I Just Found My Entire Summer Capsule at This One High Street Store

Is it just me or does anyone else find shopping overwhelming? As an experienced fashion editor, I should probably be a dab hand by now— but since I spend all day every say scrolling through new-in sections, it’s an occupational hazard to be completely spoiled for choice. That’s why each season I usually end up just focusing on a handful of my favourite brands and stocking up on chic basics that I know will all work together— with the odd investment dress, accessory or vintage find thrown in for good measure. 

When I began browsing recently to bring my summer capsule collection up to date, there was one clear brand that jumped out at me for having the best edit of expensive-looking pieces: COS. A high street favourite of the Who What Wear UK team and one of my long time go-tos for minimalist classics, this summer I must say they’ve truly excelled themselves. With plenty of linen staples, versatile basics and gorgeous dresses for events as well as everyday, I'd honestly be happy shopping only from there this season. It’s hardly surprising, then, that myself and so many of my fellow editors have been stocking up on hero pieces from the new collection recently. 

I managed to edit my wish list down and placed an order of a few key items I’d had my eye on to really elevate my existing summer wardrobe of flowery dresses and denim shorts— and they didn't disappoint. Keep scrolling to see the pieces I’m keeping (and can wholly recommend after trying), and how I’ll be styling them in lots of different ways together this summer…

1. Gathered Midi Dress

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

This dress is perfect for the office or meetings with flats, but I also plan on wearing it with heeled sandals for a wedding. 

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2. Linen Shirt + Linen Trousers + Tank Top

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

A co-ord is such an easy way to look put-together— this relaxed linen set is also 10/10 for comfort and the linen is really great quality. 

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

These trousers work on their own with a simple tank top on warmer days too. 

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3. Linen Trousers + Waistcoat + Tank Top

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

I've been searching for a waistcoat to add to my capsule wardrobe for a while now and this one fits the bill perfectly. I'll layer it up with shirts in the cooler months but for now it works as a smarter alternative to a tank top or a chic addition over the top.

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4. Tank Top + Wide Leg Trousers

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

You can't go wrong with a wide-leg trouser and tank top combination for looking smart in summer. This vest is a really nice thick material that keeps it feeling polished despite having skin on show. 

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5. Waistcoat + Wide Leg Trousers

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

Tonal relaxed tailoring always looks expensive.

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Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.