I Buy My Luxe Basics From COS—Here Are 20 On-Sale Items That Will Wow You Too

Let's be honest. Buying luxurious wardrobe pieces isn't always possible unless you're rolling in dough—even as an editor. I can't tell you how often my colleagues and I have messaged over Slack about our desire to buy Totême or Prada, knowing it's not currently possible. But just because we lack the means doesn't mean we can't still find affordable clothing that gives off "rich energy." In fact, there's a slew of places our team loves to shop for luxe staples, including Zara and Mango. And while I love those shops just as much as the next editor, I'd be lying if I didn't say that my favorite is COS. Every time I scroll through its new-arrivals section, I'm left gawking over the retailer's ability to take classic wardrobe pieces and make them feel luxe through unique hemlines, colors, and fabrics.
No other retailer understands the assignment quite like COS, so you can see why I was overjoyed when it announced its summer sale. Finding fabulous basics on sale is fantastic in and of itself, but shopping the sale section on COS? That's a top-tier experience. So as COS's summer sale nears an end, I've taken the liberty of rounding up the best staples to buy right now. And since its pieces always manage to sell out quickly, I've also rounded up a few other staples worth purchasing (so that you don't have FOMO). Your new favorite wardrobe essential is a scroll away.
COS Staples on Sale
You'd be wise to pair it with the matching tube top.
Pair with white jeans and black accessories for the chicest summer outfit around.
I can not emphasize the importance of owning at least one trench coat. It’s the key to making any outfit look more expensive.
This may be a controversial take, but Bermuda shorts are a summer staple. You can dress them up or down, you don’t have to worry about them being too short, and they’re so comfortable.
I love classic button-downs, but this cinched-waist shape is just too chic.
COS Staples Worth Investing In
Y’all don’t understand—I’m obsessed with this dress.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Next: 40 Expensive-Looking Pieces From the Affordable Brands French Girls Love

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.
-
If The Row, Khaite, and Toteme Feel Too Expensive, Here Are 33 Pieces to Try Instead
Bring on the luxe-looking outfits.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
It's Music Festival Season—40 Styles the Chicest Festivalgoers Are Considering
Your shopping guide awaits!
By Chichi Offor
-
I Mostly Shop for Prescription Glasses Online—4 Retailers That Sell *Actually* Cute Frames
Your guide to chic frames awaits.
By Chichi Offor
-
9 Top, Jeans, and Shoe Outfit Combos That Fashion People Will Be Wearing This Spring
I plan to re-create these ASAP.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—42 Things I'm Buying for My Chicest Spring Yet
From Jacquemus to Gap.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
I Never Wear These Outdated Staples Anymore—6 I'm Buying to Freshen Things Up
Clearing out.
By Eliza Huber
-
A Rare Adidas Sale Is Happening Right Now—Here's What's Worth Shopping
Get 25% off until April 22.
By Audry Hiaoui
-
These $30 Gap Sandals Are Just as Cool as the $650 Pair That's Been on My Mind Since Last Spring
They are currently on sale for just $17.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes