A Case for Matching Set Dressing
Garanimals for grown-ups.
If you traveled by air this summer, you know the miracle of your inbound plane arriving, crew assembling, weather permitting and clearing for takeoff is not a small feat. If these planets align, the last thing you want to do is tempt fate and introduce a checked bag to the equation. As we discussed our own packing strategy with our favorite stylist Samantha Dowson, without skipping a beat she said we needed a matching set. At that point, clouds parted, beams of light shining down to show us the endless outfit possibilities ahead. It also seemed like the perfect way to kick up our wardrobe, away from strict athleisure. At least part of what we’ve loved about our uber-casual pandemic existence is the lack of decision fatigue coming from our closet. Could it be that the Garanimals of our youth had it right all along? Sam has picked out some of her favorites to get you started.
Over in the women’s department…
One-stop shop.
It’s kind of the name Leset to tip us off this is a place where you can mix and match to build your own set. An added bonus is the ability to shop by fabric, so you can consider seasons and travel worthiness.
Anything but basic.
Sam loves COS for luxe takes on minimalist pieces (at mostly minimalist prices). We can definitely see the appeal of this pleated top and trousers which not only look put-together, but we imagine would travel well and go with literally everything we already own. We would even throw a turtleneck under the top on colder days.
French girl magic.
For a set with a little more of a dressy feel, Sam turns to ba&sh which nails the nonchalance of French dressing. This shirt and skirt are seasonless (we can see it with boots or sandals), can be paired with any number of wardrobe basics and are in a material that simply cannot be wrecked by travel.
From the men’s section…
The O.G.
Sam would like to remind you that the original matching set for men is a suit, but she suggests breaking out of its normal (and formal) rendering and getting something like this and this done in relaxed fabric and fun colors.
Force multiply.
This fun bomber jacket is even reversible, which would surely take some real braniacs at MIT to compute the full number of outfit possibilities. We suggest pairing it with these shorts.
Sweats–but with some polish.
We love all things Recreational Habits, and their recently released golf collection does not disappoint. This sweatshirt and sweatpants combo will definitely elevate your basic athleisure.
