I’m a big fan of taking walks when I feel stressed or overwhelmed. More often than not, these walks follow a predictable route: into the nearest Cos store, all around it, and straight through to the dressing rooms. What can I say—nothing calms me like some chic new arrivals. (Call it an occupational hazard: Spend enough years as a fashion editor and content creator, and this just... happens.)
This season, Cos has pretty much every rising trend covered. And yet, nothing feels overly trendy. The brand's commitment to elevated essentials, thoughtful silhouettes, and tasteful runway inspiration (I spotted many a would-be Miuccia-approved garment) ensures you can snag pieces that feel current and fun, that will also stand the test of time as the fashion tides shift and change. It also understands what people want to wear now, as evidenced by its viral, Lyst Index-approved Chunky Cashmere Sweater.
During this particular outing, I picked up on a few key themes throughout the store. Corduroy and brushed cashmere seemed to be the most popular materials, and when it came to knitwear, the more layering (real or feigned), the better. Barrel-leg bottoms saved me from the dreaded straight-leg vs. wide-leg debacle, and I left the store knowing that, if I couldn’t have every piece on my wishlist, a really good coat could be just enough to enhance the winter wardrobe already hanging in my closet.
Read on for a few of the best pieces I tried on, live from the Cos Soho dressing room.
The perfect wear-anywhere set
Consider this the ultimate set for work, travel, or any other setting in which you want to be comfortable and look put-together without using too much brain power. This Corduroy Shirt and Corduroy Wide-Leg Pants combo in Dark Brown feels relaxed yet elevated. And while I love the coordinated set, I’d just as quickly wear these as separates to help lower my cost-per-wear.
The coat that livens up my winter wardrobe
Perhaps the most important item in anyone's winter wardrobe is a great coat to throw over the occasional less-than-great getup to instantly elevate it. While a black one is essential, a pop of color takes things up a notch. For me, this Oversized Double-Breasted Wool Coat in Red is an easy Yes. If bright outerwear feels too bold, try pairing it back to black—here, my trusty Cos Gallery Hand-Woven Tote Bag in Black Leather grounds the entire look. Plus, it fits my laptop, spare shoes, and more.
The snuggliest sweater
When styling neutrals, I like to play with texture to keep things interesting. Exhibit A: this dreamy Brushed-Cashmere Crew-Neck Jumper in Dark Gray, which I recommend sizing up in if you like an extra-snuggly look. In store, I tried it on with a coordinating Fair Isle scarf, but I don’t see that available online yet. (The sweater version is there, though!)
The knits that take the guesswork out of layering
A big focus at Cos this season is faux-layered sweaters. I tried on this Layered Merino Wool High-Neck Cardigan in both the Camel and Bordeax/Navy colorways, and you can't make me pick a favorite! As someone who gets way too hot when actually layering, this fake-out approach helps me achieve a more interesting outfit without sweating through it.
The short jacket in a seasonally-appropriate print
Even though I’m petite, I find myself drawn to long coats nine times out of ten. Even so, I couldn’t wait until I’d made it to the dressing room to try on this Double-Faced Wool Scarf Short Jacket in Beige/Checked. It’s hard to find a checkered print that doesn’t feel cheesy, but this one “checked” all my boxes, pun very much intended. Also, the built-in scarf detail is downright adorable.
My new winter uniform
If you see me wearing anything besides this Layered Merino Wool High-Neck Sweater in Brown/Navy this season, just know it’s because it's probably in the wash. It’s giving Prada without the price tag. I styled it with these Pima Cotton Barrel-Leg Pants in Navy, an awesome alternative to basic blue denim.
The elegant robe coat
Another great coat I had to try on on the spot: the robe-style Belted Double-Faced Wool Long Coat in Burgundy. I personally love this color as a not-so-neutral, but still-not-bright outerwear option. That said, it also comes in Black and a really gorgeous taupe-y Brown.
The petite-friendly barrel-leg pants
Not the best photo, but I need to bring to your attention to the fact that Cos does barrel-leg bottoms so well—especially for petites. I’m 5’1, and I almost never need to get the brand's barrel styles hemmed at the tailor. These Merino Wool Barrel-Leg Pants in Gray Mélange are like extremely stylish sweatpants, and I brought them home to pair with any and all sweaters currently in my closet.
The rich-looking coat under $500
One more coat for good measure: I couldn’t resist the Double-Faced Wool Shawl-Collar Coat in Navy/Brown—such a subtle but unexpected color combo. I loved the looser look in-store, but I noticed later that Cos styles it on the site with a chunky waistbelt, which I think I might like even more.
