Return of the twinset: Frumpy cardi-combos are no more - today’s flattering outfits give two looks for the price of one
- Co-ordinated twin sets are a key trend this autumn
- You can mix and match the pieces with other clothes for a different look
- Jill Foster tries out the latest styles.
Fashion experts have been telling us to avoid the matchy-matchy look for years for fear of looking too contrived. But co-ordinated twin sets - or ‘co-ords’ to give them their new name - are a key trend this autumn. Whether it’s a bold print or luxury lace, you can pair statement separates together or mix and match them with different pieces for a series of different looks. Here, Jill Foster tries a selection of the latest styles...
FLOWER POWER
Left: Water lily print top, £89, and midi skirt (right), £119, tedbaker.com High heels, £39.99, zara.com. Right: Plum trousers, £125, reiss.com and heels, £39.99, zara.com
This two-piece looked sludgy on the hanger but much more flattering when I tried it on. The heavy material made it feel luxurious and I particularly liked the full-length zips up the back of the skirt and top, which gave it a sexy twist. When I found out how well the separates worked with staple items in my wardrobe, giving me myriad looks, it immediately justified the rather high price tag.
5/5
IT'S ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT
Right: White floral lace top, £35 and A-line skirt (right), £69, marksandspencer.com Heeled sandals, £295, russellandbromley.co.uk. Left: Plum lace top (left), £120, johnlewis.com and nude courts, £39.99, zara.com
Ultra-feminine thanks to the floral print and the lace. The skirt worked equally well on its own, and was surprisingly versatile. I wasn’t quite so convinced by the top, however, which looked far less special when teamed with a plain skirt.
3/5
RATHER RACY LADY IN RED
Right: Lace top, £29.99, and skirt (main picture), £39.99, zara.com High heels, £39.99, zara.com Left: Black trousers, £22, next. co.uk and black suede courts, £29.99, zara.com
I adored the rich, russet colour of this twinset. I established quickly that a camisole was a must, however, as the top is practically see-through. Worn together, it looked like a dress which I’d be happy to wear for a formal occasion. But on their own, the separates felt a little fussy — not quite evening or day wear. Best worn together.
4/5
BLACK AND WHITE WOE
Right: Top, £69, & skirt (left), £89, fennwright manson.com High heels, £39.99, Zara.com Left: Blazer, £59.99, zara.com and top, £18, topshop.com Black suede courts, £29.99, zara.com
Prints aren’t for everyone - me included - and I didn’t feel I suited this one at all. The design felt way too over-the-top when decked out neck to knee. When separated, however, they were much more easy on theye. Particularly the top, which worked well with a pair of plain trousers and felt elegant.
2/5
IT'S PRINTS CHARMING
Right: Blossom print top, £22 & pencil skirt, £25, asos.com Heels, £39.99, zara.com Left: Blouse £140, reiss.com and nude courts, £140, reiss.com
An excellent value outfit from Asos...although you’d have to be very confident to carry off such bold print. The skirt and top worked equally well when teamed with other separates.
5/5
Stylist: Eliza Scarborough, hair: Claire Ray, make-up: Britta D, fashion assistant: Amy Kester
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