One of the best things about entering into a new season is new season shopping, and new shopping means the potential for some great new outfits. There's nothing I love more than putting together fresh looks with some of the high street's very best pieces, and as a stylist turned shopping editor, it combines two of my favourite things: assembling outfits and getting to share with them you, dear reader. And may I say, this winter has outdone itself as being one of the most inspiring yet.
From the year's unexpected smash hit–the balaclava, to the boots we'll inevitably be wearing for many more winters to come, this season has given us a lot of notable moments, and it just so happens that you can shop them all at COS. The brand's winter collection landed on site with a bang after showcasing its first runway show in New York a couple of months ago, and I've been obsessed with its excellent shopping options ever since.
From the tailored trouser-and-jumper combination that'll take you seamlessly from work into the weekend, to the cold-weather accessories bound to sell out by Christmas, keep scrolling to see the five COS winter outfits I'd very much like to wear this month (and the next).
1. THE WOOL COAT + MIDI SKIRT + KNEE-HIGH BOOTS
Style Notes: Simple but effective, COS always gets seasonal colour palettes right, and layering up in shades of brown and cream with gold and black accents makes this look feel instantly expensive.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I'm ready to trade in my black puffer coat for something a little shaper, and this tops the list.
One item you'll never regret buying? A neutral knit. They'll go with anything in your wardrobe.
Wear now with a fluffy jumper and boots, and again throughout the summer with a cotton shirt and sandals.
Easily one of the best knee-high boots on the market right now.
Don't overlook accessories, they're the final touch your outfit needs to go from good, to great.
2. THE STRIPED JUMPER + WIDE-LEG TROUSERS + BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: We were stripey jumper obsessed this year, but in a sea of monochrome crew-necks only the few that sported clever attention to detail managed to grab our attention. Bell sleeves, turtlenecks, oversized and zip-up jumpers came in first, and when paired with tailored trousers and polished ballet pumps, you've got a comfy casual look that still manages to feel fresh.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Move over classic Breton—there's a new knit in town.
I'm willing to stand by my claim that wide-leg trousers really are the only universal style that will suits everyone.
It might be "mini" by name, but its spacious enough to carry all of your essentials, and then some.
Add a square toe, crossover detail and a loop and you've got the most modern pair of ballet flats I've seen in ages.
Add a pair of everyday hoops as the final cherry on the cake.
3. THE CARDIGAN + CHECK TROUSERS + KITTEN-HEEL SLINGBACKS
Style Notes: If there were two items we didn't expect to see make a fashionable comeback in the last couple of years, it would be the cardigan and the kitten heel. Both dismissed to the back of the wardrobe after being declared "grandma wear," we have the likes of Khaite, Miu Miu and Prada to thank for putting a sexy spin on the "cutesy" wardrobe staples, making them A-list favourites and cool-girl must-haves in the process.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Size up and wear slouchily with nothing underneath to up the cool factor.
Even the most print-phobic dresser will see the appeal of these incredibly chic straight-leg trousers.
Sorry, platforms—we love a trend that looks good and takes the comfort of your feet into consideration too.
The '90s called and it wants its baguettes back. It's the only thing we'll be carrying this season.
Make a statement in slick, supersized hoops that'll add a little edge to your look.
4. THE KNIT DRESS + CHUNKY BOOTS + LEATHER GLOVES
Style Notes: If you need an outfit that you can wear in the pub, out on winter walks, running errands, and even coffee with friends, your wardrobe needs a knit dress. You'll be just as comfortable snuggled up at home as you are preparing for a day in the office in a soft, wool turtleneck. Just add a thick coat and a sturdy pair of boots as soon as its time to venture outside.
SHOP THE LOOK:
A timeless fit you'll want to wear forever.
This also comes in black, navy and a currently sold out green, so your only decision is which colour to go for (or all three).
When it comes to the best boot trends this winter, the chunkier, the better, and these are boots made for walking (and being seen in).
Add a pop of colour to a muted outfit with a refreshing burst of bright, citrusy orange.
Runway styling tip: Push up your coat sleeves and wear a long leather glove instead of short, knitted ones. It'll instantly make your outfit feel 1000 times cooler.
5. THE FAUX-FUR COAT + THE SLIP DRESS + METALLIC HEELS
Style Notes: Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't go all out for the evening. In fact, why not make a coat the star of the show? A simple slip dress is the perfect base for statement outerwear, and metallic heels will help bring the look to life. Bring on party season.
SHOP THE LOOK:
If you thought COS were all about muted tones and premium basics, this might be the piece to convince you that there's far more to the high-street hero.
The very definition of a wardrobe staple, the slip dress is all-year, all-rounder that you'll dress up for winter evenings and wear with sandals on hot summer days.
Nothing says "party" quite like a mirrored, platform heel.
Clutches aren't just for the evening—you'll want to wear this again the morning after with a chunky knit, wide-leg trousers and loafers.
Next: How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe With 8 Pieces That You'll Wear Forever
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