After an unusually warm autumn here in the UK, I can't wait for winter to fully kick into gear. This is because I'm someone who takes cold-weather dressing very seriously—so much so that 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 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 could genuinely pass as designer, and sitting under the £100 price mark, it isn't completely unattainable, either. Enter COS’ 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’ Rounded Wool Crew-Neck Jumper might 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 2026 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 piece that you'll wear from now to 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 some luxury finds in this aspect.

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

Shop COS' Rounded Wool Crew-Neck Jumper

Shop More COS Jumpers I Have My Eye On

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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After a summer packed full of trips, events, birthdays and al fresco dinners, my bank balance is definitely feeling the pinch. The new season has slowly eased in, and whilst I've unpacked a selection of trusted autumn staples to see me through the coming months, a few gaps remain where great pieces should be. So, I've set myself a strict budget and set aside a few hours to deep-dive into the new collections and unearth the most expensive-looking buys that exude autumnal elegance, all under £150. Trust me, you'll want to see these.

If you’ve ever been asked if your top or shoes are designer and proudly declared “it’s from Zara!” then you’ll understand the satisfaction I felt when tracking down these expensive-looking high street buys. The trick to finding pieces that look like smart investment buys can be found in the finer details of silhouette, composition, shade and classic design. Lucky for us, autumn naturally reintroduces a refined colour palette, brings back luxe-looking textures and welcomes the return of sumptuous fabrics from merino wool to satin. And if you know where to look like I do, then there are some seriously expensive-looking finds to uncover.

At the top end of my £150 budget you’ll find a cosy merino wool knit in autumn’s trending cobalt blue as well as a water-repellent trench coat that will be a practical and chic addition to your wardrobe throughout the seasons. Whilst the top end of my budget is £150, there are plenty of pieces that come in well below this price point. Within this selection of sleek autumnal buys, you’ll find a pair of seriously good barrel-leg jeans from Marks & Spencer that I’ve already tried on (and purchased), an affordable leather-look skirt from Zara which is quickly selling out and a selection of refined accessories to tie your looks together. If you’re sticking to a budget this autumn, scroll on to explore the best under-£150 buys on the high street right now.

Shop the Under £150 Buys That Look Triple The Price

Autumn is finally here, and the only thing on my mind right now is finding some new knitwear to cosy up in from now until next spring. My first port of call? COS, of course. This high street hero is known amongst editors and fashion people as a go-to destination for designer looking knitwear that will stand the test of time on your wardrobe. And although this brand is well-known for its timeless staples that will never date, for autumn 2026 specifically, I’m on the hunt for some fresher jumper and cardigan trends that will dress up my black trousers, wide-leg jeans and simple slip skirts.

And trust me when I say that COS’ collection didn’t disappoint. From bright purple hues that will take an autumn look from basic to elevated in an instant to elegant funnel-neck silhouettes that will add an instant sense of polish to every outfit, there’s something suited to both minimalists and maximalists alike this season. And the best part? I’ve rounded up the best of the best for you below.

Keep scrolling to discover the five chic knitwear trends that COS is backing for autumn 2026 (and beyond).

5 Expensive-Looking Knitwear Trends That COS is Backing for Autumn 2026

1. Veronica Purple

Style Notes: I’ve always considered myself a classic dresser who tends to stick to neutral hues such as black or brown, but this bright purple hue that COS is backing for autumn 2026 is very much calling to me. It’s eye-catching and an easy way to add interest to an otherwise neutral outfit, but something about this colour still manages to feel extremely expensive and wearable. I’m sold.

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2. Funnel-Neck

Style Notes: We’ve seen funnel neck jackets dominate the fashion scene for the past two years, and now, this elegant silhouette has made its way into knitwear as well. There’s just something about a jumper or cardigan with this neckline that feels inherently polished not to mention that it’s the perfect way to keep you warm on the chillier autumn days.

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3. Brushed

Style Notes: Looking for an easy way to add some texture to an outfit? Opt for one of the cosy-looking brushed knits that COS is backing for the season. I can already see myself snuggling up in one of the jumpers below with a slip skirt and kitten heels for an evening out with friends.

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4. Layered

Style Notes: I was obsessed with the raglan tee trend that COS backed this spring, and the layered knitwear is the perfect follow on from this. The perfect everyday throw-on style, this elevated staple is the perfect addition to any trousers, skirts or jeans this season. Not to mention that COS has a wide selection of these knits on offer, from pared-back neutrals that minimal dressers will appreciate to bolder hues that the bolder fashion people will love.

