14 Chic Late-Summer Arrivals at COS That I Tried On and Loved

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.