Style Theory: Cos Stores, the older, more grown up sister of H&M is a Swedish master of modern, simple shapes, innovative fabrics and unexpected design details. It is the kind of shop at first glance can look quite 'samey' but delve deeper and you will be seduced by the flattering dresses, gorgeous tops and beautifully cut skirts.
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Cos states it is 'Modern, Functional, Considered design' It is perfect for women who like to show they have a shape without wearing something that is too clingy (ie. me) After two babies my figure is full of lumps and bumps and I find Cos pieces skim over these due to the way the garments are cut and also the fabrics that are used; heavy cottons and thick linens to cover any tummy bumps, a twist towards the base of a shirt, razor pleats started just at the most flattering point, all these details are cleverly thought out by the designers and technicians to create pretty fabulous items. Cos is one of these stores you have to (if you can) go in sans les enfants and when you have a time to try, try, try lots of different pieces until you find the right ones for you.
I had a little trying on session today and these are my favourite items..
The Comfortable Holiday Dress
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| Contrast Panel Dress £55 |
A flattering, T-shirt dress, the poplin contrast fabric around the bottom of the dress is thick and pulls the jersey fabric out,away from any lumps and bumps on your body resulting in a super comfortable, easy wear dress. Perfect for holiday, wear with strappy tan sandals.
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The Tailored Dress
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| Pleated Poplin Dress £69 |
The knife pleats on this dress make it pretty and flattering, amp up this dress with contrast sandals (orange or turquoise or the sandals below..)
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| Metallic Sandals £135 |
The Statement Coat
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| Gathered Detail Coat £135 |
A real statement piece, this coat would be fabulous for a wedding. It would look great worn as a dress with heels and you could also dress it down with distressed jeans and heels and a denim shirt..I love this coat!
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The White Top with a Twist
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| Top with Folded Sides £45 |
My sister has this top and it looks beautiful on, from the front it looks like a basic white (non clingy) top from the back it has a slight cape like appearance, very cool..
The Wedding Guest Outfit
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| Stretchy Rib Top £59 |
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| Technical Mesh Skirt £79 |
This would, again, make a fabulous wedding guest outfit or I am thinking of buying this to wear for my daughter's Holy Communion in May and a wedding in June. The skirt is a mesh-type, slightly padded fabric so again it does not cling, I really like it's futuristic look. (looked good with my Boden Alice heels)
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The Statement Skirt
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| Textured A -Line Skirt £79 |
Add a pop of colour to your wardrobe with this barbie pink skirt, cut to skim the hips, would look perfect with a navy t-shirt and a pair of navy/pink heels, I like the clash with the yellow coat.
I could go on forever, it is fair to say I am a Cos fan. The prices are a little on the more expensive side so I treat myself to one or two pieces a season then buy a couple more pieces in the sale (you have to look out for it as things sell out quick but it is normally really good 40% - 50% off)
Are you a Cos do you like minimal shapes with a twist or does this collection look too shapeless to you? Have you bought items from Cos before, have they lasted the test of time? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xx
I adore Cos Frances and they are top of my list when I am looking for an outfit for a special occasion-especially the dresses:)
ReplyDelete~Anne xx
Me too Anne, they do special occasion wear the best! xx
DeleteI completely love Cos! I have the same cardigan in 4 different colours, one bought each season, and they wash and wear brilliantly. Their clothes are so good at flattering the figure, as you say, and I totally agree about it all looking a bit plain and samey until you look at the details and cuts. They are my go-to-store for almost every occasion, just as long as they have a sale on...
ReplyDeleteYep, me too Ellie, I have a style of jumper I have bought in 3 colours and love it! I keep my beady eye out for the sale too..it is so good! x
DeleteYes yes yes get the mesh skirt and top. And as you say shoe purchase not necessary as you already have the perfect ones x
ReplyDeleteExactly Donna, shoe purchase not necessary therefore saving money?!! xx
DeleteThat pink skirt! i've had my eye on it for a while now....maybe I'll do it ( already have plenty of clothes, you know how it goes) What I find difficult though about Cos is assesing items online, I always have to try evreything in in the shop ( As much as I love clothes, I do not like shops and changingsrooms etc)
ReplyDeleteI love love the pink skirt such a statement piece and yes I agree changingrooms are not the best places in the world!! xx
DeleteI do like COS but unfortunately there isn't one near me so I can have a good play. Some of their pieces look very challenging but I love how you take an item which you would ignore normally and suddenly it all comes to life and I can see how it works. Love that first dress. Very tempted!
ReplyDeleteYou definitely need to have a good try on and the clothes would suit you so much Sue. The first dress is one I am buying for my hols! xx
DeleteI love the pink skirt. Will need to check it out - looks perfect for summer. Lorraine
ReplyDeleteIt really is the most beautiful vibrant colour Lorraine, I love it! xx
DeleteAs Sue said, I don't have a Cos near me so it's really difficult to buy online from them...post like these are really helpful - you look stunning in all the outfits but I'm particularly loving the grey sheer skirt. It's stunning! X
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Avril xx
DeleteFor once we actually have something that not many places have. I LOVE Cos - tried the silver shoes a couple of days ago but left them due to the price. However I may revisit them in the sale. I did buy a white skirt and a pair of trousers though and my daughter is considering the silver skirt for her end of term prom as she doesn't want to go for the usual long, bodycon dress look (good girl!) Love the pieces on you Frances - they look fab. x
ReplyDeleteOooo your daughter will look fab in the grey skirt, I love it, it is so different and so much better than body con she will completely stand out in a very good, stylish way!!
DeleteSuch a shame I don't have a Cos near me (although probably a good thing from my bank's point of view!). The silver skirt/lilac jumper outfit is just beautiful, and that coat is perfection! Proper grown-up clothes, and really different from anything else around xx
ReplyDeleteExactly Becky they are proper grown up clothes and cut beautifully xx
DeleteI adore Cos as well as & Other Stories, another "premium" sister of H&M and always look forward to their seasonal reductions. They do the best shirts and generally tops on the high street in my opinion. Also adore their coats and blazers, just actually bought a gorgeous cashmere blend longline blazer for myself and an equally stunning wool bomber jacket for my hubby at 60% off the original prices!
ReplyDeleteThe poplin dress look stunning on you, Frances, as well as all your other choices! Your ability to wear colour is truly admirable xx
Thanks so much Irina, your blazer and your husbands bomber sounds fab and with 60% off..perfect! I do love &Other Stories too they have some really stand out pieces xx
DeleteWow that silver mesh skirt is gorgeous - love it with the lilac top and the white coat as a dress is a wicked idea. The styles remind me of the conscious collection H&m stuff - so up my street.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, loving the coat too and you are so right it is similar to the concious collection it has a really stylish edge xx
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