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Calling all minimalists! After a first look at COS’s high-end Atelier collection, which showed in Rome in March, I popped into its SoHo location in New York City this week to try on pieces from the just-landed capsule. A ton of warm-weather-ready styles also occupied the three floors, and I was particularly excited to check out the new arrivals I’ve been personally eyeing online, including a pair of white mesh ballet flats and white linen trousers.
On my visit, I found the perfect denim overshirt for summer—the kind that fans of Khaite or Wardrobe.NYC would appreciate—as well as versatile white blouses, easy everyday sandals, and really, I mean really, good tank tops.
Below, the best items I tried on, plus a few additional favorites to add to cart with it.
Grown-Up Shorts
Never thought I’d be wearing a pair of shorts in Vogue, but here we are! This raw-denim style is not too short, plus it comes in an ultra-dark wash and has a finished hem and clean lines. I find this style to be an elevated alternative to your classic Daisy Dukes. I’m wearing it with an airy, open-sleeve blouse in a sheeny ivory, proof that a good white top can really go with anything! I paired it with COS’s take on the mesh ballet flat and a raffia clutch.
The Denim Layer
The denim shacket has inserted itself into the essentials category, and this summer I’m willing to accept it as such. I can already see COS’s oversized denim pullover as a quintessential layering piece for the season’s carefree moments. From breezy beach barbecues or boat rides to hours spent in transit to your weekend getaway on a summer Friday, it’s one of those effortlessly stylish throw-and-go tops. I’m styling it with leather pants and sandals for now while it’s still spring.
Summer Uniform, Sorted
Tons and tons of suit vests have hit the market since the sleeveless style became a trend a few seasons ago, so I’m always looking for one that feels different or has a unique detail that offers an inventive take on the silhouette. I like how this one uses bow ties as closures instead of buttons and reveals just the right amount of skin. I paired it with a slouchy raffia shoulder bag and COS’s version of the white linen trouser, which I found to have everything you want in a summer pant: a presentable pull-on silhouette (the elastic waistband only shows at the back, which makes them appear more elevated), ultrasoft to the touch (comfort is key!), didn’t need hemming (a major plus for five-foot-three me!), and cost less than $125.
Understated Occasion Wear
I’m big into wearing less traditional looks for formal occasions like weddings or cocktails, and two-piece separates are the perfect example. This pleated chiffon set from COS’s Atelier collection gives the illusion that you’re wearing a flowing long-sleeve maxi; however, in reality, it’s a top and skirt, both versatile in their own ways, worn together or apart.
Tropical Meets Minimalism
I appreciate a festive print in the summer months—what better time is there to wear one? These black-and-white botanical-print pull-on trousers hit the sweet spot, giving a bold look and monochromatic color palette at once. I’m a sucker for a good tank (I wear one with almost everything), and I really liked this black one. It’s a clingy and supportive knit with a high neck, offering a much-welcomed dressiness and office-appropriate level coverage over my usual ribbed cotton tanks.
Ready, Set, Jet
At first, I was skeptical about trying on this beige knit set; however, once I slipped it on, I totally understood its appeal. Consider it your summer-friendly loungewear set for trains, planes, or automobiles; your athleisure substitute for Sunday coffee runs; or your ’90s-minimalist-meets-quiet-luxury approach to summer dressing. I popped on this dramatic Meredith Blake–esque brimmed sun hat to complete the look—because why not?
The Handkerchief Dress
One thing you can rely on COS for is interesting essentials, and these dresses are just that. Sure, they’re plain solids, but what they don’t lack is a thoughtful silhouette thanks to asymmetrical hemlines that offer breezy, swishy movement—a detail that’s both commuter-friendly and sweet for summertime. Consider either as your sartorial blank canvas: Dress them up or down, and accessorize as you please!
Not-Your-Average Black Sandals
While a plain black slide or flip-flop is crucial for summer, there’s always room for a trendier pair in my footwear rotation. Right now there are a handful of interesting options from COS, be it a square-toe strappy kitten heel or a mesh wedge, to ground a summer look. I personally am always a fan of a singled-out toe strap.