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5. Forest Green

Style Notes: Similar to navy, forest green hues feel different enough from black or brown to add one interest to an outfit, but still manage to be just a versatile and timeless as these neutral colours. Working well with both pared-back and bold colours alike, this is a knitwear colour trend that will still remain wearable in the autumns to come.

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If there's one thing I know, it's minimalism. I've spent the last decade of my career living and breathing fashion—as a stylist, an editor and a shopping expert. I've seen so many trends come and go, I'm sure you can understand why I feel a little cautious to indulge these days. As I enter my mid-thirties, I've found myself streamlining my wardrobe and the pieces that are sticking are the classics. No bright colours, wild textures or bold florals that easily feel tired, no 'fun' impulse buys that suddenly seem gimmicky. It's my trench coats, black blazers, blue jeans and crisp white shirts that have stood the test of time.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a wardrobe full of personality and style. I've just always found myself drawn to the longevity of beautiful cuts, tonal shades and thoughtful design over maximalist details that can, especially if bought cheaply, age badly. What I'm saying is a minimalist wardrobe doesn't have to be boring. In fact, when you're selective about the pieces you buy, a minimalist wardrobe can be just as interesting and unique as a maximalist one. In autumn, I always look for impeccably tailored trousers, elevated knitwear and a rich, tonal colour palette so that every piece works effortlessly together. It's with outerwear and accessories that you can really experiment. Think exaggerated silhouettes and unexpected proportions which instantly add interest to pared-back pieces.

The best part about minimalism, is that you don't have to invest heavily to get your hands on forever buys. The high street does it so well. Look at COS, Massimo Dutti and Zara. Three of the best examples, in my opinion, that make understated designs look incredibly expensive. I've just been scouring their new-in autumn collections, and they all have an impressive selection of polished, versatile pieces that would slot seamlessly into an existing capsule wardrobe, making everything feel modern and fresh at the same time. Keep scrolling and you'll see the best minimalist COS, Zara and Massimo Dutti buys that have made my shortlist for autumn 2026. Naturally, I want them all.

Shop the Best Minimalist COS Buys

Shop the Best Minimalist Massimo Dutti Buys

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As we drift slowly into September, the hazy days, cool mornings and inclement transitional weather is making itself known. Don't know what to wear to beat the chill and avoid overheating? It can only mean one thing: it's officially time to start thinking about autumn jackets.

As it stands, there's no shortage of expensive-looking outerwear vying for our attention right now. From the elevated allure of frog-fastened styles to the utilitarian edge of the funnel-neck, this season's jacket offering is anything but boring. But where to start? Well, if you ask me, Zara, H&M and COS are pretty good places to begin.

Boasting styles that feel influenced by luxury fashion (whilst maintaining that all-important high-street price tag), these brands have quietly been making standout minimalist jackets for years. And this season, they’ve surpassed themselves. Whether it's sumptuous suede and leather worked into sleek funnel-neck styles or smart military jackets elevated in regal shades of blue, this season, Zara, H&M and COS are a pared-back dresser's dream, and I've uncovered the very best to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Keep scrolling to shop.

9 Minimalist Jackets From Zara, H&M and COS for Autumn 2026

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September has welcomed the new season, and already we've been greeted by a series of damp days, cool mornings and grey skies. Naturally, it's time to shift out of summer mode and turn our attention to autumn dressing.

Right now, many of us are compiling our new season wardrobes, searching for those staple pieces that feel elevated yet understated, ready to be the centre of an outfit (yes, I believe a great pair of jeans can be a head-turner) or a backdrop for trending pieces to be layered upon. And three brands that always excel in elevated wardrobe updates at more affordable prices are Zara, COS and H&M.

Heading into the new season, my style goals are set. I want to look polished and put-together, but with as little effort as possible. If that sounds similar to your own goals, then this edit should prove incredibly helpful. Creating refined looks with little thought comes down to refined design details, from silhouette to rich colour palettes. Right now, the autumn staples I already own are sitting in pride of place, but now I'm searching for a few new additions to make these staples feel fresh and sleek, and the new high street collections are making it easy.

