades, from crisp white to rich chocolate brown, it's the punchy royal-purple iteration that's suddenly everywhere.

On the streets of fashion week, I've spotted the saturated shade paired with everything from chocolate brown and fiery red to unexpected flashes of yellow, proving it's far more versatile than you might initially think. Wear it with brown denim for an easy autumn look, contrast it with a bright yellow skirt or let it do all the talking alongside your favourite black trousers.

Keep scrolling to shop the £35 COS tee taking over fashion week street style right now.

Shop The £35 COS Tee

Shop More COS Purple Pieces