I Just Tried On The Best Minimalist Summer Buys At Cos – Here’s What I’d Recommend

What is it about summer style that inspires such tribalism in the world of fashion? During the winter months we are content with multilayered (in all senses of the word) ensembles that mix references, textures and silhouettes, but, whether it’s the TikTok effect or simply the innate simplicity of warm-weather dressing, the moment the mercury rises, we feel as though we need to subscribe to a singular aesthetic.

Like those fashion quizzes we took in ’90s teen magazines, it’s all too easy to take a prescriptive approach to summer stye. Love Adidas shorts? You’re a Mel C sporty gal. Have a predilection for a pleated mini? Congrats, you’re a Miu Miu prep! From cottagecore queen to Pucci prints princess, it all becomes a game of fashion Guess Who?

Of course, the “quiet luxury” minimalist is the style persona that has dominated the most over the past few years, but, long before it came into being, Cos was a stalwart of streamlined design. If you wanted an unadorned black dress or a simple white shirt, you knew that Cos would deliver. It truly had its demographic down. Yet, in recent seasons, as other brands clamoured to create their own “stealth wealth” staples, Cos was adapting its offering, breaking free from the strictures of stripped-back style and branching into a new and more nuanced direction. And it really shows.

But worry not, Cos purists, the core of the brand remains intact, it’s simply the introduction of subtle design details that put a new spin on minimalist style. It’s a sporty short here, a knitted hoodie there; it’s a pop of highlighter yellow rubbing shoulders with a cargo pant. This brand evolution became even clearer to me when I popped into the Regent Street store this month, so I decided to bring a round-up of the best minimalist(ish) buys that are worth your attention for summer 2024.

Whether you’re a Cos purist or minimalist fashion tourist, scroll down to see and shop the Vogue verdict.

The sporty shorts