You can wear a co-ord set together or split it up and combine it with other basics. This way you get several combinations from the same two pieces. Together you wear them with a simple top underneath and shoes in a neutral shade. Separately you wear the jacket with calm trousers and the skirt or skort with a fine-knit top. In this article you will see how to do that, with practical examples and a few rules for colour and fit.
What is a co-ord set?
A co-ord set, or co-ordinated set, consists of two or more pieces that are matched in colour and fabric: a jacket with a skirt, a blazer with trousers, a top with trousers. Because colour and fabric are matched, you have to think less about the combination. That makes a set handy for busy mornings, travel and occasions where you want to be dressed well without doubt.
Wearing it as a set
Together the pieces form one clear block of colour. Keep the rest of your outfit simple. The Lavinia jacket in glacier blue and the Lavinia skort in glacier blue are an example of a set in one colour. Wear a simple white top underneath, such as the Ophelia in white, a polo made of 100% lyocell. The white base gives contrast with glacier blue. Choose shoes in white, beige or light grey, and keep jewellery small.
Separately: four ways from two pieces
- Jacket with black trousers. The glacier blue jacket gets a dark, sleek bottom. That makes the jacket the centrepiece. Use, for example, the Daphni in black, a trouser made of 95% polyester and 5% elastane.
- Skort with a knitted cardigan. You combine the skort with the Eleanor in white, a cardigan made of 79.9% viscose and 20.1% polyamide, open over a plain top. Together they form a light spring combination.
- Jacket over a dress or top. Wear the jacket open over a plain top and straight trousers, as a light outer layer.
- Skort with a shirt or blouse. For a calm office look.
What is a skort?
A skort is a garment that looks like a skirt, but has shorts built in underneath. From the outside it looks like a skirt, while the shorts underneath give extra freedom of movement. As part of a set it goes with a jacket in the same colour. In spring wear thin tights or short socks with it, and in summer bare legs with a simple shoe.
Rules for splitting them up
- Keep the colour central. If you wear one part of the set, let the rest of your outfit be calm and neutral. This way the separate piece stays the main colour accent.
- Vary the fabric. Combine a smooth piece with a knitted piece. That gives more difference in texture.
- Alternate the order. Wear the jacket this week, the skort next week. This way you use both parts in more ways.
- Be consistent in finish. If you have a set with a sporty look, choose separate pieces with the same feel.
Colours that split up well
| Set colour | Combine separately with |
|---|---|
| Light blue or glacier blue | White, grey, black, navy |
| Black | Many neutral and bright colours |
| Cream or beige | Brown, white, navy |
| Grey | Black, white, pink, bordeaux |
The set to the office, weekend and travel
A set can work for different moments by adapting the styling. To the office you wear it as a set with a smart top, loafers and a small bag. At the weekend you make it casual with a T-shirt and sneakers. When travelling a set is handy, because you get four outfits from two pieces and pack less. Also take a look at the coats and jackets for women collection for more light layers, and tops for women for tops to wear underneath.
Care of a set
A set only stays beautiful if the parts age together. Follow the separate care label for both parts. Parts of the same set can age differently over time through different use and washing. If you wear one part more often than the other, a difference in shade can develop after a few months. Alternate if you like, and follow the care label for each garment. On the care instructions page you will find an overview per material.
A set for the transition to spring
At the end of February spring begins to announce itself, but the mornings are still cold. A set with a light jacket is then a handy solution. You wear the jacket in the morning cold and take it off when the sun breaks through. Choose light colours to welcome spring, such as light blue, white and grey, and combine them with dark basics for solidity. This makes it easier to respond to differences in temperature.
Accessories with a set
With a set in one colour, keep the accessories small and neutral. A white sneaker or beige loafer, a simple bag and a small piece of jewellery are enough. If you wear the parts separately, you can allow more variation, because the block of colour is smaller. A scarf in a second colour, a coloured bag or a special belt then come into their own better. If you want to keep the outfit calm, choose one clear accessory.
What do you look for when buying?
A set that you can wear both together and separately must work in each part. Check that the jacket fits well with other trousers, and that the skirt or skort sits well without the jacket. Try both parts on separately, and see whether each part can have a second life. A neutral or often-worn colour usually makes combining separately simpler. And start with two parts; only when you notice you wear them a lot do you add a third.
Shop the look
Lavinia: jacket, glacier blue
Lavinia: skort, glacier blue
Ophelia: polo, white
Daphni: trousers, black
Eleanor: cardigan, white
Frequently asked questions
What is a co-ord set?
Two or more garments that are matched in colour and fabric, such as a jacket with a skirt, and that you can wear together or separately.
Can I also wear a set separately?
Yes, and that makes it more versatile. Combine each part with plain basics in a neutral colour.
How do I prevent the parts from differing in colour?
Follow the care label of both parts and take different use and wear into account.
