I’m not the only one who’s tired of hearing how to dress up your sweats set, right? If you’ve been checking out social media in the past year, I’m sure you’ve seen outfits based in matching sweatshirts and sweatpants. One blogger may talk about how to wear your sweats outfit with a blazer. An influencer you follow has probably shown how to pair sweatpants with heels. And while all this talk of elevating your sweatshirts and sweatpants is fun, I think it’s time to start talking about regular clothes again.
Because you’re probably ready to leave your sweats outfit at home and wear real clothes when you go out of the house.
But before I go any further, I want to talk about one amazing thing that you get with a matching sweatshirt and sweatpants set. You get a complete outfit that you can wear together – and you also get separate pieces that you can mix with other things in your closet. And are you ready for the best part? You can also get this level of versatility with other kinds of matched sets.
I love matched sets as something that exponentially multiplies your wardrobe possibilities. The non-sweats matched set I’m talking about now is a top and skirt (or top and pants) in a matching color or print. When worn together, the matched set looks like a dress (or a jumpsuit). When worn separately, you have a top and bottom that you can pair with so many other things in your closet. And one amazing benefit of buying a matched set is that you can get the pieces in any size you need – which is great if you’re a different size on the top and bottom.
Check out a few outfits I made with two different matched sets – a matching yellow top and skirt, and a matching black floral top and pants. And I can (almost) guarantee that you’ll realize that a matched set deserves a spot in your spring and summer wardrobe.
TOP & SKIRT SET: BACK TO WORK
So many of my clients love a dress as a ‘one and done’ outfit. But with a matched set, you get a one and done outfit plus the versatility of separates! Take a look at this yellow matched set – wear it together and it’s perfect for an afternoon wedding or a bridal shower. But it’s also ideal for work with printed loafers when you’re not in the mood for heels. Toss on a white blazer and it’s an easy look for a stylish return to your office. And check out this printed matched set that I outfitted for a dressy lunch, a movie date or just a regular day at work.
TOP: GIRLS NIGHT OUT
A fun night out with friends has a whole new meaning when you haven’t done it for a while – so leave the skinny jeans at home in favor of an exuberant, colorful outfit. Pair the top from the set with wide leg pants and add a moto jacket for a little edge. Gold accessories keep it festive, but not over the top.
If you’re new to pairing colors like this, click here for ten color combinations that always work.
SKIRT: FARMERS MARKET
If you’ve read my blog before, you know how I love a denim jacket as the ultimate ‘I don’t know what to wear’ jacket. So, when you’re running weekend errands, wear your denim jacket with the skirt from this yellow set. A graphic t adds a cheeky note and white sneakers finish off a casual, playful summer look. And if you’d like to see a bunch of denim jacket outfits I created for my clients, check out this blog article.
Yellow top & skirt from MM LaFleur. All other clothes & accessories from Nordstrom.
TOP & PANTS SET: DATE NIGHT
Do you know what’s one of the hardest fitting items in a woman’s wardrobe? A jumpsuit. It has to fit correctly through the entire torso, so it’s a much less flexible fit than a dress or separates. Which is why a matched top and pants set is such a great find (and you don’t have to get completely undressed to go to the bathroom!). Take this one on your next date night – it blends the dressiness of a dress with the comfort of pants.
A focus on fit is one of the most important things in your wardrobe. Read this for a few other things that I think are super important this year.
TOP: WEEKEND BRUNCH
One thing I work on with clients is having a less segmented wardrobe, and looking at individual pieces as versatile items that you can wear different ways. So, a silky blouse isn’t just for date night or the office – it works for a casual weekend brunch, too. Pair it with white jeans (one of my warm weather favorites) and a military jacket for a laid back yet pulled together look. And if you like this outfit, check out another white jeans/print top/military jacket look here, along with a few more spring outfits that always work.
PANTS: AT THE OFFICE
Floral printed pants at the office? Yes! They’re a fun alternative to your standard black pants – and you can easily tone them down with a solid top, nude flats and a white blazer. And in case you didn’t know, a white blazer might be my favorite third piece for spring and summer. Click here to check out why, along with a few white blazer outfit ideas.
Black floral top & pants from Halogen. All clothes & accessories from Nordstrom. All these clothes are carried in plus sizes.
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