The summer heat has snuck up on me. A few days ago, I was layering knits for spring. Now, I'm baking in 90-degree temperatures. I refuse to sacrifice my style until it cools down, though. Instead, I'm stocking up on elevated linen basics to wear now until September.

As a minimalist, my summer outfits revolve around versatile staples, but the pieces I've relied on for the last six months aren't going to cut it anymore. I'm switching over to linen finds—particularly from J.Crew, Gap, and COS—to survive the heat while looking chic. The linen pants, tank tops, T-shirts, and shorts I found are not only breathable but also refined enough to fit seamlessly into my minimalist wardrobe. The best part, though, is that these breezy linen finds only look rich—they all ring in at $150 or less. Plenty are also majorly discounted ahead of Memorial Day Weekend.

It's already shaping up to be an especially sweaty summer, so the elevated basics below will go a long way toward rounding out your wardrobe. Ahead, shop all of the linen finds from J.Crew, Gap, and COS that are currently in my cart. Your future self from August will thank you.

The term "elevated basic" gets thrown around so much in the Marie Claire office that it can sometimes be hard to understand exactly what it means. I like to think of it this way: if you buy a wardrobe essential—like a white T-shirt, a tank top, or a pair of black trousers—but the design includes a fashion-forward twist—contrasting stitching along the hem or a trendier silhouette, for instance—then that would be an elevated basic. There are no brands that nail the term better than Massimo Dutti and COS.

Unless you've spent time in Europe, you're more likely to be familiar with the latter. COS has garnered a global cult following for its modern takes on minimalist style. Spanish label Massimo Dutti does the same, but with a relaxed, sun-drenched approach. Where COS's selection is all navy, white, and slate gray, Massimo Dutti offers splashes of red and lemon yellow.

Together, they create a wardrobe that feels timeless, but with of-the-moment touches. There's a reason that the Lyst Index, a quarterly ranking of fashion's most in-demand products and brands online, included both labels in its list of the top 20 hottest brands during the first quarter of 2026. The demand for both is spurred on by stylish shoppers' obsession with its selection of basics, with knitwear and spring jackets amongst the most popular.

Ahead, I found 30 non-boring basic options that prove my point. These are the types of pieces that make you look like a fashion person without trying too hard.

It's rare that a seasonal trend perfectly aligns with your pre-existing personal taste, but that's exactly what happened with funnel-necked jackets this winter. After years of opting for the slightly sporty silhouette in my own rotation, it suddenly seemed like every brand I follow got the memo, too.

Aware of the fact that I already had several styles hanging in my hall closet, I was tentative about purchasing more so quickly—but now that spring weather is almost here, and the trend has yet to die down, I'm biting the bullet and adding a few to my online shopping cart. My first three stops were naturally Zara, H&M, and Cos.

The former is the label behind many of my current favorite spring jackets, and the latter two have become recent additions to my wardrobe. Either way, each new collection from each retailer is full of options that fit into every stylistic category. Track jackets are there for the sportier fashion fans amongst us, while leather and trench-like options are ideal for those of us who live in areas where temperatures can be chilly in the morning and warmer by midday.

If you want a new spring jacket straight from the wardrobe of someone who has far too many already, keep scrolling. Ahead, I picked 10 from each retailer and curated them into a neat little list for you to peruse, no endless scrolling or hours of searching required.

Colors are not common in my wardrobe, especially not bright ones. I like to keep my daily looks neutral, with rare exceptions. So, imagine my surprise when I found myself gravitating towards an unexpected (at least, for me) color combination for that transitional period between winter and spring: red with slate gray.

After seeing it on the Spring 2026 runways of brands like Chanel, McQueen, and Proenza Schouler, the pairing has opened up a new range of possibilities in my transitional wardrobe. Like the first flowers in the new season, red breaks up the monotony of my winter outfit rotation, whether it comes in the form of a vibrant spring jacket that lives up an otherwise monochromatic outfit or high-vamp ballet flats peeking out from under the hem of a maxi slip dress or slouchy office-ready trousers.

Ahead, I sifted through the new-in selection from three of my favorite on-trend brands—Zara, H&M, and Cos—to find easy-to-incorporate red and gray options that you can wear now and well into the spring.

For those of us who dared to attempt a Hailey Bieber-inspired bob this winter, rest assured there’s a trend to help distract as we work our way through the awkward grow-out stage. Hats are having a moment that extends far beyond the practical uses of keeping warm or shielding one from the sun’s harmful rays. And as a self-described lover of over-accessorizing, I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Headwear was once a staple in every woman’s wardrobe, as necessary as a pair of stockings or a handbag. In the 1920s, you were highly unlikely to see a woman running errands bare-headed. Now, you might reach for a knit beanie when the temperature drops or a straw sunhat on vacation, but it’s not considered a must, not even as a finishing touch to a look. Still, they’ve played a pivotal role in countless iconic style moments (think: Jackie O.’s signature pillbox or Bianca Jagger’s bridal sunhat), and It Girls have slowly been embracing them online and in street style. This is looking to be the year hats come back in a big way, and I’m ready to add a few into my regular rotation.

So, which hats are worth your while? Above all else, go with the styles you feel flatter your face and head shape. Then, pay attention to what realistically complements your existing wardrobe, as well as time of year and temperature in your region. (You might not need or want to wear a cashmere beanie if it’s always sunny and 75°.)

