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My first two COS purchases!

Mel

I've always enjoyed going into COS stores just to feel and enjoy the lovely quality of their clothes, but their smallest sizes are usually too big on me (I'm a slim XS, US size 0. Their clothes usually start at US size 2 or 4). Their prices are also higher than the usual stores I shop at. But I hit the jackpot with their after-Christmas sales and bought my first two COS items. SO happy! First up is this lovely silk and cotton dress, marked 70% off. At US 4, it's bigger than my normal size but not noticeable when I have it on (at least that's what my friends say), because it has the belt and a "relaxed" look. Second is this chenille sweater in a very unique green color. The color isn't one I would have picked online, but in person it was shimmery and amazing. I saw the sales associate wear it with a blue midi skirt, for a very modern-chic-classic look. I plan to wear it the same way. Hooray for sales associates who advertise their own store's clothes!
When I get around to making outfits with these I will try to post more pictures.

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Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from kate

rachylou

Veteran

Gorgeous!

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I have a serious (addiction) love for COS. But yes, their small sizes are actually pretty big! Congrats on finding some winners.

njw

I have never been in a COS and didn't even realize Chicago had one until I saw your post and looked up locations. Can you tell me about the store in areas of quality and sizing? What stores is it similar to? The Chicago store is on Oak St. which tends to be designer heavy so I expected it to be more pricey than it appears to me from browsing on line....not that its inexpensive either.

AnnieF

Wow, you just made my day! First - your purchases are lovely, and I especially like the sweater.

I have to admit I hadn’t heard of COS and was racking my brain to think of what that could stand for. Finally looked it up and found there’s one here in town with a 50% off sale. I love this style and they seem to have a lot of tops that would be perfect for my work wardrobe. And to be honest, running a little big is a good thing in my case!

I’m so happy to find a new place to check out, so thank you!

Anonymous

Oh, if only I could look like those models, all minimal and composed...
I think I ordered once from COS , and the piece came from the UK ( I'm in Canada) , but I returned it as quickly as it came. Great quality and all, but totally the wrong piece for me ( a white shirt, what was I thinking??) . I'd love to visit a store someday.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

NICE, Mel.

I saw the chenille jumper in person and it's gorgeous. (Came in fun blue). I like the frock too. Classic.

COS items can be tricky to fit, and I have the same challenges as you. Every so often they work VERY well, like these gems I've gotten from COS over the years.

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16

Wool blanket scarf

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7

Textured jumper with ¾ sleeves

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7

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11

Cashmere jumper

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14

Roll-neck merino jumper

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24

Tailored pleat trousers

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13

Shirt dress with irregular hem

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21

Textured knit jumper

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6

Textured knit jumper

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9

Dot stitch high-neck jumper

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9

Long high-neck jumper

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13

Bonnie

Veteran

I'm also a fan of COS. I have a dress, two sweaters, and a scarf. DH has a coat, jacket, sweatshirt, and long sleeve shirt. I like the quality and they do have good sales. I prefer shopping at the store rather than online because of the tricky fits. The sweater and dress you bought look terrific.

Checked Wool Scarf

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1

A-line Knit Jumper

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2

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4

Oversized shirt dress

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4

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Fabulous purchases!

My own try-on session in a Cos in the UK ended in disappointment -- nothing worked on me, either. I think it will require more visits and try-ons. I'd really love to purchase something there because I love the quality and the look. There is a Vancouver store and it is quite large, so I am hopeful this might be the year I find something.

Helena

Veteran

Beautiful! My uber-chic Australian relatives were all wearing styles similar to the second photo and the styling you describe (sweater + midi), and it looks really modern to me. I love the dress!

Mel

Wow, thanks everyone for your encouragement! Here is my scoop on COS for those who asked for it:

The first time I went into COS, I think I walked right out because the abundance of oversized shapes and solid colors didn't catch my fancy at all.

