Welcome to The Great Try-On. With spring well and truly in the air, we seized the opportunity to try on some of the best new-in pieces from some of your favourite brands, documenting the process along the way. We believe that the best way to shop online is to see an item IRL and to read candid reviews, so we hope that this leads you to your most successful purchases of the year.
As a fashion editor here at Who What Wear UK, I get asked for recommendations a lot. Whether that’s which designer bag makes a truly timeless investment, which pair of trainers to buy for a partner (I got that one this week), or where to buy the perfect white shirt. My answers can, of course, vary depending on the request—but believe me when I tell you, when people ask me for more affordable buys,,99% of the time I recommend either Arket or COS. Not many other places manage to balance quality, style and affordability in the same way. So, when I was asked to head into both stores for this season’s Great Try-On, I wasn’t about to complain.
I personally have very classic taste, and I try to eschew passing trends for pieces that will last me for years, not just seasons. I find that COS, especially, caters to this kind of a wardrobe where longevity and capsule staples reign, without letting anything become too boring, which is key). We already know the tailoring (especially their wide-leg trousers) is designer-like, and their accessories (yep, that crossbody) are as coveted as the latest Bottega drop. But I was excited to head into store this week to try on the best of their transitional spring collection and really get to grips with which items I should be recommending to you this season.
Unsurprisingly the collection didn’t disappoint and I was particularly impressed with the denim offering, which in the past I might have brushed past in favour of Arket or & Other Stories. The quality was really amazing, with heavyweight denim cut into elevated shapes (from wide-leg jeans to smart shirts) that felt modern and classic at the same time. I also found a number of really versatile dresses that I could see hanging in my closet for years to come—from knitted styles to the ultimate shirt dress for all occasions. Unfortunately for my bank account I ended up coming home with quite a few buys, but I can honestly say I’m just grateful to COS for keeping me chic on a high street budget.
Scroll on to see and shop the seven best outfits I tried (and would recommend to anyone)…
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/07/08/580/n/1922564/f78867556a4e48f63e2a99.33534786_.jpg "Keke Palmer Wowed in a Metallic Corset at Essence Festival – Get Her Look Starting at")
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/07/06/655/n/49352476/b5895de25ab74fb2_imgi_1_733172791_18633218026037720_235082600448149611_n.jpg "Shop J Lo's Wedding Guest Look For Taylor and Travis's Wedding – Starting at")
