I've worked in fashion for a few years now, so I've curated quite a few sartorial holy grail pieces, you know, the ones that simply never fail. For jeans, it's a certain pair of Levi's that fit just right. For summer holidays, you'll rarely spot me in anything but linen trousers, and when it comes to minimalist everyday luxury, I turn to COS, without fail.
While the brand didn't exactly invent clean lines and understated elegance, it's certainly perfected the aesthetic, carving out a niche where sophisticated, hardworking pieces meet accessible pricing. From timeless dresses to elevated basics, the brand's designs often draw comparisons to more luxury labels such as The Row, Toteme and Celine. Little surprise, then, that when it comes to bags, COS delivers with the same finesse.
Unlike most It-bags these days that come with a pretty sizeable four-figure price tag, COS's bags offer a similarly effortlessly chic vibe but are incredibly affordable. Whether you're after a roomy tote bag or a more compact alternative (like perhaps a sleek crossbody), you'll find H&M's luxe sister brand does it all with ease.
This summer, the Oversized Hand-Woven Tote has proven to be quite popular. Meticulously handwoven from raffia, the large straw bag is a masterclass in summer minimalism that the fashion pack is styling everywhere from the actual beach to the city streets and even the office. While the beige iteration pairs wonderfully with breezy sundresses and linen shorts for the heatwaves we've been experiencing, the chocolate brown version is an excellent transitional piece that'll work well with striped button-downs and straight-leg trousers (we're eying Reformation's Vida pants) for the office come September.
Shop: COS' Oversized Hand-Woven Tote Bag
www.cos.com
With a structured silhouette and slender shoulder straps, this raffia tote is roomy enough to fit all your belongings, and elegant enough to take just about everywhere.
It's not just the handwoven tote that's captured our hearts and social media algorithms, though. Apart from its iconic crossbody bag (which I own in both leather and suede iterations), COS also delivered an excellent bowling bag earlier this year that immediately made it into fashion editor and influencer wardrobes alike. Now, just in time for autumn, the brand has debuted its Gallery Tote bag, swathed in suede with a structured yet roomy design. The result? A bag that looks much more expensive than its £189 price tag and instantly adds a refined touch to any outfit you pair it with.
Whether you're looking for a new work bag to carry your laptop, lunch, and accumulated trinkets in style or considering investing in a chic clutch for evening events, COS has you covered across the spectrum. Approved by fashion editors, influencers and even the A-list (Blackpink's Jennie sported the brand's viral quilted bag a few years ago), shop the best COS bags below.
Shop: The Best COS Bags
www.cos.com
Suede bags are always a good idea for autumn, and this simple chocolate brown tote is as versatile as it gets. A blown-up take on trendy east-west silhouettes, we imagine we'll be wearing ours with everything from jeans and a nice top to tailored dresses and knitwear.
www.cos.com
Freshly restocked for 2025, this slouchy crossbody bag also works well as a shoulder or handheld bag. If the past few seasons are any indication, we don't imagine this one will stay in stock long this time around either.
www.cos.com
While technically from the menswear section, we had to mention this slouchy shopper made from sleek black leather. Designed with wide shoulder straps for comfortable carry, the roomy tote is endlessly versatile.
www.cos.com
With a gathered closure and soft silhouette, the Cavatelli clutch will slot seamlessly into your evening looks, whether you're opting for satin trousers or a cocktail dress. Available in neutral black and white, we're eyeing this trendy butter yellow version right now.
www.cos.com
If you've been into the recent corporate menswear influences on fashion, this folio bag makes for a great work bag. With angular sides and a cutout handle, it's for the minimalists who have a tight selection of everyday essentials.
www.cos.com
Another great hands-free option, sling this saddle-shaped bag across your body whether you're off to the market or a dinner with friends.
www.cos.com
As much as we love a practical tote, this quilted micro bag is just as essential to your collection – perfect for storing your lipstick, wallet and keys on a night out or dinner date while still looking good.
www.cos.com
A high street take on Prada's iconic nylon shoulder bag, this understated silhouette adds a '90s charm to any outfit.
Main image credits: ©Instagram/@samreid___ @jessportman
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.