Everything You Need To Know Before Purchasing Your Next Matching Set

Matching sets: the ease of less choices or the chance for more choices?

Matching sets have become a staple outfit choice among consumers and retailers alike. We see matching sets everywhere – on our socials, in our favorite retailer’s windows and you may already have a few of your own.

When it comes to matching sets, I am most drawn to their ability to act in isolation rather than together. I’d argue that choosing the right matching set can produce a greater return on investment because there are more opportunities to wear the pieces as separates. Sorry Aristotle and 4th grade math, but the parts of the whole have won me over more times than I can count. 

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The matching set, two piece set, co-ordinate set, is not new.

Earlier renditions of the matching set most resemble a nostalgic suit style

Back in the 1950’s Chanel’s blazer and matching skirts transformed womenswear and its impact is still evident. A time of long hemlines, buttons down the middle and boxy suit shape. By the 70s, suit culture expanded by incorporating bright colors, disco pants styles and lots of new prints. A few decades later, the Juicy Couture velour tracksuit cemented its presence in the decade and created space for future iterations of stylish athleisure. Today, matching sets can be seen in anything from loungewear to formal wear.

So let’s look at this matching set I wore recently. I purchased this set from The Brand Label during the fall of last year. The first time I wore the complete set was this past Memorial Day Weekend. In the pictures below you will see that I wore the top first then the skirt. Fortunately, I have been able to style the pieces in this set 3 different ways since purchasing it.

matching sets
May 2023

How do you know if you are buying matching sets that will get you your money’s worth?

Here are a few questions that can help.

Would you purchase the top on its own? Would you purchase the pants or the skirt on its own? If you can confidently say yes that means there’s a better chance that you will wear the pieces as separates. Now there’s nothing wrong with wearing the set together (thats kinda the point). However, knowing that you have the option to wear the parts of the set on different occasions significantly increases the longevity of the set. 

Here’s what I look for when purchasing two piece sets:

  • For the top: Does the top have unique embellishments? Or does the top have cut outs or necklines that would compliment other bottoms I have in my closet? Can this top be worn as a casual or with formal attire or both?
  • For the bottoms: Will I need to get any tailoring done? How will this piece look with different types of footwear?

And the most important question: Would I purchase this item if it was not offered as part of a matching set?

Every matching set you purchase may not need this level of scrutiny. Some matching sets are only meant to be worn together. But if you are thinking about spending a little extra money on a set that goes the extra mile – you need to make sure that the pieces can stand on their own. In the long run, you will have your dream closet full of pieces that you love.

I pulled together a few options that are perfect for styling in the warmer months or the cooler months. Many matching sets are actually sold separately. So make sure you are adding both pieces to your cart when shopping!

Lulu’s

Belinda Beige Tassel Set

matching set

DISSH

Nina Cream Drawstring Set

matching set

Andrea Iyamah

Vira Pomegranate Set

matching set

Comment below which set is your favorite!

Live abundantly,

Bethany

Hi! I'm Bethany

Bethany is a data analyst and the founder of Styles and Script. She holds a Master in Public Health and has years of experience in data management and statistical analysis. She is a visual storyteller based in NYC that focuses on sharing narratives related clothing, curls and code. Bethany is focused on cultivating a space that encourages her community to embrace technical and creative skills in a way that is purposeful and impactful.