You wear a twinset in a modern way by combining a fine-knit top and a cardigan in the same or a related colour, with sleek or straight trousers underneath and few accessories. The duo works best when both pieces are fine-knit, calm in colour and well fitting. Wear the cardigan open or over your shoulders, choose trousers or jeans instead of a pleated skirt and keep the jewellery subtle. That way a twinset does not look old-fashioned, but refined and considered.
What is a twinset
A twinset is a combination of a knitted top, often with short sleeves or sleeveless, and a cardigan worn over it. Originally both pieces were made in the same colour and the same yarn, so they were bought as a set. The duo became popular in the middle of the last century and for a long time symbolised a polished, somewhat understated wardrobe. It is precisely that restraint that makes it interesting again now: a twinset fits seamlessly into a calm, timeless wardrobe.
The beauty of a twinset is its flexibility. You actually have three outfits in one: the top alone, the cardigan alone and the two together. In March, when it is fresh in the morning and mild in the afternoon, that is exactly what you need.
Tone-on-tone or contrast
There are two ways to put a twinset together. Both work, but they give a different effect.
| Tone-on-tone | Contrast | |
|---|---|---|
| Effect | Calm and cohesive | Graphic, modern, more striking |
| Example | White cardigan with white top | White cardigan with black top |
| Can work well for | Office, dinner or everyday use | Weekend, city or office |
| Note | Choose different textures for depth | Keep the trousers in one of the two colours |
Three twinsets that always work
- All white: the Eleanor ribbed cardigan in white over the Ophelia polo with quarter zip in white. Both have a rib, so the duo looks cohesive, while the quarter zip of the polo adds a modern detail. Wear it with grey or navy trousers. This is the most elegant version and works as well at the office as at lunch.
- Soft light blue: the Veronique cardigan in light blue with the Lenora T-shirt in light blue. The cardigan is fine-knit from 100% lyocell with white accents, the T-shirt has a two-tone tweed look. Together they form a tone-on-tone duo with just enough variation. Perfect for spring.
- Graphic black and white: the white Eleanor cardigan over the Genevieve sleeveless polo in black. The black ribbed polo adds structure, the white cardigan adds light. Combine with black or grey trousers for a sleek whole.
Which trousers to wear underneath
A twinset calls for calm, straight or slightly flared trousers. A wide or flared leg brings balance. The upper body is compact and soft, the trousers add length. The Florence flared trousers in grey are ankle-length, so your shoes stay visible and the silhouette looks light. Grey also matches white, black and light blue, so all three twinsets above.
Jeans and skirts work too. Pleats, prints and shorter or longer skirts are simply style choices.
How to make a twinset modern
- Wear the cardigan open or closed: both work; open shows more of the layer underneath, closed makes the whole more compact.
- Vary the texture: a ribbed cardigan with a smooth top, or the other way round. That adds depth without adding colour.
- Accessories: subtle or striking can both work, depending on the rest of the outfit.
- Choose modern shoes: loafers, flat slip-ons or sleek sneakers in white or black.
- Mind the length: a short, hip-length or longer cardigan each gives a different silhouette.
One cardigan, several twinsets
You do not necessarily have to buy a ready-made set. By choosing separate pieces cleverly, you can make several twinsets with one cardigan. A white ribbed cardigan goes with a white, black, light blue or cream top. A light blue cardigan works with white, light blue and navy. That way you build a small capsule from a few pieces that carries you through the whole spring. When combining, do pay attention to the weight of the knit: a very chunky cardigan over a fine top looks unbalanced. Two fine-knit pieces always make a nicer duo.
A practical tip for those who travel a lot: a twinset travels well. The cardigan serves as an extra layer on the train or plane, and the top is a complete outfit at your destination. And because fine knitwear hardly creases, everything comes out of your bag looking polished.
Twinset at the office
At the office, a twinset is a refined alternative to a blouse with a blazer. It is more comfortable, breathes better and still looks polished. For an important meeting, choose tone-on-tone in white or light blue with smart trousers. On an ordinary working day you can take off the cardigan when it gets warm, and with the top alone you still have a complete outfit. You will find more inspiration in our Office for Women collection.
Care
Preferably wash the top and cardigan together, at the same temperature and with the same programme. That way they wear and fade evenly and keep matching each other. Lay knitwear flat to dry. You can read more about the material of the Veronique cardigan and the Ophelia polo on our page about lyocell.
Discover all cardigans and tops in the collections knitwear for Women and polos for Women.
Shop the look
Eleanor: ribbed knitted cardigan, white
Ophelia: ribbed polo with quarter zip, white
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light blue
Lenora: fine-knit T-shirt with tweed look, light blue
Genevieve: sleeveless ribbed knit polo, black
Florence: flared ankle-length trousers, grey
Frequently asked questions
How many twinsets do I need?
You do not need a fixed number. One cardigan that combines with several tops can already be enough.
Does a twinset have to be exactly the same colour?
No. The same colour, related shades and contrast can all work. Different knit thicknesses can work too.
Is a twinset suitable for young women?
Yes. With flared trousers or jeans, sneakers and few pieces of jewellery, a twinset looks fresh and modern, at any age.
Can I wear a twinset in summer?
Certainly. Then choose a sleeveless top and a light cardigan in lyocell or viscose, which you put on in the evening and carry in your bag or over your shoulders by day.
