Simplicity of Sets
If you are like me, one of the most frustrating parts of getting dressed is… finding something to go with the skirt/pants/jeans you put on. Putting separates together is definitely trickier than a one-and-done piece like a dress or jumpsuit. But, there is a REALLY simple way to nail separates and look amazing… wear matching sets! Not only are matching sets very on trend right now in fashion, they’re simple, slimming and sophisticated. Are you on board with this fashion trend? I’m the biggest fan.
I thought it would be really fun during my recent trip to Malibu, California to shoot with fellow blogger and now friend, Melissa Meyers, who is in her 50’s…and show you a couple of different matching set options! Along with sharing key tips, of course. Keep scrolling to find out more.
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Introducing Melissa Meyers
I am really happy to share my new sweet friend, Melissa, from The Glow Girl! We exchanged DM’s for a while and then decided to meet in person during my recent visit to Malibu. I loved meeting her! She definitely a girl’s girl and happy to share ideas, resources, etc. That is actually quite rare in this space. We shot together and had a wonderful lunch over a couple of hours connecting. Turns out she is a New Yorker, which again, I SO appreciate because it also means she’s a straight-shooter like me. A couple of other things we share in common: our TV backgrounds and our love for clean beauty. You can check out Melissa’s website here. And, follow her on Instagram here.
Keep scrolling for details on both of our matching set outfits. Plus, key tips for nailing the look over 40 and over 50!
BLAZER | SIMILAR TEE | SIMILAR SHORTS | HEELS | SIMILAR SUNGLASSES
Melissa’s Matching Set
Melissa is wearing a super chic white/off-white look that’s perfect for summer. Notice how she varies the textures and tones to make the look even more elegant and sophisticated. She’s wearing a lightweight ecru boyfriend blazer with linen shorts and a classic white tee. She lengthened her legs by wearing a super cool pair of skin-colored thong sandals with a cone heel. This elevated thong sandal style is very on-trend and will be everywhere this summer! I love how she chose a blazer and then grabbed a pair of shorts that coordinate. It looks like a set she bought together, but she just grabbed the pieces out of her closet.
For more spring/summer trends, check out this post.
BLAZER | SHORTS | TEE | HEELS | CUFF | BRACELET | RING | CUFF RING | SUNGLASSES | NECKLACE & CHARMS (1, 2, 3)
My Matching Set
Do you remember my poppy-colored Alice + Olivia blazer from this post talking about how to wear a boyfriend blazer? Well, you’ll be seeing it a lot more this summer because it’s SO gorgeous! The bold color is such a beautiful addition to your wardrobe. And I love the relaxed boyfriend fit. I paired it with the matching Alice + Olivia shorts, a basic white tee, and white braided heels. These shorts are very well-made, flattering, lined so you don’t see lumps and bumps, have a 3” inseam, and are high rise. I could easily swap the shorts for a pair of jeans. Or ditch the blazer and wear a puff sleeve blouse.
If you’re interested in tips on how to style a boyfriend blazer, then check out this post.
How To Wear Matching Sets
If you buy two pieces that are already a set…
- When I say “top” that can mean a sweater, blouse, jacket, blazer, etc. And when I say “bottom” that can be anything from shorts to skirts to pants… Your matching set possibilities are endless!
- Make sure you like the top and the bottoms. Remember that you can wear a top with jeans instead of their matching skirt or shorts. And vice versa. This creates more versatility. Don’t feel relegated to wearing only “the set”.
- More recently, a lot of sets come with a cropped top or sweater. This might seem scary, but when the bottoms or skirt is super high rise, like above the belly button high, then you may show a sliver of skin and that’s about it. It’s not as scandalous as you might think.
If you’re building your own set and searching for the perfect pieces…
- Remember that each piece in a matching set doesn’t have to match exactly.
- You can vary the tones and textures for a super chic look (like Melissa).
- If you do prefer the perfectly matched look but a specific top or bottom doesn’t come as a set, look at the same brand for a matching bottom or top. For example, my blazer above doesn’t come with the shorts. But I loved the color, so I looked at the brand to see if they had matching shorts, skirts, or pants…and they did!
- No matter what top or bottom you buy, make sure that you can wear both of them with different things, not just together.
- When in doubt, choose white or black for your DIY matching set. It’ll be much easier to get the look right.
Don’t forget to check out Melissa’s website here. And, follow her on Instagram here. To get my blog posts delivered directly to your inbox, along with some awesome freebies, be sure to sign up for the newsletter here.
Thanks for stopping by!
You can call them matching sets, but they are still suits to me! I remember this shorts suit trend from the 80’s.
Hi, Enjoyed looking at the matching sets. I want to know what is the best style for a 70 yr. old young lady who has lost a LOT of weight. I have gone from a size XL or 16-18 to a size medium 10-12. I’m 5’2″ with bad knees which are swollen, therefore want to cover knees. I have loved all you “how to” suggestions for fashion. It has helped me in picking out new clothes for my new size. But they are simple pieces for at home wear and a few (3) outfits for things like lunch and doctor appointments. I am disabled, yet, I have gained a lot of my strength back and am walking. When I see myself in reflection I just look like a box from waist down. I have a new pair of tapered leg jeans. Haven’t worn yet. Thank you for your time and attention to this message. Judith Haga