The Matching Sets To Wear For Chic Summer Style
A chic co-ord offers multiple styling options when dressing for warm summer days, says COLLEEN ROSS. So, if you’re looking for an effortless outfit with maximum polish, discover our edit of the best sets to shop now…
The key to styling co-ords is matching the set to the occasion. Vacation outfits call for breezy, lightweight fabrics, such as linen, cotton and silk in loose, easy silhouettes. Ticking every box, Faithfull’s ‘Antibes’ top and wide-leg ‘Ida’ pants have both been made by artisans in Bali using responsibly sourced linen that will get even softer with each wear. Complement the beautiful olive tones with yellow-gold jewelry and neutral accessories.
For golden-hour dinner and drinks, opt for vibrant patterns and intricate finishes. Emporio Sirenuse’s ‘Dalia’ bustier top is decorated with colorful stripes that evoke the sunlit pastels of Positano. Dress it up with the label’s matching ‘Fiorella’ skirt, adding a raffia bag and embellished sandals to tie the look together.
If you have a party or destination wedding in your diary, try slinkier pieces with eye-catching details, such as crystals and appliqués in energizing colors. Agua by Agua Bendita’s beautiful jade-green ‘Coralina Esmeralda’ bustier top is intricately embroidered with 3D flowers and fastens with a bow-shaped pin. The matching ‘Bel Mar Esmeralda’ skirt is printed and embroidered with jewels and pleated from the hips to create swishy movement. Finish with a sleek shoulder bag and low-heeled mules.
For a lunch reservation or daytime event, look to New York-based brand Cara Cara. The camp-collar ‘Portofino’ shirt and ‘Trish’ shorts are cut from languid satin-twill and printed with clashing, vintage-inspired mandala patterns that give the set a bohemian, ’70s spin. Capture its low-key elegance by styling yours with leather flip flops and metal-frame sunglasses.
Consider yourself a maximalist? Then you’ll love Australian label Alémais’ ‘Rollers’ co-ord. Cut from lustrous silk-twill, the shirt and pants are printed with colorful, childlike illustrations by multidisciplinary artist Michael Swaney. The playful motifs are sure to be a conversation starter and will fit right in at summer-exhibition openings. Wear them together with fisherman sandals or box-fresh sneakers. Alternatively, if you prefer more muted prints, Zimmermann’s ‘Lightburst’ set is a timeless choice. The watercolor-effect blooms are depicted in pretty pastel tones against a butter-yellow base.