Through the Racks: COS

Fall into fall with Cos basics. From left to right, a luxe cashmere turtleneck, pleated barrel-leg trousers and a lush green midi shirt dress.

By Janet Kelly

COS (an abbreviation for “collection of style”) wants dibs on your closet. The 15-year-old, London-based fashion retailer is H&M’s higher-end brand for minimalist women’s (and men’s) clothing. Founded in 2007, the label is known for its made-to-last, elevated everyday items. COS’s bread and butter pieces are separates that lean to modern, oversized silhouettes. Although a couple of colors—turquoise and yellow, for example—popped up in its fall 2023 collection, the line mostly adheres to its wheelhouse of crisp neutrals for its suits, textured knits and cozy coats.

It’s a fine place to find fall wardrobe essentials at mostly reasonable prices. Here are our faves:

In a blend of beige and off-white, COS’s wool jacket ($250, also available in black) is made with a loop knitting technique that gives this chic piece its textural look and feel.

COS veers from its usual neutrals with this funnel-neck mohair-and-merino blend tunic-style sweater (it also comes in light turquoise). File it under “dopamine dressing” and wear either as a dress or a sweater depending on your mood. It sells for $225.

For a more subtle take on the season’s Western trend, try these knee-high cowboy boots with pointed toes and stacked heels (1.57 inches), sleek enough to work with most items in your wardrobe. Padded insoles cushion feet, while rubber soles provide traction. They sell for $390.

If you haven’t already swapped your summertime straw, opt for a fall that’s fluffy and puffy with this pillowy leather quilted micro bag (14x17x.6.5cm) for $225. Freshen up black with this mood-boosting turquoise color. It also comes in a cotton fabric in lilac for $45.

Consider a barrel leg this season for your pants. Cut to accommodate wider hips and thighs, they’re tapered and cropped at the hem to create a structured shape. Also available in navy, these wool trousers have front pleats that to flatter curvier figures and won’t overwhelm shorter frames. They sell for $175.

Also trending this season are pants that flare at the hems, such as this wool pair in a navy pinstripe. They sell for $175.

Make a suit out of it by pairing the pants above with this coordinating oversize, doubled-breasted, lined wool blazer. Scrunch up the sleeves effortlessly because of elastic inserts. This style is almost sold out, though. Here’s a similar jacket.

With ruffles at the neck and on the cuffs, this ivory silk blouse can be tucked into pants or worn loose (it has a curved hem).  You choose. It sells for $225.

Neutral hues, such as this dark gray, are COS’s wheelhouse. The color also happens to be a fashion favorite this season, so stay cozy cocooning this winter in this all-cashmere, high turtleneck (it also comes in black). Pair with pale-hued jeans or contrast textures with the label’s black zip-up leather skirt. The sweater sells for $350.

Love the forest green color on Cos’s take on the classic shirt dress. With its fine-wale corduroy fabric and relaxed fit, I can imagine wearing this midi on repeat—with boots. Side pockets seal the deal; style points for rolling up the sleeves and leaving the top few buttons open. Also available in black, it sells for $135.

Like J. Crew has its Collection, COS has its limited capsule dubbed Atelier. Among its offerings is this voluminous trench coat with wide collar, a generous hood and flared sleeves. It’s made from a lightweight ripstop fabric and sells for $225. Note: the site says it’s unadorned with fastenings, which translates into you have to supply your own closure.

A shearling coat, shown on the COS fall 2023 runway during New York Fashion Week.

MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale. We are also an  Amazon Associate.