Welcome to Let’s Get a Room, a series where editor Eliza Huber heads to the dressing room to try on pieces from your favorite retailers, buzzy items, and new collections. Think of this column as a detailed guide to the pieces that are actually worth buying and the ones that, unfortunately, looked better online—no returns necessary.
I know it’s common knowledge now that COS is the perfect affordable equivalent to brands like The Row, but I want to make it clear that I’ve been saying this for years and as such have been relying on the Swedish fashion brand for expensive-looking, chic, and reliable wardrobe items for just as long. Whether I need something to wear for an event or just a restock on white T-shirts, without thinking twice, I go to COS.
The latter was exactly what I went into the brand’s Kings Cross store in London for a few weeks back. I was traveling there for a few days and in need of a crisp, makeup-free white tee to wear to dinner, but while I was in the store, I stumbled across so many covetable finds, from elegant slip dresses to cool red separates. Having only brought a carry-on that was already jam-packed, I couldn’t exactly go in on the selection like I wanted to, which is how I ended up heading to SoHo upon my arrival back in New York to right my wrong. Below, check out the damage I did in COS’s four-story townhome, trying on at least 25 new summer arrivals before settling on the best 14. Trust me, these aren’t the sorts of finds you want to scroll past.
I had spotted this layered pencil skirt in London and then researched it online, knowing that I had to try it on IRL when I got back to NYC, and I’m so glad I did. The material feels immaculate, and the layered effect adds a cool and different look to it that only adds to its appeal. Online, there’s a matching layered tank, but the SoHo store didn’t have any available in my size, so I got creative and paired it with my favorite item that I tried on all morning, this red spaghetti-strap rib-knit top. The fit on it is impeccable—I loved it so much, in fact, that I got it in two colors and plan to pack both for my Paris trip this week.
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COS
Strappy Rib-Knit Bandeau
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Layered Knitted Skirt
This was the last look I tried on before heading to the register having not seen the skirt before my initial trip to the dressing room. I always do one last scan before leaving a store, and this fitted silhouette caught my eye in the corner of the top floor. I’d already pulled this equally perfect bubble blouse but couldn’t think of what to style it with until I stumbled across the skirt, so it really was kismet. As it turns out, this was probably my favorite pairing of everything I tried on. Classic, elegant, and timeless—I can imagine wearing this look to fashion week events, cocktail parties, and so much more in 2024, 2025, and beyond.
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COS
Tailored Linen-Blend Maxi Skirt
These pants have been on my radar for a while now after spotting them online, but they sold out so quickly that I never even imagined being able to see them in person. Luckily, the SoHo location had a ton of sizes available, so naturally, I snagged a pair in my size and ran to the dressing room. First off, they’re super slouchy and relaxed, so if you like that silhouette, these are going to become a fast favorite for you. The drawstring at the waist is great for adjusting the size as well as the part of your waist or hips where you want them to sit. On their own, these bottoms are a stellar find, but together with the matching denim garment-dyed shirt, you can’t lose.
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COS
Garment-Dyed Resort Shirt
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Wide-Leg Drawstring Denim Trousers
This is not a $150 dress. This could be a $1500 dress. If you have a wedding to go to at literally any point in the next year, whether it’s in the summertime or the dead of winter, this is the dress you should be wearing. The fit is gorgeous, the fabric is luxe and high-quality, and the little tie in the back allows you to adjust the way it falls on the body to ensure it sits perfectly on you.
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COS
Tie-Detail Satin Midi Dress
As much as I love a dress or skirt moment, my comfort zone is always going to be baggy jeans and a big poplin shirt. I honestly don’t love a standard poplin button-down, though, as I always struggle to find ones in the right material with the right fit. Instead, I always opt for pullover, relaxed options. They’re great for summer and make for a super-easy, comfortable outfit that still looks chic every time. For that reason, I had to take this resort-style pullover shirt home with me. The jeans, called the Tide jeans, are just as elite, with a perfect blue wash and a super-relaxed fit.
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COS
Short-Sleeved Resort Shirt
I’m a sucker for a pair of slouchy white linen pants. They’re simply the best, especially for a hot summer day when you still need to look put together and sleek despite the heat. I styled this great pair with a brand-new COS red sleeveless top with a subtle cowl neck, draped fit, and side cutouts. The fabric on it was super elevated—stretchy but still structured somehow. I highly recommend it.
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COS
Cowl-Neck Gathered Sleeveless Top
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Straight-Leg Tailored Linen Pants
This sheer, champagne-colored polo caught my eye from across the store when I stopped in the other day. The fabric is really cooling and nice for a hot day, so if you don’t mind that it’s very sheer, I think it’s a must. (I should—I did go home with it, after all.) I kept the styling here pretty simple, wearing the knit top with the same Tide jeans as earlier, showing how they look with something tucked in as opposed to something loose.
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COS
Scoop-Neck Knitted Polo Shirt
Me? Picking up a white skirt to try on? Shocker. As I type this, in fact, I’m wearing a different white poplin skirt, if that says anything about my obsession with the summer staple. This option from COS was great because it’s slightly shorter than others I’ve seen lately and has a drawstring waist that makes it adjustable and more comfortable. Plus, it has pockets! I paired it with the same red tank top, layering it on top of the skirt’s waistline, though it would be cute tucked in as well.
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Drawstring Midi Skirt
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Asymmetric Tie-Waist Silk Dress
This scarf dress sadly wasn’t available in the store I visited or else I absolutely would have tried it on.
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Toe-Post Heeled Sandals
Pair these with jeans and a baggy tee or a maxi slip dress.
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Strappy Rib-Knit Bandeau
Here’s the other color I got in the camisole—it’s just as good as the red if not better.
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Front-Pleat Mini Skirt
I was seconds away from taking this mini home with me. I especially love that it’s not a micro-mini like so many of today’s shorter skirt options. It hits right at the knee and is super structured and classic.
This strapless linen top will become your new favorite wardrobe piece, whether you style it with matching linen trousers or a silky midi skirt.
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Slim Half-Zip Wool Hoodie
This color and sporty fit combine to create the coolest piece to bring into fall.
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Voluminous Sleeveless Midi Dress
My friend has this dress and legit wore it three days in a row—it’s that good.
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Scarf-Detail Linen Dress
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Asymmetric Brooch-Detail Blouse
The gold hardware on this already stunning top puts it over the edge.
I’m so here for darker denim washes.
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Square-Toe Ballet Flats
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Asymmetric Chain-Print Midi Dress
This dress lives rent-free in my head. It gives Phoebe Philo vibes.
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Knitted Ruffled-Hem Midi Dress
This red midi dress can do no wrong in my book.
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Voluminous Parachute Blouse
Trust me, this silver, shiny fabric is even cooler IRL.
I already own at least 50 pairs of jeans, and still, I’m tempted to buy this subtle barrel-leg pair of jeans.
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Knitted Circle-Cut T-Shirt
More sheer shirts, please!
I’ll never be a hot-pants hater. Never.
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Draped Cowl-Neck Midi Dress
This color is quite Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, and I love that about it.
