There Are a Lot of Great Tops at COS Right Now

I embarked on my zillionth Sex and the City rewatch last month, where I was reminded of how delightful ’90s department-store knits are. This top reminds me of the mock-neck and turtleneck short-sleeves that Miranda’s especially prone to wearing. The merino is lightweight yet warm, but not overwhelming under my wool coat du jour. I enjoy the baby-tee-leaning fit but would size up for a baggier look.

You can never have enough tees. This one’s proportions are elegant: a longer bodice with three-quarter sleeves that slightly puff out, similar to the mock-neck above. The thick cuffing on the sleeves and hem are nice touches, too. It would easily pair with denim for everyday and with midi and maxi skirts for dressier callings. Simple but never boring, as I like to say.

We’re still cycling through three seasons a day in the city. This tank is a great transition option, styled as a sweater vest over a plain white tee (or on its own, as I did). The vibrant indigo-cobalt shade steals the show when worn with the neutrals in your closet. I’m especially into the fluidity of the merino, which pools and drapes around your waist; I sized up for an even slouchier fit.

I love this body-hugging long-sleeve. The merino is endlessly soft and stretchy, and the ultrafine ribbing has a smooth texture. I’m also a fan of the subtle, double-collar-looking tubular neckline and the long sleeves that cover the tops of my hands. I don’t typically wear brown, but this greige-y shade is a winner. I’ve been enjoying it as a solo sweater, but it will be handy under scratchier knits on frigid winter days.

This sweater’s got a proper double collar that does the work of layering for you. I tried it in the almost-sold-out brown-and-red color combo but am very into the other colorways, especially the white on white. This is a thicker merino wool that, without an undershirt, doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. The wide, thick collar nicely offsets the thinner one underneath, and the V-neck is open enough that a tee underneath could peek through.

I think this sleek roll-neck is great, especially if you’re looking for something other than J.Crew’s myriad versions of its classic. Despite being labeled as a sweater, it’s more like a thick shirt. The merino’s lightweight and soft, and the cream shade isn’t sheer. I like the raglan sleeve stitching and ribbed cuffs, too.

If you haven’t already caught on, the brand’s doing a lot with the neck this season. I’m a fan of a funnel neck on a coat, and this cardigan is a handsome embodiment of that when buttoned all the way up. I can see myself dressing this up to go out for dinner on a cold night.

I was intrigued by this combination of a henley and a turtleneck. This is more suited to being an undershirt and was the thinnest of the bunch I tried. It’s made of “featherweight” wool, per the brand, and has thumbholes on the sleeves, which I associate with athletic base layers. I really enjoy the fold-over, button-up neckline and would happily recommend this as a solo top in a just-sheer-enough darker shade (the ivory was too see-through for my liking).

Speaking of henleys, this under-$50 cotton-blend jersey tee is a winner. It reminds me of the splurgier All Three one I recently wrote about with its monochrome poplin placket and buttons, two details that make it look more expensive. Three percent spandex gives it a pinch of stretch — I comfortably traveled over eight hours in it a few weeks ago — and the ribbing is so fine, it’s hardly noticeable (my preference).

I’m working on a story on white button-downs with a twist, and this menswear-inspired one is making the cut. I love the tunic length and sharp wing collar, and I can’t get enough of the French-cuffed foldback sleeves (which, when worn unfolded, are extra long and flare deliciously). I can’t wait to wear this with a red lip for holiday parties, then with loafers and jeans to the office.

I never really got in on barrel-leg pants when they first emerged. But now, I have these in white and green. Though they need to be steamed or ironed before every wear, the cotton-blend material is crisp yet fluffy. I think the invisible waist is sleek, and I really enjoy the slightly cropped 25-inch inseam. The pleats add further volume to the balloonlike, wide-fitting legs. I’m a firm believer in wearing white pants all year long, and these have just as easily paired with light tees as they have chunky knits.

I think I’ve found the hat of my dreams. It makes me feel like Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries before she unveils the blowout of a lifetime. The bell-shaped cut and structure are exceptional and not as thick and clunky as other wool bucket hats I’ve found. Nor does it have too much of a brim, the issue I’ve encountered most when searching for a cloche-like hat (like this one from Soeur). The knit pattern and mid-weight merino makes for the perfect straight-on fit that hits me just at my eyebrows without obscuring my sight. And my head and ears stay genuinely warm.