In New York during the winter, I’ve found myself gravitating towards structured wool and felt styles, especially pillbox and fez hats. I got this one from Cos before the holidays, and I love the way it adds a touch of vintage romanticism to days spent bundled up.

I’m also planning to place a large order with Lele Sadoughi; though the brand is known for headbands, I was surprised to find quite the array of wool felt pillbox hats on site. (I’ve already got my hands on the classic black, but the leopard and lavender are both waiting patiently in my cart.)

In a similarly vintage vein, a felted wool cloche is high on my wish list. Think of this as the humble bucket hat’s elevated older sister. It’s a similar shape, but more fitted and structured than floppy, and the brim does little to actually shield from sun. I’m eyeing the camel Madewell pick below, but only time will tell if I can successfully pull this one off.

Knit cloches are a slightly more wearable option I’m seeing a lot of, too. One part bucket hat, one part beanie, all parts cute.

Perhaps the top-trending style of the season is anything with a bit of faux fur or shearling. It’s a good alternative to a furry coat, if that intimidates you. Paired with classic wool outerwear, these hats still give you that luxe winter look—less Abominable Snowman, more après-ski diva. I have this one from Aritzia in multiple colors.

I feel I must call attention to the sportiest hat of the moment: the fitted beanie. On me, it feels too snowboarder, but I swear it can give "Cameron Diaz in an Early 2000s Rom-Com" with the right outfit. If you also feel like the look leans a bit skullcap on you, go for one with a cuffed edge, like this style from Vince.

Historically, it’s been relatively easy to predict how Gen Z will feel about a fashion trend. If Millennials like it, Zoomers won’t. If it originated online and doubles as a quick-to-pick-up persona—a mob wife, an office siren, or insert-whatever-core-comes-next—the digitally-native generation typically embraces it. For a while, it felt like the generation’s top two style priorities were making Millennials mad and curating a digital-first identity. At least they were, until 2026.

“After years of ultra-fast micro-trends, Gen Z is showing fatigue with constant novelty and is increasingly valuing pieces that last—emotionally, stylistically, and materially,” explains Noémie Voyer, fashion lead at trend analytics platform Heuritech.

No longer driven by a knee-jerk rejection of Millennial style and now a grown-up member of the workforce in an unpredictable financial, political, and social reality, Gen Z wants clothes that provide joy and security. “Globally, fashion [in 2026] is less about rigid labels or one defining aesthetic and more about fluid self-expression, mixing personal references depending on mood, context, or community," Voyer says. "And [Gen Z] are the best at playing with that.”

To make sense of where the generation now falls on the fashion landscape, Marie Claire polled two Gen Z fashion creators, a secondhand expert at Depop, and a trend forecaster for their insights. (Full disclosure: I, Emma Childs, MC's fashion features editor, am also a ‘98-born Zoomer.) Ahead, discover the top Gen Z fashion trends for 2026, as well as the specific styles and brands they’re shopping. Across all ages, the findings below are a great lesson in self-expression balanced with functionality.

Old-Soul Sportswear

According to Gen Z, athleisure is dead. Long live athleisure.

In its place comes a more stylized take on sportswear. “Post-pandemic habits remain embedded but are now translated into more polished, intentional silhouettes rather than overt loungewear,” says Voyer. Or, as Ruby Lyn, a Gen Z social media star with a combined audience of over 1.2 million followers, puts it, the generation is still wearing workout wear, but “not in a matching-set kind of way—in a ‘90’s-celeb-grocery-run way.”

In action, the trend looks like athletic essentials paired with tailored, everyday items. (Think: track jackets with denim and striped rugby shirts with kitten heels.) Gen Z is also leading a vintage sportswear revival, "which reflects a taste for comfort, style, and cultural relevance,” says Steve Dool, the senior director of brand and creative at Depop. To quantify it: Searches for "vintage Lululemon" are up 1,689 percent on Depop, as are those for "upcycled jerseys" (up 233 percent), "skiwear" (up 228 percent), and "bike shorts" (up 133 percent).

Modern Uniforms

In 2026, “consistency becomes the new flex,” says Dool. “Amid decision fatigue, economic tension, and digital noise, people are turning to dependable, neutral staples with sharp tailoring, boxy knits, and workwear classics as a way to express taste through repetition rather than constant reinvention.”

Sarahbelle Kim, a Zoomer content creator and buying trainee at Bloomingdale's, sees this specific Gen Z shift as a side effect of the flattening trend cycle. “Things that were once niche have become viral fodder (e.g., Margiela Tabis), and the recycling of aesthetics and the internet's tendency to rapidly tire of them will eventually force us to reckon with what it means to have a personal relationship with style. Functionality in clothing—ample pockets, compartments, etc.—will be appreciated as we go forward, perhaps cutting through some of the noise.”

Expect to see the generation in timeless, easy-to-rewear items, including utility jackets, quarter zips, and button-down shirts they can don to their corporate 9-to-5s, as well as balloon pants that are easy to move in. The H&M Group brand Cos particularly excels here, with Depop searches for it spiking over 696 percent.

Mad Hatter

2026 is the year Gen Z goes all-in on “crazy, funky, junky hats,” to quote The Wizards of Waverly Place, one of the many Disney shows it was raised on. As Voyer notes, hats are low-lift additions with personality and flair, an easy win for a generation hyper-focused on individuality.

The trend forecaster adds that Gen Z is also increasingly reaching for vintage-inspired hats, “as retro and familiar references are used less as irony and more as reassurance in a context of economic, social, and digital instability.”

