I've Been a Stylist for Over 10 Years—This Is the Easy Two-Part Outfit I Rely On in Summer

Hands up who owns a co-ord? That's everyone, then. The dynamic duo reigns supreme no matter the season, but for summer, they're basically as essential as a straw bag or sandals. Why do I love them so much? They’re just so easy to throw on for quite literally any plans. And even though they're so simple, they have the power to make you look put together.

Not only this, I see them as a two-for-one buy considering you can break up the set and wear them as separates with other staples in your existing wardrobe. And this cost per wear justifies my need for the many sets I've bought over the years (that’s what I’m telling myself, anyway.) So, seeing as I see myself as a bit of a co-ord expert, I’ve found the best ones to shop for summer. Whether it's shorts, skirts or trousers you're after—you’ll wear these so many times you’ll wonder how you ever got dressed without them.

The Best Short Co-ords:

Jessica wearing shorts co-ord

(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Style Notes: There's no doubt about it, a shorts (and most likely, shirt) co-ord is one of the easiest outfits you can throw on this summer. Effortless, and understated, Jess proves how simple they are to style for warm-weather days.

Shop Best Short Co-ords:

The Best Trouser Co-ords:

best-co-ord-sets-300680-1693482177937-main

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: If sharp tailoring piques your interest, make like Marilyn and opt for a summer-appropriate linen suit. Or, swap the blazer for a waistcoat version––there are so many around this season.

Shop Best Trouser Co-ords:

The Best Skirt Co-ords:

best-co-ord-sets-300680-1693486570542-main

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Style Notes: While spring was all about knit skirt co-ords, summer calls for sheer materials (like Emmanuelle), mini styles and bandeau iterations. The perfect duo to don for an evening look abroad.

Shop Best Skirt Co-ords:

Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning. Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people. When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.