Looking to Zara, H&M and COS, they've clearly heard our request. At Zara, finer details are making timeless buys look incredibly refined, from the cut of a jacket to the intricate embroidery of a long-sleeved blouse (and I've found one which is sure to sell out momentarily). At COS, signatures of the brand have returned, from its beloved knitwear with contemporary accents like funnel-neck designs to smart coats with a timeless appeal and, as always, exquisite tailoring. Finally, H&M rounds off the high street trifecta with a smattering of cosy knits in rich-looking shades and staple denim which will earn their keep in our wardrobes for many seasons to come.

Consider this edit your autumn capsule wardrobe, but with contemporary details and design twists that make each feel instantly polished. As the best pieces tend to move fast, scroll on to explore the elegant autumn wardrobe updates I'm snapping up from Zara, H&M and COS.

Shop the 9 Elegant Zara, H&M and COS Buys On My Wish List

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I spend a considerable amount of time trying to predict what the next “It” item will be. Naturally, as the temperatures begin to drop, knitwear is firmly on my mind, and the hunt for autumn’s next cult jumper has officially commenced. The style I’m putting my money on this season? COS’s Layered V-Neck Jumper.

The moment it appeared in the new-in section, it was an immediate add-to-basket situation. I’ve been in the game long enough to know that COS knitwear rarely sticks around for long, but this particular jumper has an added point of interest that sets it apart from the sea of otherwise simple knits. Crafted from soft merino wool, the brown version features a classic V-neckline layered over a contrasting flash of red, creating the effect of two perfectly coordinated knits without any of the bulk. It also comes in a violet colourway, which plays with tonal layering for a subtler take on the same idea.

It’s exactly the kind of piece I want to wear at this point in the season: interesting enough to make a simple outfit feel considered, but understated enough to become a genuine wardrobe staple. I’m pairing mine with dark-indigo straight-leg jeans and loafers now, before swapping in tailored trousers and a long wool coat when the temperatures really start to dip. And, if COS’s previous cult knits are anything to go by, I have a feeling this one won’t stay under the radar—or in stock—for long.

Shop The COS V-Neck Layered Wool Jumper

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If you've been daydreaming about your autumn wardrobe since July, you're not alone. Layering season is slowly creeping up on us, and if there's one piece with the power to transform an entire outfit, it's a great autumn jacket. Luckily, three high-street brands are particularly good at them right now: Zara, H&M and COS.

Between them, they've covered practically every jacket trend worth knowing about this season. There are timeless cropped trenches and elegant scarf coats for the minimalists, alongside more directional styles for anyone looking to make a statement. Cobalt-blue coats are bringing some much-needed colour to the usual autumn palette, funnel-neck jackets are back for another season, and bubble-hem silhouettes offer a fresh update to classic outerwear.

Whether you're looking for the kind of timeless jacket you'll pull out year after year or want to invest in one of autumn's biggest trends, Zara, H&M and COS have made a very convincing case for shopping on the high street this season.

Keep scrolling to shop the best autumn jackets from Zara, H&M and COS below.

The Best Zara, H&M and COS Autumn Jackets 2026

It's been a long time since dressing for a grey day was part of our weekly rotation. But as the first week of September draws to a close, autumn’s transitional weather is surely making itself known. Having spent the better part of the last six months in lightweight linen and flouncy maxi dresses, I must admit I’m rather excited to start layering again.

Having slowly started to re-shuffle my capsule wardrobe (dusting off the thick jeans and cosy cardigans that have served me well over the last few years), it became clear that a few minimalist staples were missing. Structured skirts that can be dressed up or down? Nowhere to be found. That perfect tailored blazer? Vanished without a trace. Allowing the discombobulation to last no more than a minute, I did what any savvy fashion person would do and took a peruse through the new-in sections of Zara, H&M, and COS to see if I could plug the gaps. Spoiler alert: I found more than just the necessities.

The trifecta of expensive-looking high street style, each store brought something a little different to the table. Whilst Zara’s digital shelves boasted fashion-forward shapes, H&M’s embraced luxurious fabrications and classic silhouettes. And COS? Well, almost every piece featured the clean lines and muted colours that every pared-back dresser dreams of. Having scrolled for hours, I’ve collated the very best each of these stores has to offer. Think tapered blazers that gently taper, or wool maxi skirts that cast a powerful shape all on their own; this is modern minimalism at its very best, all at a fraction of the price.

Shop the Nine Chicest Minimalist Buys From Zara, H&M and COS

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