The Modern Way To Wear Matching Sets

Welcome to the world of sets where matching is a way of life and becomes an instant signifier of polish. The examples are perpetually chic: A mini skirt is paired with a matching oversized blazer, trousers that look just right with their tailored jacket, and a cropped top with a little bit of midriff is worn with a maxi skirt in the same colored fabric. The mix and match options for sets are endless and give you, the wearer, the luxury of creating an effortless outfit without putting in too much thought.

Of course, there are the tried-and-true ways of wearing sets thanks to remixed suiting. Look to Jane Birkin who has long made sets her signature, especially with suiting. During her time with Serge Gainsbourg, the duo twinned off and on the red carpet in cream three-piece get-ups or opted for classic black suits with a bold tie. In the past, she also opted for more outré versions, such as a pair of herringbone shorts with a herringbone jacket that results in a both fun and pert take.

Birkin has always had her outfits down pat thanks to her focus on the jacket, which is the ultimate puzzle piece in the world of sets. This garment is the ethos of refinement. Whether it has exaggerated proportions à la a borrowed-from-the-boyfriend vibe or it is cropped and cinched, it is the building block of sets. For instance, ba&sh offers the Cesar Blazer in off-white and black. This double-breasted blazer is fantastically classic and perfectly goes with our Cinley Slim-Fit Pants in off-white for a contemporary take on suiting sets.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more pack to its punch, look no further than a matchy matchy look: the Viki Top paired with itself print-mate the Vanessa Skirt. The flowing skirt looks idyllic when worn with the strapless Viki, which has a pointy front and back tie. Plus, ‘tis the season to show a little midriff, non? Other matching print set options to add to cart: the Bianca Floral Shirt and the Byron Printed Bell-Bottom Pants or the Giulia or Greg Top worn with the Garance Skirt.

Ultimately, something to consider while wearing sets is two important facets: proportions and hues. Proportions should mirror one another. For example, an airy shirt is a stellar match for loose trousers and evokes an aura of put-togetherness even if the fit is more casual. (See our Maeva Off-White Shirt worn with our Miha Pants). As for hues, they should also match to some degree. For example, there is the ultimate set, the Canadian tuxedo, in which our Leo Straight-Leg Jeans are a fabulous fit with our Bridget Denim Shirt and instantly become a Parisian go-to.

Some of the best modern renditions of sets come in more casual forms. There are slinky knitwear sets, like a pair of flares with a darling shirt. Sometimes, the look is print-based, and a simple shirt with a bold print becomes head-turning thanks to its matching bottom. In the ba&sh universe, our clothing world is your very chic sartorial oyster. One can opt for the linen Joyce Jacket, which comes in off-white and verdant green, and ties at the waist like a kimono. Here, the piece goes wonderfully with a pair of matching Joa Shorts in the same hue. This same interpretation of sets works also great with skirts by pairing a cropped top with a maxi skirt for a sliver of midriff yet the comfort of coverage. Whatever you choose, your look will no doubt, well, be set.