Style Tips and Outfit Ideas for Co-ord Sets This Summer
Introducing co-ord sets – the matching separates that come in varying fabrics of jersey, waffle cotton, Terry cloth, knit, and silk, to name but a few. But here’s the thing – there’s no tailoring, taking away from the stiffness of the traditional twin suit.
Future generations will look back to the fashion of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 and probably notice two key trends – lockdown matching tracksuits and oversized dresses (AKA the house dress).
But even if those future generations looked back to now – the summer of 2021 – when lockdowns were lifted – the cosy looks and dégagé attitudes to fashion and life, in general, would be evident.
Summer co-ords are the perfect middle ground if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to those cosy lockdown outfits and elasticated waists. Summer two-piece sets are the breakout trend for 2021 and at Sand Dollar Dubai, we’re embracing it.
In the past, the so-called twin-set was considered to be the epitome of 50s elegance. But today, co-ord sets cover many style personalities. From casual co-ord sets consisting of matching shorts and tees to more sophisticated cropped top and maxi skirt getups to fun beachwear numbers, it’s going to be hard to avoid this summer fashion trend even if you tried.
What we also love about co-ord sets is just how easy they are. Yes, jeans and a cute top combo are usually a safe bet, but sometimes this requires a considerable amount of concentration, and when espresso martinis are waiting and calling your name, you want something that you know is going to look amazing but doesn’t take too much thought.
So, a two-piece set is an outfit that you can always depend on when you’re running short of time and the fashion stakes are high.
Whether it’s a shopping trip to the mall or a ladies lunch, there are co-ord sets, from casual to stunning, that fit every occasion.
Shorts Summer Co Ords
If your style is more casual than glam but you love the idea of wearing this summer’s hottest fashion trend, shorts and a top set are ideal. From fun-filled days at the beach to family BBQs, these simply stunning summer two-piece sets come in a range of fabrics, colours, and patterns.
Shorts and top retro-inspired matching outfit made from velour is perfect for lounging around the home, school drop-offs, or a cheeky yoga session. This season will continue to see the pervasive comfy shorts-version of lounge sets from lockdown but in different fabrics and more glammed-up looks.
Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable and advocated to add a bit of bling to your casual co-ord sets – think long layered necklaces and the like.
Linen shorts and shirts co-ord sets are also making an appearance, modernizing summer office wear. From work meetings to country club lunches, linen is a simple and sexy trend that fashion influencers around the world are jumping on board with – and let’s face it – it wouldn’t be a true fashion trend if it didn’t take over our Insta feeds, would it now?
Want to modify it for after-work drinks? Loosely tie the shirt’s bottom and throw on a pair of heels. Want to make it more professional? Add a smart long-line linen blazer in a contrasting colour over the top.
And if you want to make an impact – on a hot summer evening – a matching tunic top and shorts in bold floral prints and colours create a fabulous statement. Wedged heels and a great tan will make this fun pool party outfit a winner.
Skirts Summer Two-Piece Sets
When thinking about co-ord sets, it’s likely a skirt-top combo will first spring to mind. But if only it were that easy – there’s a ton of different styles and combos to think about.
If you’re going for a more refined look that could easily take you from work to other places, consider matching summer sets with A-lined skirts and matching long-sleeved, loose-fitting tops. To make these kinds of summer two-piece sets a little extra special, look for small details in the embroidery and subtle patterns.
Heeled ankle strap sandals will make this outfit office-friendly, but for a more laidback ambiance, try changing up the look with a pair of white trainers.
For flirty and playful looks, try bringing together crisp whites, frills, and lace. Cropped tieback tops with understated embroidered and lace detail with a matching summer mini are perfect for white parties, beach clubs, and first dates. To add an air of romantic mystery, try adding a natural-coloured raffia straw hat.
Glamorous pool parties and exclusive beach resorts call for a little bit of va-va-voom. Crochet-cropped tie-up vests and matching minis will win you all the style points you need to stand out from the crowd.
Wear eye-catching summer co-ords like this and you’ll surely make an impression that lasts. Add statement earrings to complement the smaller details and quickly earn the title of the best-dressed guest.
For co-ord sets that scream summer, bright-coloured one-shouldered frilly cropped tops and matching skirts will help you beat the heat and remain on top of your style game at the same time. Cute, flirty outfits and fruity hues will instantly brighten up the day, so here’s to those endless summers filled with adventure and fun.
La vie Boheme - for a delightfully feminine look, you can’t go wrong with a millefleurs print. Co-ordinated long-sleeved breezy blouses and maxi skirts are great wedding guest outfits, so if you’ve got a celebratory occasion, grab an equally decorative purse and a pair of cute court shoes to tick all the boxes.
Pants Co-Ord Sets
If you want something a little different, hit refresh on your summer looks and opt for pants co-ord sets instead. Of course, the traditional trouser suit is the precursor of this latest trend, but if you want to stay on trend this season, two-piece trouser sets are the ultimate summer style.
If you’re looking for a more ethereal look reminiscent of faraway lands and long stretches of beach with whitewashed homes, opt for lightweight, floaty summer co-ords. Plain metallic sandals help bring together outfits like this beautifully. Photoshoots, bridal outfits with a difference, or a posh lunch, wherever it is you’re heading, your ingénue vibes will show.
Tracksuits? We prefer co-ord sets for the win. The word “tracksuit” shouldn’t even exist in our lexicon unless, of course, you’re heading to the gym. However, one thing lockdown life has taught us is that casual can be cool, and so can pairing your (ahem) tracksuit bottoms with a matching hoodie.
We advocate the WFH-mainstay, but unlike the staid looks from locked-down life, try elevating your outfit with a pair of smart loafers or other trendy (non-athleisure) accents.
There are even summer two-piece pant sets that you can wear as evening attire, adding a sense of refinement to the usual co-ord sets look. To create an unforgettable demure look, opt for silk two-piece sets.
Not only are co-ord sets in fashion at the moment, but they’re also sustainable, meaning that you’ll be able to reincarnate different looks in the future, which of course, makes us love this trend even more.
At the end of the day, we are true believers that every wardrobe needs a jazz hands touch, and this is where summer two-piece sets come into play.
