I’ll admit I was in a hurry to find my Broidere Anglaise blouse and lightweight linen two-piece. Very The first signs of spring, but this week’s rain and cold wind reminded me that I may have stepped in a little prematurely. Now, I find myself in a difficult situation. Weather-wise, 2026 is proving to be quite chaotic so far, and within minutes, sunny mornings have taken a somewhat wintry turn. Over the past month, getting dressed has been less about self-expression and more about strategic avoidance, so for the time being, I’ve been transitioning my wardrobe to leaving behind shirt dresses and cropped capris, in exchange for pieces that are better suited to transitional outfits. Naturally, I gravitated towards COS.
As far as expensive-looking high-street brands go, for me, COS is the best. Known for plain colors, impeccable tailoring and elevated basics, I believe this is as close as you can get to a luxury brand at a more affordable price. Its physical and digital shelves feature a wide offering of transitional items from editor-favorite jeans to softly structured blouses, lightweight cotton dresses and barrel-leg, linen-blend trousers.
After trying on what felt like half the store, I was able to break down my findings into three concise formats. I think they will showcase the best COS they have to offer this spring.
1. Ruched Blouse + Tapered Jeans
(Image credit: @Imani_athina)
my review: I was looking for pieces that could do more than just survive this irregular season; they needed to earn a place in me Spring Capsule. My first port of call was a fail-safe formula: a blouse and jeans. While my tried-and-true linen blouses are too light while the weather is still cool, COS’s Ruched Cotton Blouse hits the sweet spot; Big enough for any cold London day, yet with hot weather sensitivity. While staying true to size (UK 8), the shirt’s waistband creates a proportional optical illusion, narrowing my silhouette, while the structured balloon sleeves lengthen and elongate my arms.
I paired it with Arc jeans and the look was essentially perfect. If you’re a regular Who What Wear UK reader, I’m sure you’re familiar with our unwavering devotion to COS’s innovative denim offering, in particular, these jeans. If not, I’d be happy to get you up to speed. Sitting neatly at a mid-rise, these structured denim jeans provide the perfect amount of shape. The subtle barrel shape is not significant enough to distort the beautiful shape, but enough to give a brilliant finish. In my usual size 8, they come up to ankle length, which is impressive, considering I’m 5’10”. They’re also available in shorter lengths, so don’t worry if you’re under 5’4”. The light blue color is suitably springy.
Shop the look:
This top will sell like hot cakes.
Who Wears UK favourites.
2. Tiered Maxi Dress + Kitten-Heel Mules
(Image credit: @imani_athina)
my review: When I walked into the store there was already a piece I couldn’t stop thinking about since I’d seen it on my social media: the Gathered Tiered Cotton Maxi Dress. It offers what many of us are looking for in transitional weather: an easy-to-fit shape, a leg-covering length, and ready to wear under spring jackets. Made from lightweight cotton, this floaty design has the same romantic ease as many of my favorite designs Spring dresses, but with lightly sculptural designs, thanks to gently gathered seams and delicately falling pleats.
While true to size, this dress falls to my ankles (which is noticeable if you’re petite), and there was enough room to size down if I wanted a closer fit. Dressed with a tiered maxi skirt and hidden pockets, it’ll be perfect for many occasions, from a Sunday stroll to a day out exploring the city. It was the star of the show, which is why I bought it on the spot.
Wanting to dress it up a bit, I found myself looking for a shoe that could showcase the dress in all its glory. A ballet flat, though undeniably chic, looked a little too flimsy, while a trainer spoiled the mood, dragging it into informal territory. The moment I slipped on these leather kitten-heel mules, it was a match made in heaven. A minimalist pair of heels that wouldn’t look out of place in Caroline Bessette Kennedy’s footwear rotation, the neat triangular heel completely transforms the outfit. Balancing the carefree essence of the outfit, mules make it feel more serious, cooler, and far more “now” than other options.
ole
Gathered Tiered Cotton Maxi Dress
If you like this dress, I would hurry up, because it is selling out quickly.
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Leather Kitten-Heeled Mule
These are also available in soft Bordeaux color.
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domed mini hoop earrings
the perfect final touch,
3. T-shirt + linen trousers + flat mules
(Image credit: @imani_athina)
my review: There’s something quietly powerful about a wardrobe that doesn’t take much effort; While creating this look I remembered a fact. stumble upon them Linen-blend trousers, it was the barrel-leg shape that first caught my attention. The elastic waistband and deep side pockets make them undeniably practical, but it’s the easily adjustable buttoned hem that really sells them. Whether they’re styled above the waist or hung low, they create a relaxed vibe that I love.
Given the impact of the trousers, I decided to keep my T-shirt as plain as possible, so I turned to a true wardrobe anchor: COS’s clean-cut T-shirt. Thick enough to cover up any bad bra choices and loose enough to create a subtly oversized look, it’s a staple in most fashionistas’ wardrobes, and I regularly pull it out when I hit styling block. I sized up, which I think was the right choice to maintain the casual flow of the trousers.
Ultimately, I needed a shoe that could elevate the look without disrupting its spontaneity. I landed on draped leather mules. These modern, architectural mules feature a tall fold over the vamp, which envelops your foot and softens the square toe. They bring a little drama but will work with a lot of casual looks.
Shop the look:
I have this tee in almost all colors.
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Elasticized Linen Barrel-Leg Trouser
Size down for a more precise fit.
I haven’t seen any other styles like this.
