Every Time I Wear COS, People Say I Look Rich—These Fall Items Are No Exception

by Eliza Huber

Welcome to The Great Try-On. We're gearing up for fall, and that includes freshening up our wardrobes with some new pieces. We got to try on some of the best fall pieces from some of your favorite brands and documented it all from our own personal "dressing rooms" so that you can see how they actually look IRL. We hope that our photos and candid reviews will help you shop for fall wardrobe builders and trend-forward pieces that you'll wear over and over this season and beyond.

Ask most fashion people about their go-to retailer for expensive-looking, The Row–esque closet staples, and nine times out of 10, you'll hear them respond with one word: COS. The Stockholm-based brand owned by H&M Group has a knack for putting out pieces that whisper wealth, whether it's a perfectly tailored coat, a just-baggy-enough suit, or a sweater that anywhere else would cost $500+. Basically, if you want to look rich without having to actually be rich, COS is the shop for you.

If you don't believe me, just see the brand's fall collection, which is chock-full of luxurious outerwear, matching sets, dresses, and separates that look and feel as lavish as anything you'd find if you logged on to a designer retailer and filtered the selection from prices high to low. I'd know—I just tried on eight of the best pieces from it. And despite my extremely high standards, I was impressed by each one. See for yourself by scrolling through the six fall outfit combinations below.

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

My review: The only thing I love more than a standard menswear-inspired suit is one with a NSFW twist. From blazers worn with just tights and briefs to Prada-inspired skirt suits with the shirt underneath unbuttoned completely, there's nothing HR-friendly about the office-wear I've had my eye on lately. Case in point: this suit from COS, which features a cropped blazer and matching low-rise trousers. I loved the way that this look was styled online, with a belt to break up the two pieces and no undershirt, so that's exactly how I went about wearing it IRL, adding my new Bottega Veneta Andiamo bag and black Prada wedges just for fun. That being said, I've gone on to wear these trousers in at least three other ways since I got them, pairing them with a cap-sleeve tee and a sweater-vest as well as a red V-neck cashmere knit.

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

My review: Basically every time I open my closet to pick out something to wear, one person comes to mind: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. I've been obsessed with the PR maven and New York City socialite for years and consider her style to be my ultimate source of inspiration. So when I spotted this cashmere turtleneck with a fitted waist that's perfect for tucking into trousers, jeans, and column skirts and a just-sexy-enough open back, I knew I had to try it out. It's just so her. I really love how easy this piece is to style and how soft to the touch the fabric is. To truly get CBK's look down, I'd pull my hair back in a tight bun or claw clip and add a tortoiseshell, plastic headband.

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COS

Cropped Knitted Sleeveless Top

$69

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My exact top won't be available to purchase until later this month. For now, shop this similar one.

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

My review: From the front, this dress looks like any other black mini (and as someone who absolutely adores the look of a fall minidress with sheer tights and pumps, I mean that in the best way possible). It isn't until you turn around and see the completely exposed back and almost corset-like zipper detail right at the bottom of the scoop that you realize it's so much more than that. What makes it even better are the padded shoulders that give off a very '80s feel, which is why I simply had to add oversize, statement earrings.

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COS

Structured Scuba Minidress

$120

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My exact dress won't be available to purchase until later this month. For now, shop this similar one.

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

My review: If you, like me, spent all of last winter saving up to buy the Wardrobe.NYC x Hailey Bieber coat only to still not have enough to get one before the season ended, I just unearthed the perfect alternative that won't set you back quite so significantly. This oversize, double-breasted COS coat has all of the makings of the perfect menswear-esque outerwear, from the padded shoulders to the boxy fit to the long hemline. It looks so nice with an elegant set (as shown above). Though, I can't wait to style it down with jeans and a thin turtleneck or even more casually with track pants.

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

My review: I don't know exactly what spurred my recent hyper fixation on all things navy blue, but I'm not complaining. I feel like the shade has long been overshadowed by more exciting hues like cornflower, cerulean, and Yves Klein, with many sleeping on navy because of it's sort of blasé reputation. But actually, that's exactly what I love about it. It's perfect for a minimalist like me who, despite the general appearance of her closet, doesn't want to wear black every single day. Such is why I was so drawn to this blue mini, which feels just different enough from the many LBDs in my closet without taking me outside of my comfort zone. I can't wait to wear it this fall and winter, specifically during the holidays, with tights, a big coat, and some super pointed-toe sling-backs or pumps.

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COS

V-Neck Double-Faced Wool Dress

$190

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My exact dress won't be available to purchase until later this month. For now, shop this similar one.

Photo:

@elizagracehuber

My review: Of all the items I brought home to test drive, this was the set I was most excited to try on. The shade of gray is almost dove-like and immediately made me think of something chic Cameron Diaz's character in The Holiday would wear. The fabric, like all of the ones featured in that movie's wardrobe, is pure luxury and just falls on the body effortlessly. Though I enjoy the set together, what I'm really excited to do is try styling the top and skirt separately. The top would be perfect with simple jeans and pumps, while I'd love to experiment with the skirt, pairing it with a thin turtleneck, stiletto boots, and a super-sleek coat once the winter weather hits. The possibilities are endless.

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