Kim confirms Voyer’s point by highlighting the pillbox hat trend, part of fashion’s overall “return to ‘50s sensibilities.” Additionally, Lyn endorses paperboy caps, while Voyer adds fur and knit hats in “cute, retro, Wes Anderson-esque shapes” to the list.

2010s Revival

A noticeable shift from its known ire against styles that Millennials feel fondly for, Gen Z has endorsed “the swagalicious return of the 2010s,” as Kim describes it. The generation used to call skinny jeans cringe, but now they’re cool in an irreverent Addison Rae kind of way. (Searches for “skinny jeans” spiked 131 percent on Depop over the last year.)

Dool adds that Ed Hardy, original Hollister pieces (especially those babydoll-style tops that peaked around 2012), and JNCO jorts have become highly sought after on the secondhand platform. Kim also anticipates an “explosion of turquoise, pastel grunge, studded accessories, fringe, chunky heels, and bandage dresses"—all styles that defined the era as well as Kesha and mustache motifs did.

Everyday Ceremony

As the younger generation reckons with real-life responsibilities, it’s leaving behind extreme displays of self-expression for more subtle ones.

“People are dressing purposefully, using bold and tailored pieces to make everyday routines feel special,” says Dool, shouting out specific styles like military jackets, structured blazers, metallic skirts, statement jewelry, and kitten heels.

Lyn expects "more structured basics to also have a moment this year, whether it’s shoulder pads or intentional tapering to accentuate the body, as a fun and easy way to spice up an outfit without doing too much."

Voyer adds “cowl plunge tops” and “cape tops" to that list, noting that Heuirtech has observed that both styles have steadily grown in popularity over the years, particularly among people aged 16 to 25, and will continue to surge in the next 12 months.

Curated Hodgepodge

Sofia Richie Grainge’s flavor of quiet luxury used to have a firm hold on Gen Z, but the less-is-best approach has officially lost its luster. Among her fellow Zoomers, Kim has observed “a fatigue of neutrals and a craving for things that jolt us from the slop" and "people resonating with craftier, playful styles.” She pinpoints intricate textures and embellishments, such as boas, fringe, and tassels, as coming strongly into play. Personally inspired by Dries Van Noten’s Fall 2025 show, with its ornate, colorful tassels as decorative touches, Kim is now wearing her college graduation honor cords as accessories.

Lyn sees this movement towards handmade touches and textiles as a rejection of TikTok’s favorite “clean girl aesthetic”. “I think the idea of being the perfect, productive, Pilates princess is finally being let go this year,” she says. “Don’t get me wrong—if that's your life and it works for you, that’s great. But I appreciate the sentiment that we each have our own method to our madness, and nobody is perfect.”

A distressed pair of blue jeans or artisan-made crochet top gets this message across well.

Why Trust Us

Emma Childs is Marie Claire’s fashion features editor with nearly a decade of experience in the fashion industry. She focuses on in-depth trend reports and stories covering the intersection of style and human-interest storytelling. She spoke with two Gen Z fashion creators, one trend forecaster, and one secondhand expert to compile this roundup of 2026 Gen Z fashion trends.

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

I’ve always had a mild rebellious streak when it comes to fashion rules. I grew up with references to Emily Post on what was "appropriate" to wear, and while I wanted to comply and be a "good girl"—I really did—ever-present was this need to do what felt right for me, not just because someone said so. Wearing white jeans after Labor Day was one of those "inappropriates", treated like a fairweather friend and ushered out once the leaves turned. But if you tell me I can’t wear something in a particular season, suddenly, it becomes the only thing I want to reach for.

For a long time, at least in my neck of the woods, white jeans conjured up a very specific visual: Nantucket summer, crisp blue and white striped shirts, preppy flats, and a Nantucket Lightship Basket swinging from a well-tanned elbow. Lovely, yes, but limiting. (Truth be told, I don’t think I’ve personally worn white jeans during the summer months since 2010.) But during winter, on the other hand…that's when the denim trend can really shine.

White denim takes on a whole new personality in the winter. It becomes sharper, cooler, and more intentional. Against gray skies and early sunsets, white jeans act like a sartorial light switch, brightening even the most dreary of January days. They’re a helpful tool to break up the monotonous sea of black that can inevitably creep into our wardrobes by mid-season.

The key to winterizing white jeans lies in contrast and texture. Think: chunky knits in oatmeal, charcoal, or camel. You want sweaters with weight and tonality, like layers of cashmere and cotton, and belts to add depth and intentionality.

High contrast can also be found in black overcoats, black Oxford loafers, silver buckled belts, and chocolate suede slouchy handbags. As the weather begins to ease, white jeans are also the perfect transitional denim to wear with pale celadon, cerulean blues, and that cool suede jacket you’ve been itching to wear since October.

Ultimately, wearing white jeans in winter is about optimism. It signals confidence, a willingness to defy tired fashion rules, and a belief that style doesn’t have to hibernate just because the weather drops. In the darkest months of the year, they offer a little visual light. And sometimes, that’s exactly what getting dressed should do.

Keep scrolling to peruse and shop some of my favorite pairs of white jeans to wear.

Ever since I was a kid, I've been a self-proclaimed basics hater. Minimalist staples have their place, but why would I buy a plain black bag when I can buy one covered in bubble studs? Typically, the more simplistic the design, the less interested I feel—until, that is, I'm scrolling through the Cos website.

