I Wear This Easy Outfit Every Week and Never Get Bored Of It
You simply don't need to talk me into it: I'm obsessed with matching sets. Co-ords have become my go-to in times of fashion need for many reasons. First, they look pulled-together with minimal styling effort required. Then there's the fact that they magically manage to straddle the tricky smart-casual divide I struggle with. There's something about dresses that feels a lot more formal and something about mismatched separates that requires a great deal of consideration each morning. Such is the co-ord's popularity in the land of fashion that it's made the impressive transition from trend to wardrobe staple, and you'll now find that many e-commerce websites have entire category pages dedicated to them.
Hannah Almassi wearing her favourite set of knitted co-ords back in 2018.
When I tried my first co-ord (this red-and-black striped combo from Warehouse, pictured above), I fell for the idea hook, line and sinker. I rarely wear the pieces of my co-ords apart—they look so much better together in this instance—but that is an upside to buying a two-piece look rather than a dress: You do have infinitely more outfit opportunities to make the most of your investment.
Clockwise from top left: Blazé Milano, Emilia Wickstead, Nanushka, Rejina Pyo
Although this combination is now well established and around three or four years old, designers are still keen on adding matching sets into their latest collections. For spring 2021, you'll find myriad options across both luxury and contemporary brands: laid-back linen skirt suits at Rejina Pyo, ribbed loungewear-ready top-and-trouser sets from Nanushka, suiting across countless runways, and fancy formal options like flounced tops with swishy skirts at Emilia Wickstead. From casual weekend sets to smarter options for events or a return to work, keep scrolling to shop all of the very best designer co-ords available today.
RIBBED SETS
Alyssa Coscarelli wearing a set from Public Habit.
Particularly prevalent with flared trousers and matching neat tops, ribbed jerseys and knits are the most comfortable and effortless co-ords to wear in 2021.
DAY PYJAMAS
Ellie Delphine wearing feather-trimmed Sleeper pyjamas.
The most fun take on this trend has to be day pj's. Sleeper is the brand leading this charge (I'd adore a pair with the feather trim), but you'll find many more iterations out there in the luxury world.
TWINSET 2.0
Imani Randolph wearing a knitted bra and cardigan from Paloma Wool.
Whether demure (a knitted tank and matching cardigan) or a little more adventurous (hello, bralette!), the concept of the twinset has been reborn for 2021. Perhaps first jettisoned into the spotlight via Katie Holmes in that Khaite combo, this trend rumbles on across the board in many different cuts and colours.
SKIRT + CROP TOP
Chloé Pierre in a matching ribbed sky-blue set.
Matching skirt-and-top sets come in many guises, from prim (see Alessandra Rich's 1980s-style pairs) to laid-back and easy-going (knitted and stretchy versions are so simple to fling on), so pick your perfect partner and look sophisticated forevermore.
SUITS
Xiayan in a trouser suit from No Stock Paris.
The slickest of all co-ords, trouser suits haven't faded out despite the fact that they can be easily associated with corporate office wardrobes. Instead, designers are introducing more daring colours, looser silhouettes and unique styling ideas.
Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.
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