How to Style Matching Sets

Our most tried-and-true outfit formula is a matching set. Easy and effortless, they can help you feel pulled together in minutes. For extra style points, don’t stop there. These matching set outfit ideas will help you transform your look from polished to unforgettable. 

What do you add when a matching set is already complete? We’ve got the answer. 

Une femme portant un haut sans manches rose soyeux à motif cachemire et un pantalon assorti se tient à lextérieur, une main dans la poche. Elle a de longs cheveux blonds, porte des lunettes de soleil et des bijoux en or, et se trouve devant une balustrade blanche.
FIND THE OPEN SPACES

Think of your matching set as a blank canvas and pay attention to where you find the most open space. Some pieces have obvious open spaces, like cutouts, to show more skin. Other outfits may completely cover the skin, but create a large blank canvas of fabric space. Use these spaces to your advantage and style matching sets by adding to them.

Neckline space

A deep v-neck offers open space to show skin, from the face to the decolletage, which makes them wonderful options for adding necklaces of all lengths. A boatneck or square-cut neckline has less available space, so a short scarf or smaller string of pearls will fit into this open space nicely. Turtlenecks provide open fabric space that works similarly to amplify neck jewelry. A solid turtleneck is especially great for wearing with chunkier jewelry pieces. Even though these two necklines are opposites, they are both perfect for wearing with necklaces, so if your matching set has a neckline that allows it, don’t be afraid to accessorize that area.

Top space

A piece with a long open back is a striking opportunity to wear a long, delicate necklace or stands of thin jewelry against the skin. Try wearing them backwards for optimal drama. Sleeveless and short sleeved pieces lend themselves well to arm jewelry like bangles, bracelets, and delicate shoulder wraps in cooler weather.

Legroom

A shorter length skirt or a matching short set means more skin to show, which is ample space for adding accessories like ankle jewelry, high strappy sandals, or even boots. Longer bottom options like full-length jeans, maxi skirts, or trousers still offer opportunities, but for different styles; Try wearing a shoe with a cool toe box shape, because as it peeks out from underneath your hem, it adds a pop of fun detail. Try wearing longer inseams with shoes in interesting colors and higher heels.
A woman in classic style, wearing sunglasses, a white top, flared jeans, blue sandals, and the Bradley Linen Trench Coat stands on a tiled terrace with palm trees and city views in the background.
HAVE FUN WITH SILHOUETTES

Play with structured styles

If you’re wearing a fitted, matching set, try a structured jacket over top. A textured statement coat draped over a silky set brings contrast that also offers a fabulous reveal moment of what’s underneath.

Play with different fits

Not all your set has to be skin-tight, just as all the pieces don’t need to be relaxed. A top can be fitted while the bottoms can be relaxed.

Play with layers: vests, cardigans, knits

Delicate camisoles, fun outer layers. Vests. Open sweaters. Collared blouses under sweater sets. These things add subtle details that bring even more to your matching set without being overwhelming.
A woman wearing sunglasses, a sleeveless patterned top, and blue jeans stands confidently outdoors in front of a sunlit, ornate building with arched windows and wide steps.
ACCESSORIZE

For work

There’s no faster way to personalize your outfit than adding accessories.

JEWELRY

When styling your matching set with jewelry, other than the open spaces, consider three options:

Match nothing and go for eclectic pops of individuality. This is particularly fun if your set is all solid colors. 

Work on matching your jewelry pieces to each other. If the outfit has no gold, pearl, crystal, or silver details, go with your personal favorite matching jewelry sets regardless of colorway. 

Match nothing and go for eclectic pops of individuality. This is particularly fun if your set is all solid colors. 

BAGS

Just like with jewelry, bags offer several styling options for very different outcomes:

Match your bag to the colorway of the set. For instance if you’re wearing an all neutral set, choose a neutral bag; if you’re wearing a set that has print with red, choose a red bag. 

To add high contrast to your set, grab a bag in a bold new color or design unlike those in your look. (If your ensemble is solid black, consider grabbing a patterned purse. If your set is all leopard print, select a red leather bag for an accessory that stands out.) 

For slight contrast, try a bag in a complimentary color. (If you’re wearing a matching lavender top and bottom, try a darker purple purse)

Frequently Asked Questions