It's at this point that all my previously held dispositions go straight out the window. Suddenly, I'm in the market for a capsule wardrobe, and Mary-Kate Olsen is my personal fashion muse.

Naturally, as I began researching this story, my appetite for streamlined basics returned in full force, leaving me positively ravenous for plain black trousers and crisp button-downs. Thankfully for my closet, the Super Bowl of shopping for chic fashion finds is only days away.

Cos officially begins marking down its famously streamlined product offerings in honor of Black Friday, a few days ahead of the biggest shopping weekend of the year. The brand will take 25 percent off select styles starting the Friday after Thanksgiving and rolling through the weekend—in stores, that is. If there was ever a time to invest in basics, it's now.

Shop COS’s Black Friday Sale

A small and dainty triangle scarf is all it takes to look like you’ve got your life figured out—at least that's what I've learned from watching tastemakers tease their cold-weather style lately while Mother Nature flirts on the cusp of winter.

Everywhere I turn, I see a triangle-shaped knit scarf. I log onto Slack and see MC’s fashion news desk covering Kendall Jenner, Dakota Johnson, and Hailey Bieber going Babushka mode in knit neckerchieves. I open Instagram to find my fellow fashion editors calling &Daughter’s $300 cashmere foulard the ultimate outfit-finisher. I go for a walk down my Brooklyn block and see an impeccably dressed woman with a woolly triangle draped effortlessly over her coat, pushing a stroller with another kid in tow, and yet, somehow, looking unfrazzled and unbothered. (What's her secret? Meditation? Prozac? Or could it be her crafty-chic cashmere scarf?)

We're a month out from the official start of winter, yet the best triangle scarves have already emerged as an ubiquitous seasonal trend. They possess that kind of instant It magic I've only seen twice in recent memory: last year's barn jacket explosion and, two Septembers ago, when The Row made grown adults miss the jelly sandals they wore as '90s babies.

The popularity of knit triangle scarves isn't surprising considering they're a natural evolution of the silk ones that It girls wore all summer. The latter were a tool to look put-together—to exude the vibe of someone who uses "summer" as a verb and doesn't stress over layman issues like meal prepping or electricity bills. Triangle scarves are just the winter-proof version.

Moreover, the winterized triangle scarves possess the two necessary components for a fireball trend: style and practicality in equal measure. Similar to a vintage-inspired hair scarf or a silk bandana worn as a belt around the waist, they're a one-and-done accent that adds an elegant touch to any outfit. At the same time, the cozy knit triangle keeps your neck warm and winter winds at bay, without the bulk of a blanket scarf. Form and function—check and check.

That said, triangle scarves aren't a new trend. Designer brands like Toteme and CFDA award-winning The Row have sold the style for several seasons now, typically rendered in pure cashmere and averaging around $600. We're just now seeing the mainstream market's adoption of it, with isosceles-shaped scarves showing up at go-to retailers like Cos and Madewell, as well as fashion-girl favorites like Paloma Wool and Almina Concept (the brand responsible for Jenner's knit neckerchief of choice).

Worn loosely over your shoulders or tied tightly under your chin, as a color pop with a "main character" coat or as a neutral layer over a trench, the best triangle scarves are a low-effort, high-reward outfit hack. Ahead, you'll find more styles on my winter radar, as well as some styling ideas to replicate in the hopes of looking as chic as my scarf-wearing neighbor.

Shop More Triangle Scarves

How to Style a Triangle Scarf

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.

Every so often, one item swoops in out of nowhere and becomes inescapable. Last year, it was the humble barn jacket. In 2025, Cos’s knitwear is taking on the mantle of the must-have of season. Don’t take my word for it: The Q3 edition of the Lyst Index just dropped, and the retailer's Chunky Cashmere Sweater was named one of the top 10 hottest products of the moment.

Every quarter, Lyst digs into the data of 160 million shoppers to generate a ranking of the hottest fashion brands and products of that period. Cos sits in third place on the former, coming in behind Saint Laurent and Miu Miu. (It rose up four spots compared to the last Lyst Index, buoyed by its see-now-buy-now Autumn-Winter 2025 runway show at New York Fashion Week and seeing a 147% increase in searches this quarter.) It made the cut on the latter, too, with its best-selling Chunky Cashmere Sweater also coming in third place on the “Hottest Products” lineup, right behind classic black Havanias flip-flops (which senior editor Halie LeSavage attributed to “The Copenhagen Effect” in our Slack channel this morning) and a pair of soft burgundy Saint Laurent loafers.

It's not the first time Cos' knitwear cracks Lyst's top 10 hottest products: The same cashmere sweater came in #5 on the Q4 2024 ranking. Still, there’s been more chatter around the retailer's knit selection as of late, especially in the Marie Claire offices: Editor in chief Nikki Ogunnaike highlighted Cos in her most recent sweater-focused edition of her shopping newsletter, Self Checkout.

As a self-proclaimed cashmere enthusiast, I've had my eye on several sweaters from Cos. It’s my job to have my finger on the fashionable pulse, and this is one collection I'm (already) obsessed with. Keep scrolling to join our sartorial hive mind. Now you can splurge on a new find knowing it's recommended not just by editors, but also by millions of shoppers across the web.

