Introducing co-ord sets—the easy way to assist us through the conundrum of syncing outfits. If you are not familiar with this term, add it to your fashion lexicon as you will be using it a lot after seeing its versatility! Co-ord derives its name from the word coordinates, and in a sartorial aspect means a matching set of top and bottom. Be it a block colour or prints, the two are identical. The trend cannot be categorised as new, as it has been around for a while and largely popular on fashion bloggers and celebrities such as the Kardashian‘s. Although the matching trend was famous in the ’70s, it has been reinvented in its style, colour, prints and cuts in the past few years. They go beyond the traditional mini-skirt and top and can be seen in combinations with trousers, blazers, midi-skirts and so on.
We can attribute the popularity of the two-piece trend to the many benefits it has. As mentioned earlier, it solves your fashion dilemma of what to wear and cuts your getting ready time by half. Since the outfit is already paired, there is no extra time or thought required in the styling process. Moreover, you buy them as one set but can mix and match the top or bottom individually to form more outfits, giving you more value for your money. Sounds like a dream come true right? Save yourself from the struggle of coordinating your outfits yourself. There is a matching set for every occasion, regardless of the season, day, or time!
Check out my 8 co-ord set picks for every occasion, vibe and mood:
1. Everyday Casual
The matching set you pick for your casual wear should be simple, easy to accessorize, and not too bold or loud. Hence, my pick would be a classic white skirt and top such as the one worn by Alizey Mirza. She looks classy in her all-white flared mini skirt along with an off-shoulder crop-top sans any texture or print. Alizey dresses it up with strappy heels and goes minimal on the accessories other than a Panama hat. However, the beauty of this simple set is that you can pair with any kind of footwear and jewellery and still look great! Allow the occasion to define what you wear along with it.
2. Holiday Fun
A holiday might be off the agenda for the moment, but you can always plan and prepare for the months ahead. If you are a free spirit when on vacation like Shereen Sikka, a boho style co-ord set is the one for you. The small white floral prints against red, flared sleeves and front-knot are eye-catching details that add some serious style quotient. Moreover, a midi-skirt makes for a more comfortable alternative to the usual short ones. The addition of oversized hoops and a sleek bun by Shereen goes well with the overall look. We love the ease of the outfit, it looks trendy and comfortable to journey in throughout the day!
3. Beachy
A co-ord set for going to the beach you ask? Yes, please. We have seen enough of the boring sarong or kaftan cover-ups, it’s time to mix it up. Go a bit daring with a crochet top and mini skirt similar to the one worn by Alanna Panday. The sandy brown hue and tassel ornaments will definitely make you stand out! Pair it with a subdued colour bikini like Alanna has, which will not take away from the overall look. Also inspired by her style, some arm candy and minimal make-up is the perfect effortless, yet sexy beach babe look to aim for!
4. Office Chic
A blazer pant set for the office is the best way to look in-vogue and sophisticated at your workplace. However, make it more exciting by going for a bright bold colour instead of the usual black or white. Roshni Bhatia is nailing the office look with her chosen attire. An over-sized blazer with matching fitted 3/4th trousers in bright blue assembled together checks all the boxes. While her look is extremely trendy, she manages to look refined at the same times by paying attention to the small details. A simple black inner, black pumps and a nude lip colour does the trick of balancing the look, whereas the beautiful choker neckpiece makes a bold boss woman statement. You now know what to do for your next meeting!
5. Lounge-y
A more realistic, and let’s face it, the more worn look will be a matching set to wear at home. Lockdown has spoiled us, making it extremely difficult to actually put on make-up and get ready. Since we are used to lounging all day in our pyjamas, why not make a wearable co-ord set out of it? Aashna Shroff does it well with a pastel blue pyjama set of a button-down shirt and shorts with baby pink piped trims. She has left her top unbuttoned and worn a baby pink sports bra to match the piping. Additionally, her weave style hairband in a similar pink hue looks great with the set, making her look more cohesive. On the whole, this is ideal for when you want to look great while lazing at home all day long.
6. Sporty
If you are a sporty girl who enjoys her comfort while being on-trend, look to Riya Jain‘s ensemble for some influence. Sporting a Papa Don’t Preach set of asymmetrical printed leggings, bralette and bomber jacket, she looks cool as a cucumber. The print is funky in various colours that aren’t overpowering. Pairing chunky kicks and slim yellow sunnies adds an extra edge to the overall sporty vibe that Riya is going for. A badass co-ord look you won’t look regret!
7. Trendy
The tie-dye print is a current fad, and what better way to rock it than on a co-ord set! Mansi Dasila sizzles in a vibrant tie-dye set of a hot skirt and strappy crop-top. It is the perfect number to show off those curves and stay cool. Additionally, there are many ways to play around with this number. Wearing sneakers will add a sporty vibe, flip-flops can make it simple, and platforms will make for a groovy hip aura. Elevate the look as per your mood and preference, but keep in mind to let the focus remain on the beautiful tie-dye print.
8. Party Girl
Paint the town red with a black sequin two-piece from Sunaina Khera. As seen on the designer, the beautiful embellishments on this outfit are alluring and make us want it ASAP. While the entire look is relatively simple, the tailored fit, high slits and cuts make this co-ord set a stylish pick. Adding the perfect contrast, we love the pairing of the all-black ensemble with classic blue satin Manolo Blahnik pumps. Inspired by Lady Diana‘s revenge dress, you are sure to make some heads turn when donning this matching set on a night out! Last but not the least, it is a great alternative for when you have overworn your LBD.
What is your favourite co-ord set vibe? Let us know in the comments below!
And don’t forget to follow @missmalinifashion on Instagram to never miss a style tip!