So you like COS? Me too. I recently went and purchased some real good basics my closet was in much need of. It was bound to happen after several store visits and online orders. Let’s talk about my COS haul.
COS logo in the center is a property of COS.
Fall Shopping is so important to me. I’ve written several blog posts about what to buy during transitional weather, or Fall Fashion Must Haves, and I plan on doing this every Fall. Who doesn’t want to be in sweaters and trench coats while enjoying the last days of summer glow. As I write this, it is officially the beginning of the season, so tell me what Meg Ryan movie are you watching? How many vests have you collected for this season so far?
Of all the Fall seasons I’ve shopped for, I’ve never really focused on one brand as you might have guessed from the title – COS Haul. I am also more prepared this year than ever. It started off by randomly stepping into COS on Labor Day weekend. It was incredibly well stocked in their downtown SoHo location, but there were more people in that store than all of Soho itself as they were running a sale (cashmere excluded). I managed to pick up some pieces and tried them on, but in true COS fashion, those ended up all being oversized. I knew I had to come back and size down – I don’t think I ever left a store more excited to go back and squeeze in an online shopping or two (or three). Sizing at COS can be tricky.
Of all the fast fashion stores to shop at, I really like COS. They do such a good job at making high quality pieces with a certain level of modesty – very demure, very timeless, & very Swedish.
This blog post is all about my COS Haul, where I talk about some great finds as part of the Fall/ Winter 2024 collection at COS. Enjoy!
A NOTE ON HAULS
As you can see my goal is to write about responsible fashion. I’m not a big fan of hauls and I don’t encourage people to buy things just because they are trendy items. If this is your first time stopping by, please read my blog post on downsizing your closet and underconsumption core, so you understand my approach to shopping. Maybe some of it resonates with you too.
#1 CASHMERE PIECES
The first category that caught my eye were the cashmere sweaters. They had some chunky ones on the table, crew neck, in grey, forest green and black – the style was very similar to The Row’s Ophelia sweater, without the back detail. Those are 100% cashmere and they run oversize. You need to size one size down for a good fit in my opinion. Those sold out online in all three colors during Labor Day weekend. The style is quite popular and they are quite thick. I know many people who were considering investing in The Row’s version, who went on to buy this sweater in more than one color. The only issue with chunky knitwear like this one is if you have a large chest – it will make you look bigger. But this has nothing to do with this specific sweater itself, but more so the style.
The other cashmere piece was the cashmere sweater (not chunky). This was really well made and had some nice details to it. The fit was true to size to a little loose, the material was quite thick for a cashmere sweater. This came in grey, beige, brown, and black. The black one sold out quickly online. This is quite similar to The Row’s Sibem sweater, without the back details and less oversized. I have tried both and I like COS’ version better and the fabric feels thicker too. I bought this sweater in grey, because I’m a sucker for grey knitwear, but I am also eyeing the brown, which is a mustardy brown color, and the black one if they restock.
IN COMPARISON TO THE ROW:
The Row’s Ophelia and Sibem have a mixed fabric content, they are 35% cashmere, which in comparison to COS’ sweaters fall short, as they are 100% Cashmere. I’m not a knitwear expert, but having owned and used cashmere sweaters, thickness matters. They will eventually all pill, I know for a fact The Row’s sweaters pill too. The fabric of the COS sweaters felt thicker to me for both of these sweaters, I highly recommend them. The price point may seem high, even if you’re not comparing it to The Row, but you’re buying cashmere sweaters, so yeah – worth it.
Left to Right: Cashmere Chunky Sweater and Cashmere Sweater.
Photo on the left is a property of COS, shared with permission.
#2 VESTS
After extensive self-taught strategies to control my urge to buy something I love (or think I love). I took a rain check when I saw this knit vest in this oatmeal blended color. This is the entire Fall season in a top. It runs oversize so make sure to size a size down, it’s 60% wool and 40% cashmere, so it is a blend. The price point may seem much but the color & cut are so unique, it is very well made and the details give it a high-end feel. There was no talking me out of this.
Photo is a property of COS, shared with permission.