However, I often pass by the store on the way to other stores and started wandering in. The fabrics are substantial and feel so "rich", the look is modern and yet "mature", and the whole store seems to buck the trends and follow its own design logic. It's not hard to find unique pieces in COS. I would say that the quality is comparable to J Crew and Banana Republic, but perhaps a little more consistent. The colors range from neutral to vibrant, like Angie and bonnie show in their posts. And I especially love that the winter fabrics are true, warm winter fabrics: thick wool, substantial ponte, tight knits.

COS regular prices are too high for my budget (like BR and JC), but the sales are fabulous and completely within my range. Most of the store is 50% off in January and July where I live.

My main challenge continue to be fit, since I'm on the small and skinny side. COS would be a goldmine for someone at least 5`6 tall. A lot of the skirts and dresses fall below the knee, but for me it is mid-shin or almost to the ankle and doesn't look as nice. The sweaters and jackets tend to have ample sleeves or long lengths that look twice as big on short little me. There are no petite sizes. Notwithstanding, I can still get into most of the XS knitwear, some of the more "tailored" pieces like shirts and shirtdresses, and of course all the scarves and accesories.

I completely agree with those who say that trying on the clothes first is necessary. And I was lucky to have a friend with me for a second opinion. It's good to have a second opinion along when you're trying to break out of your regular style. I think I took maybe 12 garments with me into the try-on room and ended up buying 2: the dress for 37 euros ($43) and the chenille sweater for 35 euros ($40). Not bad. My friend, who is very picky, tried on two skirts and took home one. It was a gorgeous, paperbag waist skirt in aubergine wool for 35 euros. She plans to wear it for both casual and special events.

I hope you can all get to a COS sometime and try it out. I will definitely be back for the summer sales!

Greyscale

Veteran

If there were a COS in San Francisco, it would probably become one of my go-to brands. Their style aligns so well with mine, and the fabrics are very nice, as you say. But the fit is hard enough that I don't buy it online (I find returning things by mail stressful).

I love that dress! If I thought I would ever wear a dress, I would snap one up for myself.

Canada

I experienced COS for the first time on a trip to Dublin ( truly..a friend dragged me into the store). First glance around left me restless because it felt like everything was slouchy, oversized, and offered in warm colors. I like the opposite of all three. But I started trying items and found an optic white shirt and a jewel green knit jacket. Three years later I'm still using these basic workhorses. Their quality is just outstanding but the sizing is all over the place and especially challenging for me at 5'2". Skirts and pants are guaranteed to be so long on me I hold no hopes. Now that I've discovered their free shipping in the US and easy returns, I'm always on the look out for more basics. I agree with the comment about sizing more suited to a taller woman. Zara and COS. Love their styles but most items swamp me.

Style Fan

Veteran

I experienced a COS in Montreal. I loved it. I liked their clean, minimalistic look and warm colours. Their sweaters are oversized and that tends not to be a good look on me. Their pants were perfect for me. I didn't buy anything this time but maybe next time.
Greyscale, it looks like a great place for you.

Mel

Canada- Zara swamps me, too! I think most of their dresses are designed for a 5'11" woman. I have no idea who wears them!

I actually prefer to try clothes on in my own house and not in the store, so I often buy a bunch of things by mail and return 90% of it. However, sometimes it's hard to appreciate an item unless you see it in person and the green sweater was definitely one of those items.

Kate

Veteran

Lovely items, Mel. I’m a huge fan of COS, and buy most of my clothes there. I’ve only ever been to their mother store in Stockholm, but always go there when we visit that city. The sales associates there all wear the store’s clothes and it’s like a master class in wearing COS. They are also well-informed about the clothes and what can be mixed with what. Very fun.

Don’t be afraid to shop COS’ website. All winter stuff is on sale now, and return shipping is free, though there is a 14-day turn-around on items. Their metallic knits are beautiful!

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Glad you kept going into COS. It paid off

Mel

That's great to know, Kate!
It sure did, Barbara!

kate

So glad to know there’s a COS store in Vancouver. I bought a cos dress online in their sale and would love to visit their store.