Do you like your dresses big, your accessories minimal and your colour palette offbeat? Then you’re probably a COS girl, like quite a few of our fashion friends in the industry. It’s where you can pick up directional, simplistic designs that you’d normally find at much higher price points or from very niche Scandi labels. The fabrics are always top-quality, and we still own COS items from the very first season when the brand debuted in the UK. Yep—its wares have stood the test of time and still look mint today.
Our love is a forever one, clearly. With an aesthetic of contemporary tailoring, classic-silhouettes-with-a-twist and neutral tones coming through right now, it’s no surprise that a few more brands of a similar ilk are surfacing. We looked to the minimalist experts we follow on Instagram (like Marisa Martins and Brittany Bathgate) to delve into a world of labels that will complement your COS pieces and give you a chance to try out something entirely new. Keep scrolling to see the brands like COS that we rate the most.
Style Notes: If top-quality wardrobe staples are what you’re after, then COS’s sister brand, Arket, will fulfil your fashion dreams. It makes the best tees, tanks, jeans, trousers, jackets… Basically, every single pillar of a modern wardrobe can be found here, alongside a small but mighty shoe edit.
Fashion people agree: Arket makes perfect blazers.
The can’t-go-wrong blue jean.
Classic shirts are a true wardrobe staple.
The ideal cozy knit for chilly days.
Style Notes: With stores in New York and Paris, The Frankie Shop has become the go-to basics brand for the fashion-savvy shopper. But these are no ordinary staples—in fact, we’ve lost count of the number of items from this brand that have gone viral on Insta. This season, the modern tailoring and oversized knitwear are not to be missed.
Perfectly oversized, this versatile turtleneck is a cold season must-have.
Frankie Shop’s laid back tailoring should not be overlooked.
Don’t sleep on their chic waistcoats.
This is an influencer favourite.
Style Notes: Weekday is yet another part of the H&M group (the company that owns COS), so it’s no surprise there’s a thread that links many of these Swedish brands together. Weekday, however, is aimed at a younger, more streetwear-appreciative audience. That means amongst the classic white t-shirts, slinky slip dresses and understated coats, you’ll find some urban staples like hoodies, motif tees and super baggy, low-rise trousers, too. We often shop the brand for jeans—its organic-cotton denim is more environmentally friendly but also a notoriously great fit when it comes to buying jeans on the high street.
Weekday’s iconic jeans come in every wash you can imagine.
A slouchy knit is perfect for winter layering.
A modern wardrobe staple.
Weekday’s knitwear is much-loved by our editors.
Style Notes: These days, it seems that if I spot a dress on Instagram that I really want to buy, it’s Reformation. But it’s not just dresses that Reformation always gets right. Their tailoring, knitwear and even shoes are becoming just as synonymous with the brand. From influencers to A-listers, Reformation’s pieces have been seen on everyone, and their very best pieces come in extended sizes.
The cut of these trousers is so good, and they come in a wide array of colours.
A chic wardrobe staple in luxurious cashmere.
Just one of Reformation’s many beautiful dresses.
Reformation’s denim is always amongst our favourites, and this straight-leg pair from their Camille Rowe collaboration is top of our wish list.
Style Notes: Owned by the same company as Zara, Massimo Dutti feels like an older sibling with a more established identity. Sitting at a slightly higher price point (closer to COS and Arket than Zara), the elevated store has demanded our attention in recent seasons, impressing us with its minimalist footwear selection and designer-looking dresses in particular.
Massimo Dutti’s knitwear often sells out, so don’t expect this slouchy v-neck knit to be around for long.
The draping on this makes it look extra elevated.
A trench coat in wool? I’m sold.
The styling here is impeccable.
Style Notes: COS’s leather goods are really quite spectacular—have you ever checked them out? We like them because they’re ultra simple but always a bit unique (like sandals with a sculptural mini heel or a bag rendered in a tubular shape). Following this kind of formula for arm candy is the Italian label Neous. My current favourite style is the classic Phoenix bag.
The egg closure is so unique.
The Lyra bag is understated yet striking.
This is basically a work of art, IMO.
The perfect evening bag.
Style Notes: The Copenhagen-based brand has become the go-to label for tastemakers who love the understated Scandinavian aesthetic. A curated line of timeless, versatile staples, these sleek pieces fit seamlessly into a minimalist’s wardrobe.
The long line and pocket details set this elegant blazer apart.
The mix of wool and yak yarn gives this oversized knit a distinctive shape and texture.
Knitted dresses are a cold weather must-have, and this one is just perfection.
Red is a trending colour this season, and this jumper is a tempting way to incorporate it into your wardrobe.
Style Notes: Toteme focuses on refined minimalism that ensures all its pieces transcend trends. Each piece is created as a timeless element that can be part of your wardrobe rotations forever more. The Swedish brand has perfected the balance between unique designs that are instantly recognisable, and eternal designs that are simply reissued every year.
This striped sweater took Instagram by storm a few years ago, and we’re still thinking about it.
This jacket has become an icon of the brand.
The contrasting black silk turtleneck against the navy knit puts an elevated spin on this classic layering piece.
You could style these wool tailored trousers in so many ways.
Next up, The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