Shop Cos Cashmere, Below

One thing about me? I love a sweater. Specifically, I love a cashmere sweater. I like to invest in a new one every year, and am always on the lookout for a new favorite. So, when Cos dropped its cashmere-heavy Autumn/Winter 2025 collection, my ears perked up.

The knits were some of my favorite pieces on the brand's Autumn/Winter runway show during New York Fashion Week. The full Cos cashmere collection just launched, and it's the perfect reason to go shopping. I'm continuing my obsession by picking up a few knits (before they sell out, that is).

The Cos cashmere collection has styles in shades like navy (which I prefer to wear with black, despite how controversial that might be), slate gray, chocolate brown, and a warm cream hue perfect for replacing the summer whites in your wardrobe. It includes a few cardigans, trendy polo-style knits, and lush accessories like hoods, gloves, and a few layerable cashmere scarves—basically all the modern It Girl essentials.

So, if you're a fan of elevated basics that you can wear with everything from now until spring weather peaks through, keep scrolling. I found every chic cashmere knit you could ever want.

As a true minimalist, I rely on basics for my day-to-day outfits. That being said, I refuse to look boring. I need all of my elevated basics to have that cool factor, whether they have an interesting detail or come in a trendy color. Naturally, Cos is one of my favorite retailers to shop when I need to stock up on New Yorker-approved fall essentials, and it just so happens that the retailer is having a major sale—just in time for my mid-season refresh.

Cos's mid-season event is a gold mine of chic minimalist basics at up to 40 percent off. There are all kinds of sweaters on sale, from trendy knits like sweater vests to cozy (yet stylish!) cardigans to cozy up in. I also spotted polished T-shirts, button-down shirts, and jackets that will work for every occasion.

A trendy plaid shirt straight off the runway from Cos' Autumn/Winter collection was even included in the selection. With a sale as well-stocked as this one, I wasn't shocked when my shopping cart became packed with finds after just a few minutes of scrolling.

For a complete rundown on the Cos finds that are actually worth shopping during its rare sale, keep scrolling. The under-$200 pieces below made it to my cart and will surely become the building blocks of all my minimalist fall outfits.

The first time I went to Paris as a kid, one of the biggest things that stood out to me—and has stuck with me over the years—was how differently the women wore sweaters. I saw sweaters wrapped around necks, heads, and waists, and double and triple-layered. They were multi-functional but also elegant in the most relaxed way. They added an element of texture and color while also reinforcing the image I had of Parisians: always effortlessly chic!

Now, in 2025, the fashion scene seems to be catching on to the sweater as more than a practical layer or something to throw on as an afterthought. It's now a star accessory, draped, tied, and slung low around the hips, serving form as much as function. Think: luxe cashmeres, chunky ribs, or collegiate stripes, and knits chosen specifically to clash or complement an outfit.

I especially love how a sweater tied around the waist can reshape a silhouette. It has the ability to cinch in an oversized button-down or break up the monochrome of a matching set. Thick-gauge sweaters can add volume at the hips, while a fine-gauge cashmere can add a loose and relaxed drape. I also love how a sweater worn around the waist can be the pop of color usually reserved for bags and shoes.

I found it especially useful during New York Fashion Week, when I styled a dark green, bias-cut slip skirt from TWP with a pale blue Oxford shirt from the same brand, topped off with a cashmere sweater in a soft aloe tone, knotted at the waist. The effect was a blend of laid-back polish and tonal sophistication.

That same sweater also proved its versatility, lending an autumnal edge to an otherwise summery piece, Zara’s lace-trimmed silk shorts.

And for the women dashing from drop-offs to sideline duty at after-school sports, there’s something effortlessly elevated about a waffle-knit sweat set from Mate the Label, finished with a sweater (or two) tied at the waist.

On a warm Sunday afternoon during New York Fashion Week, in an austere, industrial space in Brooklyn's Greenpoint neighborhood, Cos debuted its latest Autumn/Winter collection. Comprised of the label's signature neutral hues like navy blue, slate gray, and black, it proved that sticking to the basics sometimes is best. Prepare to see it everywhere (once the weather cools down).

I, for one, will be starting by stocking up on Cos's new array of sweaters. The brand has become known for its knitwear collection in recent years, and this new collection was chock-full of it. Models styled trendy polo picks in shades of preppy light gray and elongated maroon options cinched at the waist by dainty black leather belts.

However, I was most impressed by the sheer variety of different jacket styles included. Classic wool iterations were styled with casual-cool scarves or collars high enough to hide behind on an early morning coffee run. Other, edgier finds were made from sturdy-looking leather and shiny satin.

Even the most dramatic pieces—in this case, a blue-gray faux fur coat with an exaggerated hip-length silhouette and another massive beige fringed number that dropped nearly to the floor—felt off-duty cool. The reason? It was styled with a pair of coordinating leggings and glove boots, in the case of the former, and tan suede sneakers with the latter.

When there was a break from the monochrome, it still felt well within the minimalist capsule wardrobe that Cos had created. One look from early on the show combined a skin-tight turtleneck and a wrap skirt in two different plaid patterns. Regardless, both were crafted in the same maroon and tan color palette.

"Contrasting plaids might seem advanced," says senior fashion news editor Halie LeSavage, who chose a plaid skirt to wear on the day of the show.

"This look convinced me I can pull it off, if I juxtapose the size of the print while staying in the same color family. I already own this skirt and wore it to shows with a plain purple polo—now I'm ready to pattern play," she says.

