Zara, H&M and COS Just Nailed Minimalist Winter Dressing—15 Pieces I’d Buy Now
If there’s one thing I’m guilty of, it’s gravitating towards the simplest pieces in any new-in section. Elegant wool coats, white shirts, perfectly cut trousers and refined knitwear—and, when I’m looking for polished, minimalist pieces without the designer price tag, there are three places I return to time and again: Zara, H&M and COS.
Each has its own strength. COS is my go-to for beautifully cut tailoring, premium fabrics and the kind of understated basics that could easily pass for designer. Zara consistently delivers on elevated outerwear and directional silhouettes, whilst H&M is particularly good at those deceptively simple wardrobe staples—great knitwear, trousers and layering pieces—that make getting dressed considerably easier.
Right now, all three are especially strong. Think sweeping wool coats, rich chocolate-brown layers, dark indigo denim and beautifully simple knitwear, alongside the elevated basics that form the backbone of a minimalist wardrobe. After scrolling through hundreds of new arrivals, I’ve narrowed it down to the pieces I think are genuinely worth your attention.
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Keep scrolling for the Zara, H&M and COS minimalist buys I’d happily wear on repeat all winter and well beyond.
Shop Zara, H&M and COS Minimalist Winter Buys
ZARA
Zw Collection Wool Blend Coat With Belt
Zara’s ZW Collection continues to deliver some of the strongest outerwear on the high street.
A very designer-coded handbag from H&M.
ZARA
Knit Jumper With Belt
The waist-cinching belt transforms this from a simple knit into something altogether more polished.
COS
Chord Straight-Leg Jeans
The Reprise is one of my favourite COS denim silhouettes.
H&M
Cashmere-Blend Jumper
Part of its premium range, this is exactly the kind of hardworking piece I’d reach for repeatedly throughout winter.
ZARA
Crossbody Bag With Flap
The pared-back silhouette and minimal detailing give this crossbody the understated, designer-looking quality.
ZARA
Blazer With Shoulder Pads
Strong shoulders are firmly back on my radar, and this blazer is an easy way to tap into the look.
COS
Relaxed Twill Wide-Leg Trousers
COS tailoring is some of the best on the high street, and these wide-leg trousers are a perfect example.
A generous V-neck always makes knitwear feel that little bit more elegant.
From the shape to the stitching, this bag looks 3x the price.
ZARA
Reversible Double-Sided Coat
Two excellent coats for the price of one.
H&M
Oversized Cotton Shirt
The oversized proportions make this look distinctively more elevated.
ZARA
Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers
Fluid, wide-leg tailoring is one of my shortcuts to making an outfit look more expensive.
COS
Shawl-Collar Double-Faced Wool Long Coat
A great wool coat you’ll reach for all winter long.
The high neckline and clean silhouette make this cardigan feel particularly elegant.
H&M
Baggy Barrel Regular Waist Jeans
The perfect shape and hue.
ZARA
Leather Kitten Ankle Boots
The kitten heel gives these leather ankle boots a decidedly elegant feel.
A wool coat is exactly the kind of staple that makes looking elegant effortless, even as the temperatures start to drop.
There’s something so innately expensive-looking about a scarf jacket.
ZARA
Z1975 High-Waist Jeans With Side Pleats
The pleated detailing gives these jeans a more directional feel than your standard straight-leg pair.
COS
JournÉe Tote Bag – Leather
COS has an excellent track record with cult handbags, and the Journe has all the makings of another hit.
COS
Merino Wool High-Neck Top
The perfect layering piece.
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