#3 T-SHIRTS
I’m sure you didn’t need me to tell you that COS makes some great t-shirts. I needed a white t-shirt, as I wear them quite often and no matter how well you care for white tees, at one point they lose that crisp white color. These come in a variety of colors. There are a few things I love about COS tees; the length of the sleeve is not too short and not too long, perfect for fall; the thick fabric is unlike any other t-shirt I own, it isn’t see-through; the fabric composition is a 100% cotton; and finally, the high neck that sticks out of sweaters. #Goals
#4 A WOOL SET
If I’m eyeing a piece and it’s part of a matching set, you know I’m looking at both pieces. I love matching sets. There is nothing boring about them. On the contrary, I think they look very chic and interesting. You can dress them up or down with accessories and shoes. I sort of ignored this set online, as I felt I had enough on my list to purchase, but when I saw it in store I was blown away. Did someone say a vest top, a midi skirt, all in dark grey? I’m right here!
The fabric is thick and despite the 100% wool composition it felt pretty soft. The top runs quite large and if you’re planning on wearing it as modeled (without a t-shirt underneath), you might want to go two sizes down. The skirt is true to size, it is flowy – you bet I did a full twirl when I wore this last week to SoHo with heels.
#5 DRESSES
This season, I really needed simple and modest dresses I could wear in a professional setting. It’s not easy finding dresses that match your style but still check those boxes. You will never see me in a Theory corporate dress, ever. So when I see dresses that match those criteria, I don’t think too much, as I always have a need for them. I loved this dress so much, and it is very well made. The length, the quarter sleeves, the tie, and the dark navy color were all perfection in my book.
Another dress, I am contemplating on buying (maybe during the next sale?), is this long black dress. I must have seen it online and didn’t think much of it, but in store – different story. The top section is made of small pieces of fabric all twisted around and the bottom is quite flowy below the hip. Very pretty, with a slightly sheen fabric. The price point, a bit high.
Photo is a property of COS, used with permission.
#6 PANTS
Ok, COS has many beautiful trousers that have interesting fabric compositions. I don’t like wool in my pants, because first I don’t find it comfortable but second, I don’t feel like I need it as the temperatures aren’t that low in the winter here in New York City. So if these aren’t enough reasons to keep you away from shopping for these pants, they had some very interesting cuts like barrel leg, or double pleat with a tapered leg style.
I, on the other hand, opted for something completely different. Remember what Jennifer Lawrence wore all summer – loose and comfortable drawstring pants – and we felt we all needed a pair ourselves. I was on the hunt for one, especially for my travels, so when I found these in navy, I ordered them. They are a little oversize, a light fabric, and unlike the description – I found them to be straight leg, not tapered, and they are a bit cropped, which I loved. They are 96% cotton and 4% elastane.
Photo is a property of COS, used with permission.
#7 LEATHER GLOVES
Yes, I totally bought gloves on the first week of September when we had a heat wave. What can I say, you can never be too ready – or can you? These are 100% leather and 100% cashmere lined gloves. A great investment, unless you lose them – I really hope I won’t.
The burgundy was very pretty and sold out quite quickly (restocking soon); the black ones are still available and probably more classic; and then there is a dark green version that just came out. The price point, not too bad for leather and cashmere.
#8 LEATHER ROPE
I know this item is screaming The Row. I actually thought about buying the rope belt from them alongside the wallet and card holder that hung from it, but I thought it looks too Instagramy. There are certain looks when they become too popular, they stop looking fashionable or interesting. But I thought this simple rope alone could still be used on the long run, even with dresses, as it easily doubles up around the waist. All around a great purchase, very affordable and most importantly real leather.
This blog post is all about my COS Haul, where I talk about some great finds as part of the Fall/ Winter 2024 collection at COS. Enjoy!
As always, thank you for stopping by and reading. Click here if you’d like to see & follow my Instagram page @girlontheues.
See you next week,
Girl on the Upper East Side
Xx
If this interests you, you might enjoy reading my blog post on The Row Margaux 15 Review, Things To Do in Vienna, and Your Guide to Armenia.
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