Other favorites of hers included a look featuring the aforementioned cape coat and a silky midi skirt, which was also from early in the collection. "Look two embodied the sort of everyday drama I'm after in real life," she says. "A cape coat and a satin skirt are only two pieces, but together, they make a moment. I'd pair mine with knee-high black leather boots or a sparkly Alaïa flat." Chic!

If you, too, are ready to become a chic Cos girl this fall, keep scrolling. Ahead, I shopped the new-in collection for you and pulled out the must-have pieces. They're bound to sell out quickly despite the near eighty-degree temperatures in New York right now. Take this as your sign to get ahead of the curve—and look like you just attended fashion week.

Last summer, I fell victim to the capsule wardrobe craze. I donated or sold almost everything I owned in favor of a tightly curated edit. However, it has left me with a neutral-hued summer closet that is severely lacking in some key areas. The bottom line? I’m bored with my clothes. So, I turned to Cos's summer sale to break my capsule wardrobe habit for good.

I turn to Cos in these moments because the brand has mastered the art of elevated basics. I feel cooler and chicer every time I reach for a piece from the collection. I’m taking advantage of the summer sale, which offers shoppers up to 50 percent off, to stock up on my favorite finds.

I scrolled through nearly 800 products to find 25 items that I would wear tomorrow (and for the rest of the summer). Some of these are warm-weather essentials, like flowy summer dresses and comfy ballet flats. Others reflect the biggest summer color trends. Either way, these are the finds worth purchasing. Ahead, check out everything I have my eye on.

Getting dressed in the sweltering heat is the bane of my existence. My trick for tackling the season is to rely on easy, one-and-done summer dresses to create a healthy rotation of cute outfits. Now that hot sunny days are the norm, I could use a refresh of my dress collection, but I won't be breaking my budget to do so.

Instead of racking up my credit card on a designer style, I'll be turning to tried-and-true affordable retailers, including Aritzia, Cos, and Mango, for wallet-friendly summer dresses. Between the three brands, I've built a long wishlist of dresses in summer's top color trends, prints, and silhouettes that work for every upcoming event I have on my calendar. Better yet, the rich-looking dresses below are budget-friendly with a price tag of $150 and under.

Ahead, find my favorite summer dresses from Aritzia, Cos, and Mango for your shopping pleasure. From rooftop hangs and al-fresco happy hours to summer weddings and weekend brunch, I've got your outfit for any warm-weather occasion covered.

COS has quickly become one of my favorite places to shop. The range consists of elevated, easy-to-style picks that make me feel instantly put-together. So, I’m obviously shopping its massive Friends and Family Sale—and I've made you the perfect edit in the process.

The brand is offering 25 percent off the entire site right now, including new arrivals, when you apply the code “COSFRIEND” at checkout, with a few exclusions. Luckily, some options I’ve had my eye on (as well as others I already own and love) are included in the discounted selection. There are the barrel-legged cargo pants I’ve worn every week since I bought them, the cobalt blue mesh flats that have changed my mind on the trend, and plenty of elegant tops that serve as easy swaps for the wardrobe basics I’ve worn all winter. The sale runs until April 2, so I recommend checking out the deals now before they sell out.

I scrolled through nearly 1,000 items to compile this list of 24 absolute must-haves. Read on for my edit—and thank me later for all the compliments you’re about to receive.

If I can share one insider secret with you, it’s this: Keep an eye on COS. The brand has long been my secret weapon for finding elevated-looking basics at an affordable price point. It's also my secret weapon for tapping into the quiet luxury look dominating the runways at New York Fashion Week.

Its new drop is proof. It’s full of lust-worthy jackets, dreamy knits, and luxe-looking layer-able staples that will improve your everyday winter and early spring outfits. The entire range is also available in neutral hues like navy, cream, and black, with a few trending colors and textures sprinkled in—like fringe and suede, which were both popular on the runways this season.

Keep scrolling to shop 25 pieces that I would buy if I had unlimited closet space. I own a few of these picks, too, so you know they’re good. Plus, everything is under $300.

Historically, flannel shirts are for woodsy lumberjacks and grunge heads whose style is stuck in the 1990s. Outdoorsmen will recommend shopping the thermal button-down at labels like Carhartt and L.L. Bean, while grungers are wearing the same shirts from when they saw Nirvana back in ‘93.

But if you ask the fashion set, they’ll paint a different picture. They'll tell you flannel shirt outfits are a regular sight in downtown Manhattan and at fashion week, worn by a lady running weekend errands while embodying quiet luxury and by models on Chanel runways (slash subway platforms). They’ll point out celebrity It girls like Jennifer Lawrence and Katie Holmes have co-opted the humble plaid shirt—only theirs typically have not-so-humble price tags.

Those same fashion know-it-alls will likely leave you with this tip: Now's the time to buy a flannel shirt. The style is trending this winter—up 13 percent from last year, according to Style Analytics—and on track to stay the course, with brands like Celine, Tod's, and Victoria Beckham all showing fashion flannels in their Spring 2026 collections.

What's behind the great flannel shirt rebrand of 2025? As many recent fashion trends do, this one traces back to The Row: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen opened their brand's Spring 2025 collection with a red and blue tartan shirt paired with smart front-pleated trousers and open-toed flat sandals. They flipped the script on flannels, presenting them as a simple, laidback staple that exudes the level of luxury The Row is known for. (The brand’s coveted cotton Nesson shirt retailed for $1,290, and is now sold out across retailers.)

