I’ve officially been shopping til I drop here in Seoul, South Korea for a few weeks now. And recently found myself shopping at one of the most unexpected (well for me) stores: COS.

I told myself I was just popping into COS for twenty minutes — I was actually on my way to Acne, not even planning to stop — but I happened to walk past the store, and that was that. Three hours and thirty-plus try-ons later, I finally walked out.

I Tried On 30+ Things at COS in Korea (a Size 20/XL): Only One Didn’t Fit

This wasn’t a small store, either. Three floors, completely stocked with the new season and sale, and somehow it never once felt overwhelming. Everything was so visually aesthetic that I just kept finding one more thing to grab on my way to the fitting room.

And here’s the part that really blew me away: out of everything I tried on, only one piece didn’t fit. One. Everything else I put back was because of color or style, not because it didn’t work on my body. If you’ve ever shopped somewhere and had to mentally brace yourself before walking into a fitting room, you know exactly how big of a deal that is.

So let’s talk about why this particular COS store ended up being one of the best shopping experiences of my life.

1 | Twist Detail Jersey Top

top (xl) | skirt

Something about this twist detail top makes me feel so sexy and chic, yet it’s still a full coverage top! This is honestly such a rarity for me to find tops that offer coverage while also giving me the va va voom vibes I love so much.

top

I’m a major fan of the boat neckline and think the asymmetry of the hemline gives it added interest. And the twist detailing accentuates my body exactly how I like. While this top feels like it was made for my curves, I think the design would also work super well for all body types. It’s incredibly stretchy and oh so comfy, and one of those tops that I will be reaching for over and over again.

top | skirt

I also tried it in chocolate brown and ended up loving this color way even more than the white. It’s a very rich deep chocolate brown and feels so freaking luxe! I’ve already worn it several times, and it’s just one of those tops that instantly makes me feel so good.

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2 | COS Ruched Waist Cotton Jersey Tank Top

top (xl) |skirt | sandals

Another banger jersey top, that you guessed it, is going into my suitcase! I just love how these tops fit me so well.

top

It’s amazing how these simple details really make a basic top feel so much more interesting. I love how it pairs with my skirt, and I just know this is going to look so good with jeans too!

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3 | COS Striped Short Sleeve Cotton Shirt

top (xl) | skirt

I’m not typically a fan of striped button downs, but this baby blue and white striped button down was perfection! It hit right at my natural waistline, and I appreciated the side slits to accommodate my hips.

top (xl) | skirt

I tried it in the xl and xxl and both worked great for me, but found that the larger size gave me more space in the arms which I preferred. I think this is one of those tops that would look great with everything in your closet. When I get back to the states, I personally want to see how it pairs with my favorite jeans.

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4 | COS Ribbed Cotton Tank

tank (xl) | skirt

Okay, not only is this tank great quality, it’s also only $25! IMO it’s a great deal for a summer cotton tank. It fit me so well, and I loved the contrasting piping on the sleeve and neckline. It also comes in 10 different color ways, so I may be adding a few more to my closet very soon.

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5 | COS Merino Wool Layered Polo Shirt

top (xl)

TBH, every time I try collared shirts I feel like I should be a character in Blue’s Clues. Even though I couldn’t get over the fact that it just didn’t feel like my style, I loved the fit and the contrasting colors of this top.

top

The pop of red makes me think of the unexpected red theory, and the red definitely feels unexpected paired with the heather brown.

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6 | COS Ribbed Henley T-Shirt

top (xl) | skirt | sandals

Like seriously, COS is really making me fall in love with basic tops in a way I didn’t even know was possible. This ribbed henley was 100% a keep for me! I loved how deep v it could be, and that I also have the option to button it up all the way too. We love a versatile piece!

top

Gahh I just love how good the girls look in the top, and can’t get over that it’s just a basic henley. Ultra stretchy cotton, and incredibly comfortable too.

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7 | COS Tie-Front Knitted Wool Shirt

top (xl) | skirt

When I tell you 99% of everything I tried on at COS was so good, I’m not kidding! I loved how this tie-front top fit me so freaking well, but don’t like the baby pink color on me personally.

top | skirt

That said, it’s still a gorgeous top, and comes in the prettiest vibrant orange too that I know will look fantastic on me. So even though the pink version didn’t come home with me, the orange certainly might be ordered online asap!

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8 | COS Fluid Wool-Voile Shirt

top | skirt

I LOVED this lightweight sheer button up 😍 it was truly a fantastic piece and again simple yet still somehow made me feel all the feels. I know I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, but gosh you guys, the quality, the fit, the ways these clothes made me feel about myself… Is what I think we all hope for in the dressing room and in the clothes we choose to wear. And this top was all of those things for me.

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9 | COS Tiered Gathered Midi Skirt

top (xl) | skirt (xl)

I really didn’t think this skirt would work for me, but was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. These styles of dresses don’t typically work for my ultra curvy hips, but this one actually did!

top | skirt

I really loved the tiered ruching details and thought it paired really well with that same top I took home, but in black. While this was definitely a like, it wasn’t something I loved enough to sacrifice taking up space in my suitcase.

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10 | COS Ruched Waist Cotton Jersey Midi Dress

dress (sold out) similar | sandals

I’ve been in the process of building out my wedding wardrobe, and this dress was a winner winner for me! It’s a stretchy cotton blend which is perfect if my weight fluctuates, and I love how it hugs my body. I’m envisioning wearing this to fittings, and possibly even for my bachelorette. Either way it’s versatile enough to wear for wedding things, and even just summer shenanigans.

dress (sold out) similar | sandals

I know, I know it’s not fully zipped up, but trust me once I got it zipped it was a clear yes for me! ps. It’s sold out right now, but this one is a fun alternative.

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11| COS Ruched Waist Midi Skirt

top (xl) | skirt (xl)

If I had more room in my suitcase, this midi skirt likely would have come home with me! It was comfy, practical and the perfect office ready piece.

skirt

I loved the material and the cinching at the waist felt flirty and fun, and I personally loved that the cinching at the waist didn’t squeeze me too tight.

top | skirt

Oh and a major win that it didn’t ride up in the back either! Truly a fantastic piece.

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12 | The One Fail – COS Gathered Jersey Midi Dress

dress (xl) | sandals

I’ve come to the realization that I do not like butter yellows and pastel pinks on my body. And while I’ve never had a color analysis done, I 100% know that whatever season those colors fall in are not it for me. Not only did I dislike the color of this dress, the fit didn’t work either.

dress

I always think I’m going to like smocked detailing, and then time and time again I’m reminded that nope, it’s just not for me. I’m sure this dress would look gorgeous on someone else, but this was one of the few things I tried and can confidently say I did not like. Honestly a major win to try on as many things as I did and only have one real no.

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I have to say, shopping in store at COS here in Seoul was such a dream, and I left with so many new pieces I’m obsessed with. If you’re similar in size to me (size 20 pants and xl tops), you’ve definitely got to check them out!

XX – Kat