I don't know about you, but the recent heatwave has slightly caught me off guard with what to wear – and yes, even fashion experts have wardrobe trouble. Putting together outfits that feel polished, not just practical, in the soaring heat has been a challenge; however, there's one brand I've been browsing more than others, and that's COS.
This is partially because I know it prioritises natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen, and also because I'm a huge fan of their elevated, smart designs. In my opinion, the COS new-in collection is one of the chicest places to update your summer capsule wardrobe.
Crisp cotton shirts, tailored trousers and easy-to-wear dresses are just some of the things on my wishlist from the brand, and items that I know I'll be wearing for seasons to come, too. So if you're looking to feel a little bit more polished and put-together for office days or smart-casual outings, here are the items I'm tempted to buy.
If you're wondering what to wear in the heat, this breathable cotton shirt offers an elevated take on everyday dressing. The softly gathered neckline adds subtle texture and feels so elegant. The styling options are endless, from tucking into tailored trousers to pairing with relaxed denim.
A summer wardrobe hero, this black straw tote combines style with practicality. Crafted from straw, with a cotton lining and leather straps, its structured, roomy silhouette offers lots of space for beach essentials or your laptop for a busy commute.
As soon as I saw these trousers, I knew they were one of those pieces that can liven up my current outfit rotation. The bright, vivid orange is instantly eye-catching. Try pairing this shade with warm chocolate brown, bright white or navy blue to tone it down.
The textured gathered detailing on this dress instantly drew me to it. Made from a soft cotton jersey, this dress is both comfortable and breathable. The gathered waist and softly pleated skirt make it a flattering choice, and one of the best dresses to hide a tummy.
Made from a crisp cotton poplin, this shirt dress is a timeless warm-weather staple that can be dressed up or down effortlessly. The relaxed tulip silhouette will skim your figure, making it a comfortable choice in the heat. Style with your most comfortable sandals, and you're good to go
Lightweight and endlessly versatile, this knitted shirt is a great investment piece. The breathable linen blend will keep you cool, while the soft knitted texture feels relaxed yet polished. The pale yellow colour will look beautiful tucked into a white midi-skirt.
This olive green has to be one of my favourite shades for summer dressing. The rich yet wearable colour feels instantly uplifting. The gathered detailing and softly ruffled sleeves makes this shirt feel feminine and sophisticated.
I tend to prefer drawstrings over tight button-up designs when it comes to trousers and shorts. These denim shorts have the chicest relaxed cut. They are also made from a breathable cotton-linen blend, which makes them fantastic for the hot weather.
This sculptural necklace could be worn with almost anything, from everyday t-shirts to the best summer dresses. It would look especially elevated with an open-neck shirt to show off its unique design.
You should never underestimate the power of a good pair of cotton trousers. This straight-leg design feels understated yet elegant, and the drawstring makes it a comfortable choice. Style with a colourful shirt for the office or simple vests for an off-duty look.
I've been on the hunt for a high-neck blouse, and this has to be one of my favourites. The scarf detail will perfectly frame your face, and the subtle brown animal print adds texture and dimension. This blouse is ideal for creating smart-casual outfits, tucked into white jeans or tailored trousers.
I'm always on the hunt for well-made shirts, and this striped style feels like a standout find. The soft, buttery yellow adds a subtle playfulness, and the relaxed silhouettes make it easy to wear. Tuck into denim shorts, linen trousers or even create a white jeans outfit.
What keeps me coming back to COS is how reliable its collections are, offering staples that I return to season to season. One of the things that stands out about its designs is that the pieces often have relaxed, breezy silhouettes.
Personally, there is nothing worse than wearing something that clings to your body, especially in soaring temperatures. And although its collections often feature loose cuts, they still retain an elegant and polished feel, one that makes getting dressed extremely effortless.