Cut to now, and the fashion-ification of flannel shirts has hit the mainstream. Retailers like Cos, Doên, and Aritzia, and cult-favorite labels like Kallmeyer, TWP, and Tibi, sell their own riffs on flannel shirts in Winter 2026's top color trends, each making for a smart swap for your old button-down shirt.

Shopping-wise, you're all set with the hard-working shirt trend. But what about styling the flannel once it's in your possession? What do you pair with the outdoorsy staple to exude 'cool girl bopping around town' and not 'woodsman chopping down timber'?

Below is a round-up of 10 luxe-leaning flannel outfits for you to recreate this season and keep in your rotation for spring, too. Sourced from Fashion Month street style, the celebrity fashion circuit, and our favorite recent runway looks, not a single look below falls into lumberjack territory.

As a Graphic Layer

Michael Rider's Celine Spring 2026 debut had fashion folks buzzing. There were shirt sandwiches in complementary colors, silk scarves draped over shoulders in a French-girl fashion, and flannel shirts strategically layered as blink-and-you'll-miss-it graphic elements. The latter styling tip is what we're here to discuss today: You can achieve the playful pop of print with any flannel shirt you desire, as long as you pull its cuffs and collar out and over your top layer.

A Casual-Chic Combo

Behold, your new outfit idea for bleary Saturday mornings when you have a day of to-dos ahead of you. This Paris Fashion Week show-goer used a chocolate brown flannel shirt as the foundation of a nonchalant, predominantly neutral look. Cargo pants and a gray crewneck fashion sweatshirt (yes, that's a trend, too) round out the rest of the relaxed outfit.

A Tonal Palette

Pick a slightly out-of-the-box fashion trend, and there's Jennifer Lawrence, wearing it around New York City's Tribeca and making it look aspirational, interesting, and easy to recreate. Last February, the actress gave fashion's flannel shirt rebrand an early co-sign, styling a robin's egg blue top with coordinating navy separates. Take a cue from Lawrence and commit to a tonal color palette when styling the plaid shirt.

A Color-Pop Flannel Shirt

A pinkish-red and white flannel, peering out from under a leather jacket and paired with split trousers, was a standout look on Coperni's Spring 2026 runway. It was a simple but effective lesson on an outfit color pop: All you need is a neutral base (a black cami and coordinating trousers, for instance) and one bright element, like a fun flannel, to add contrast.

A Plaid Shacket

Reliably cozy and dual-purpose—flannel shackets, like Paloma Elsesser's ketchup-and-mustard-colored overshirt, are smart additions to your closet when an all-brown suede jacket feels a bit boring. When the weather allows, wear it open with a white tank and a simple, sleek pair of tailored trousers. Or, on winter days when you need a more substantial outer layer, as a graphic touch peering out from underneath (refer back to the first Celine outfit as an example).

Flannel on Flannel

This look from Tod's Spring 2026 show is a solid reference for those who dare flannel-on-flannel. A rule of thumb when piling on multiple prints is to pay close attention to the colors, making sure they coordinate, complement, and don't overwhelm the eye. As evidenced here, black, off-white, and camel, which are similar yet different minimal neutrals, work well.

A Dark and Subdued Flannel

Another unexpected choice that's more intriguing than a standard flannel shirt outfit is a dark-toned print. Not only will it stand out in a sea of fire-engine-red flannels, but it also achieves that effortless chicness of an all-black look that New Yorkers swear by. Try a cropped jacket in black and gray plaid with pants made of thick tweed or wool and a small-but-mighty kitten heel.

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Kick it back to Kurt Cobain with an homage to the '90s fashion era with a flannel shirt that features a crafty DIY touch—like this ombre option, embellished with silver studs and distressed studs. Leather trousers up the grunge ante.

A Ladylike Spin

Alternatively, you can lean into more feminine stylings—exhibit A: a teal flannel with a structural A-line midi skirt and cap-toe booties, subverting the shirt's "rugged and ready to work"connotations.

A Flannel Lady Jacket

Consider a cropped lady jacket in plaid if you want the graphic intrigue of a tartan top but crave a more feminine feel. Steal this London Fashion Week guest's style by pairing yours with high-rise blue jeans.

Balmy weather might be months away, but I’m already envisioning myself slipping into gauzy essentials like flowy white dresses, wide-leg linen pants, and barely-there tank tops. I’m also daydreaming about what sort of fresh Spring 2025 trends I'll test-drive as temperatures begin to rise. And while there are a slew of runway-inspired styles to choose from, I’ve got my sights set on several looks that are already reaching full bloom.

Spotted across a handful of designer collections during the latest Fashion Week circuit, these trends have since made their way into the broader market, where they’re available at a range of brands, including COS, Mango, and Reformation. Oh, and not to mention, these retailers are all hosting major sales right now (which means the most coveted springtime styles are totally affordable). At COS, shoppers can enjoy up to 60 percent off select items. Meanwhile, both Mango and Reformation are offering 70 percent off a variety of clothing and accessories.

Ahead, I’ve curated a list of six Spring 2025 trends that deserve a prime spot in your wardrobe—from nautical-esque pieces to those that boast more of a boho-chic flair. I’d recommend you grab these discounted items now before it’s too late.

Bohemian Craze

During the Spring 2025 runway shows, labels including Chloé, Isabel Marant, and Fendi traveled back in time by way of bohemian pieces like earth-toned outerwear, free-spirited dresses, and suede accessories. Embrace this retro vibe with the following styles that look like they’ve been pulled straight from the ‘70s.

