Forget Designer—The Most-Worn Item at Fashion Week Was From This High Street Brand

Autumn has arrived and with it comes a shift in the fashion mood. The light, playful motifs of summer—polka dots, florals, lace—are giving way to things that are more serious and more grounded. On the high street, one pattern is cutting through the noise: checks. Never too far away from the zeitgeist, the classic print has been reimagined into something a little less traditional for AW25. True to form, COS is delivering some of the best interpretations of the season.

A guest wears the COS Alpaca Jumper teamed with grey trousers and a yellow crossbody bag.

That much was clear at the brand’s fashion show last weekend. Amidst the expensive-looking knitwear, elegantly cut coats and polished accessories, all of COS’s It items had one unifying theme: they were checked. On the streets of New York, guests arrived in head-to-toe COS, and almost every outfit hinged on the pattern—whether it was the Draped Checked Skirt styled with elevated shirting, or the Merino Wool Jacket worn with its coordinating micro-check skirt, which nodded to the year's ongoing obsession with preppy style. Even the humble Checked Flannel Shirt, available in classic beige or statement blue and black, was spotted repeatedly, cementing its place as a new-season essential.

Marilyn NK wearing the Draped Checked Skirt styled with a grey shirt.

And if you were wondering how to actually wear the check trend, the street style gave us the answers. Tamu McPherson took a maximalist approach, pairing her checked shirt with the draped checked skirt, finished with loafers and a woven bag. Marilyn NK kept things pared back, letting her checked skirt shine against a simple shirt, while Jihoon Kim styled her checked jacket and mini skirt together, channelling peak Clueless energy.The best part? Unlike many fashion week outfits, these looks aren’t out of reach. In fact, you can shop the exact pieces now, proving that COS’s new-season checks are as wearable as they are covetable.

Jihoon Kim wearing the COS Merino Wool Jacket with the matching Merino Wool Mini Skirt.

Shop the best fashion week approved COS checked pieces below.

Shop The Best Checked Pieces At COS

COS

Draped Checked Midi Skirt

This fluid midi drapes beautifully as you move, with burgundy checks that feel classic yet modern. Perfect with a chunky knit and knee-high boots.

COS

Checked Flannel Shirt

Cut from soft flannel in an oversized fit, this shirt has that effortless ease we love. Wear it open over a tee or buttoned up with tailored trousers.

COS

Sculpted Merino Wool Jacket

Sleek tailoring meets cosy texture. This sculpted merino wool jacket has clean lines and a flattering shape that works from day to evening.

COS

Checked Alpaca-Blend Jumper

Chunky yet refined, this alpaca-blend knit makes checks look instantly elevated. The rich burgundy palette pairs effortlessly with denim or leather.

COS

Layered Sheer Checked Midi Skirt

Sheer layers give this midi subtle volume and movement, making it a chic statement piece. Style it with a simple knit to let the texture shine.

COS

Buttoned Checked Alpaca-Blend Jumper

A classic check knit reimagined with a button-front detail. Wear it undone as a cardigan or fastened as a polished jumper.

Somewhere between a shirt and a jacket, this oversized overshirt is the ultimate throw-on piece. Layer it over knits or dresses for instant cool.

COS

Checked Double-Faced Wool Skirt

This wool midi has a structured, double-faced finish that gives it presence. Timeless checks and a clean silhouette make it a smart investment.

COS

Merino Wool Mini Skirt

A playful mini skirt crafted in cosy merino wool. The neutral check makes it endlessly versatile—pair with tights and boots for cold-weather polish.

Streamlined and modern, this checked V-neck is an elevated everyday staple. Its neat cut makes it easy to tuck into skirts or trousers.

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