I’m Overhauling My Closet with These Smart Spring Picks from COS

This cool stunner caught my eye on my way out of the store, stopping me in my tracks and immediately sending me back into the dressing room to try it on. It’s made from 100 percent cotton, which is music to my ears as we head into the warmer months because I run hot. It has pockets and an elasticated hem, but my favorite part is its structured silhouette that has a canvas-like sort of stiffness and feel to it—hence, why the collar can stand up so straight or be folded down. I’d even wear this as a blouse and use that two-way zipper to make it look more intentional and less like a jacket.

As much as I love a trendy silhouette like the barrel-leg jean, I much prefer a classic, straight-leg option like this one from COS. They’re made from a blend of organic and recycled cotton, giving them that stiff and rigid quality while also holding everything together well without feeling like I can’t move at all. Whenever I find a jean with a loose-but-tailored design around the thighs, I know I’ve hit the jackpot. I tried it on in my normal size of 27 and can attest that it does run true to size, but I did notice a bit of gaping at the back (because I have a flat butt) and would be able to size down one for a tighter fit.

Vests were a major trend last spring and summer, and I don't anticipate much changing this year. This vest quickly became one of my favorites for several reasons. First, the sleek silhouette is incredibly flattering, slightly cinching at the waist with its tapered design. Second, the knitted cotton material offers a substantial, weighty feel without being too heavy or wintery, which I think enhances its overall fit. Finally, the V-cut hem at the bottom of the buttons adds a stylish touch, making it the perfect complement to a great pair of jeans.

Show me a puff-sleeve blouse and I’ll show you my credit card. Crisp, cotton tops like this are a personal favorite of mine because they’re so easy to wear and look so chic. Yes, the voluminous sleeves help add some grandeur and drama, but I can guarantee they’re not overwhelming—and this is coming from someone who has broad shoulders. It has a buttoned concealed placket, making it a super sleek option to wear in place of your go-to Oxford shirts.

This straw bucket hat will come in handy for a beach vacation or tropical bachelorette weekend getaway. I’m a sucker for a lampshade-looking hat—it’s cool, chic and reminiscent of cloche hats popular in the 1920s. One major issue I usually struggle with when hat shopping is the sizing—thanks to my big head—so I love how this comes in two sizes (XS/S to M/L). In the picture above, you can see that the bucket hat is slightly higher up because of the security tag, but you can expect it to fit regularly without it.

A peplum top so nice, I tried it twice. In two different colors, might I add—an inky red and a navy blue that soothes my soul. To be honest, I didn’t see the image of this online before trying it on in person, so I tied the drawstring tight along the back to give it that hourglass shape rather than along the front for a peplum finish—and I might be onto something here. A shapely top that can be worn multiple ways will give you more bang for your buck.

Almost every London-based fashionista owns this exact COS polo shirt, so I obviously had to try it and see what all the hype is about. Let me tell you, as soon as I slipped this on, I could tell why the sporty number is so popular. For one, it’s such a great way to incorporate colors and patterns into your wardrobe, especially a trendy burgundy and cobalt, though they do have other polo and rugby shirts in different styles. The relaxed fit makes way for versatility, too, with options to wear it with classic denim staples or silky bias-cut skirts. I tried on the size medium (one size up from my usual fit), and I’d prefer my usual size since I found it to be slightly too big and rather long.

A work bag. A weekender bag. An everyday bag. A diaper bag. An everything bag. Meet the bag that does it all, and one that looks good doing it, too. The quilted beauty is a popular piece in the COS collection, crafted from recycled materials and boasting a pillowy texture that’s seriously so soft to the touch.

ICYMI, Miu Miu, Jil Sander and Khaite’s spring/summer collections included powder pink pieces this year, and this T-shirt is a great way to get the shade for less. It has an oversize, slouchy silhouette and longer short sleeves that feel really elevated for such a basic tee. One detail that really impressed me was its thickness. It’s made from an organic-cotton jersey that’s incredibly soft yet nice and weighty.

I’m not one to venture away from my straight-leg jeans and tailored trousers much, but this fun and trendy barrel-leg pant won me over. It’s crafted from a cotton fabric that’s paper thin and lightweight, giving them an almost parachute-like feel, and the elastic waistband really ups the comfort level, too.

Though I didn’t manage to snap a picture of me holding this cute clutch, I did take a second to examine the handbag while I was in store, and I can confirm that the leather is really good quality and the snakeskin print makes this look even more expensive than its priced.