Gentle Power Dressing

While designers championed sharp suit sets during the Fall 2024 fashion week circuit, they’re taking a softer approach this season with delicate workwear (think blazers with rounded shoulders, tailored trousers with loose-fitting constructions, and free-flowing skirts that move with each step). Consider your rotation of spring work outfits complete.

Upscale Athleisure

This year, brands like Tory Burch and Lacoste suggest elevating your athleisure outfits with fitted zip-up jackets, sleek sweatpants, and sophisticated sweatshirts that cosplay as sweaters. And while you’re at it, take the polarizing capri pants trend for a spin (these cropped leggings are poised to make a resurgence once again).

A Maritime Moment

Across the runways of Prada, Simone Rocha, and Miu Miu, coastal-inspired fashion made quite the splash. There were Breton sweaters fit for professional sailors, mesh ballet flats that appeared as though they were stitched with fishing nets and clothing drenched in ocean-like hues. Take a plunge into the trend with the items below.

Plaid Aplenty

Move over florals—there’s a new springtime pattern in town. It’s plaid! While this checked print is certainly a fall-and-winter favorite, brands such as Bottega Veneta and Sacai prove that it can also be worn during the warmer months. Do just that with breezy garments plastered in plaid—like dresses, tops, blazers, and even bikini sets.

Prim and Proper

It appears the ladylike dressing trend is still going strong as we make our way through 2025. Several designers demonstrated a demure attitude with collared jackets, powdery pink frocks, and polished tweed sets. Channel your inner Jackie Kennedy and elevate your closet with refined separates.

As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I know a thing or do about how we dress here in the Big Apple. We gravitate toward neutrals (read: black, white, and gray) and classic silhouettes with trendy touches. That’s why I know we’ll all be wearing pieces from COS’s new autumn collection this fall.

The capsule debuted on the runway at New York Fashion Week and is live now on COS’s website. It's full of elevated fall essentials in classic shades, alongside a few of fall 2024's biggest color trends, like burgundy. It doesn't hurt that other popular colors this season include brown and gray, hues also heavily featured within the collection. Pantone swatches aside, the just-landed assortment includes plenty of classic transitional pieces perfect for layered outfits, like fall-ready jackets and coats, cozy yet chic cashmere cardigans, and tailored vests.

But that doesn’t mean the collection is full of basics, either. There is an assortment of trendier pieces, like Katie Holmes-approved barrel-leg jeans, two-tone trench coats, and a scarf-style jacket that looks closer to a warm wool blanket than a piece of outerwear. To be clear, I mean this positively.

This all goes to say that you shouldn’t be surprised when every New Yorker (myself included) is spotted in something from COS in a month. Now is your chance to get ahead of the curve and shop the new drop before it sells out.

But don’t worry about scrolling through the dozens of pages in the brand’s “new in” section—I found 23 pieces I would add to my fall wardrobe if I didn’t have a budget. But if you do have a budget this season, everything I found costs less than $500. Keep scrolling for all of my editor-approved finds.

As a fashion editor, it’s my job to scour the streets for the latest trends. Luckily, I live in New York, so there’s trendy outfit inspiration on nearly every corner. Recently, I’ve noticed that savvy city dwellers are wearing low-key fall essential-type pieces anchored in sophistication (think crisp button-down shirts, flowy tailored trousers, and dainty ballet flats). Given that I have a taste for minimalism, I’m ready to fill my shopping cart with everything I need to master the look right now. Here's the good news: All of the pieces I want to buy are on sale for Labor Day at J.Crew, Madewell, and COS.

I like to buy a few new pieces ahead of each new season, but I shop within reason—my style is classic. So, I turn to all three retailers when I want to update my closet ahead of a new season because they all have mastered that elevated vibe I gravitate towards, and they have not let me down this season. Case in point: Each sale section is chock-full of fall's trendiest colors that don't look so of the moment that I won't be able to wear them in a year or two. Plus, the prices are too good to pass up—my entire shopping list is going for less than $250 right now.

There are thousands of deals across all three retailers, so I’ve perused each site so that you don’t have to. Ahead, discover a curated edit of low-key items that will give you that effortless New York edge and get all of the details on the sales you should be shopping for ahead of the new season.

Shop Trending On-Sale Pieces at J.Crew

J.Crew's Long Weekend Sale Event is giving shoppers 40 percent off site-wide (with a few exclusions). My picks include a great tailored vest, the perfect black blazer, and a pair of slingback heels that you can wear everywhere. The sale is running through Tuesday, September 3. That means you can shop New Yorker-approved pieces like trench coats and slip skirts for less.

Shop Trending On-Sale Pieces at Madewell

Madewell is running a few sales right now. You can score an extra 40 percent off of existing sale pieces. The brand is also offering 25 percent off fall essentials—like sweater dresses, straight-leg jeans, and more—and a whopping extra 50 percent off select on-sale denim.

Shop Trending On-Sale Pieces at COS

COS is running different sales based on your spending over the Labor Day weekend. If you spend $150 or more, you save 15 percent. If you spend $250 or more, you get 20 percent off. Finally, if you spend $350 or more, you'll save 30 percent. Every discount is accessible with the code "SHOPFALL" in your cart. Ahead, I found 10 pieces (mostly in neutral hues, plus one electric blue pick) for less than $250, with most under $200.