Let’s be frank. Dressing up is hard work. You have to pick the best shirt to go with your pants. And when you finally find something nice, there comes another dilemma: which shoes and accessories would fit? What if you had it easier? What if, instead of worrying about what top or bottom to wear, you had it all settled? That’s the purpose of coordinated sets.
As the name implies, fashion co-ords coordinate your look. This type of outfit takes the stress of what to wear up or down. You only have to get one and focus on what shoes or accessories to pair with.
However, just because co-ord sets are easy to rock doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put in the effort to look stunning in them. If that’s your goal for your coordinated outfits, keep reading.
This article will show you everything you need to know about coordinated sets, including how to style them.
Let’s dive in.
What are Co-ordinated Sets?
Coordinated sets are matching outfits. That is, both the trousers, shorts, or skirt and the top or jacket are made with the same color of fabric or print.
These pieces are designed to be worn together. But what makes them more special is that if you don’t wanna wear both pieces together, you can rock either the top or bottom with another piece.
Matching sets mostly come as two-piece outfits in form of activewear, loungewear, pantsuits, etc. Some matching suits come as three pieces too (skirt/pants, vest, and jacket).
Why Wear Co-ords?
A two-piece set is a handy addition to any wardrobe. People wear them for many reasons three of which are:
Variety
Coordinated sets come in different styles. The best part is there’s always a co-ord to suit your fashion style.
If you want to create a chic, professional look, a pantsuit is your best matching set. And if you want to pull off a streetwear look, go for denim on denim, tracksuits, a pair of cargo pants and a jacket, or a hoodie and sweatpants. And if you want to pull off something Afrocentric, ankara two-pieces, senator wears, or Adire co-ords are there for you.
Furthermore, the styles matching sets offer are limitless. Some also come with standout details like ruffles, pleats, mixed prints, busy prints, statement sleeves, etc.
So, you see. The variety that comes with matching sets is second to none.
Versatility
When you buy a two-piece, you buy a thousand more outfits at once. Okay. Enough of the hyperbole. But here’s my drift:
Coordinated sets offer more possibilities from just two pieces of clothing. When you get bored of rocking them both together, switch things up by wearing them separately.
This goes without saying you can wear your top with a pair of jeans or a skirt and the skirt/pants with another top. You can never look boring in a two-piece outfit— unless you don’t know how to style it.
Easy to Wear
As I mentioned in the introduction of this piece, co-ord sets make dressing up easy and fun.
You already know what makes up the main parts of your outfit. You don’t even have to worry about matching colors or prints. Everything has been decided for you. Just pick them both and go choose your accessories.
How to Look Classy & Chic in Your Co-ord Sets
1. Rock Them as an Ensemble
Why buy a two-piece outfit if you won’t wear them together? In fact, this should be the first on your to-do list.
Wear your set together to that event so long as it suits the occasion. Not everyone wears a coordinated set so when you wear yours, you’ll stand out.
2. Pick the Most Suitable Shoes
The type of shoe you wear with your coordinated set depends on the occasion and the style of your co-ord.
For instance, if you’re headed for work or a luncheon, wedding, red carpet, or church, shoes like Oxfords, heels, loafers, ballerina flats, etc., will look great. But if you’re on for a casual or athleisure look feel free to rock your sandals, flip-flops, palm slippers, sneakers, and any other casual footwear.
3. Layer for More Details
If your matching set’s top is cropped or sleeveless, layer with a jacket, blazer, kimono, sweater, or any outerwear that you want. This will help to keep you warm when the weather is cold.
Layering also switches up your look and gives you a different outfit from the same clothing.
4. Wear Your Coordinated Set Separately
How about you rock your top with another skirt or pair of trousers? Or is it a jacket instead? Not a problem. Use it to layer your jeans and tee, dresses, miniskirt outfits, etc.
And the pants? Fix it up with a nice collared shirt, crop top, or T-shirt. Your options have no limit when it comes to styling your co-ords separately. So, go for it.
5. Accessorize Like Never Before
A pro tip for accessorizing coordinated sets is to always add one statement piece to your outfit. This can be a handbag, jewelry, scarf, sunglasses, or even your footwear.
Accessories always transform your looks and co-ords aren’t exempted.
6. Groom Your Hair
Whether you wanna rock any of the latest haircuts or you wanna wear long hairstyles, butterfly braids, cornrows, or any African braids, go for it.
Any beautiful coiffure would look great with your coordinated set. Just make sure it’s properly groomed to suit your face.
And that’s a wrap on how to style co-ords. Feel free to save this page for when it’s time to rock a new two-piece set.
