Matching co-ords that will keep you snug when you return to the office
If that post-WFH slump has got you in a metaphorical style rut, these comfortable coordinated sets will boost your mood while keeping you looking chic at work
By Michelle Yeoh and Shazrina Shamsudin -
If months of observing life unfold indoors have induced in you an unyielding lull in getting dressed for the office, join the club. It’s safe to say that we’ve gotten used to a laissez-faire dress code while WFH was still in full motion. Reaching for our fail-safe, comfortable staples, such as joggers, crewneck t-shirts and Zoom-friendly button-up shirts, has become so habitual, that the sudden shove towards more professional and polished styling (along with returning to the office) can feel a little challenging to say the least.
After giving it some thought, the perfect outfit that’ll pull us out of this style rut has to have the following elements in a satisfying balance: it takes an appositely low amount of effort to put together; it has to be snug, to seamlessly transition us from our well-loved WFH essentials to full-on office-ready outfits; needless to say, it has to look luxe. Lucky for us, the right blend of all the aforementioned qualities presents itself to us as one of the season’s biggest trends – matching co-ords.
Think, elevated, upscale loungewear. From minimalist luxury cashmere wide-leg trousers with matching cardigans, to transitional workout clothes in soft pastel pink, the co-ords we’ve got our eye on this season are anything but basic – yet, they’ll feel just as essential as your favourite stay-home looks. Below, we’ve got 14 sophisticated co-ord sets for your consideration right now.
If all those workouts from home have transformed you into a new yogi, you'd probably be used to parading around your house in your favourite activewear during the lockdown. And while some of us are still in our workout-from-home groove, we might find ourselves wearing our favourite set of activewear to the office too. To update your ever-growing wardrobe, consider an activewear with a purpose like the ones from Sparks Active.
This new Singaporean/Hong Kong brand offers sports bras, tanks and leggings at an affordable price and in a broad range of sizes, which includes an assortment of matching co-ords for you to wear to the gym or to work. But that's not all. Sparks Active advocates for a balanced life in which we give as well as receive. With every purchase, 5% of net proceeds go to a charity of the customer’s choice, including Clean Yangon (an NGO that plants trees), Changing Stories (a small non-profit that trains local teachers and offers programs in Nepal), and RUN (a charity that provides yoga and hiking for refugees).
Societe Drop Shoulder Top in Light Pink and Pull On High Waist Pant in Light Pink, $59.90; $69.90, BHG
Stay pretty in pink with this set of co-ords. For an unfussy look, take note of this monochrome combo with a drop shoulder top and a pull on high waist pant in soft pastel pink that's just the essence of cool. We'd recommend finishing the outfit with a beautiful heeled lace-up sandals that makes this outfit hard to beat.
Otona Mode Sleeveless 2 Layers V Neck Top in White, and SBT Shorts With Belt (White), $39.90; $49.90, BHG
This two-piece outfit set is set to rule. Taking the hassle out of finding and matching separates, this white ensemble demonstrates your unique style and personality while keeping it a little more laid-back for the summer. To keep it a little more appropriate for the office, reach out for a classic tailored blazer and pair it with a high-heeled ankle strap sandal to complete your look.
Societe 3/4 Sleeve Top in Beige and Crop Pants in Beige, $59.90; (TBC), BHG
If longer and looser silhouettes are to your liking then this set is right up your alley. A delightfully feminine pair, this set by Societe never fail to catch the eye for all the right reasons. This monochromatic co-ord ticks all the boxes with a loose sleeve top paired with a cropped pair giving you a little shape to the outfit and some airy feel.
Victoria, Victoria Beckham cropped checked stretch-knit sweater and straight-leg pants, US$317.46 (S$431); US$344.37, Net-a-Porter
Nothing can get you right in the thick of that autumnal mood quite like this sweater set from Victoria Beckham’s diffusion line. Sporting wine red and navy blue checks for a rustic appeal, this coordinating set is composed of a cropped sweater with a funnel neck, and a pair of stretch-knit pants in a straight-leg cut. This cozy and smart look will pair nicely with a pair of golden hoop earrings and a pair of ankle boots.
Laza cardigan and bell bottoms in navy boucle jacquard, US$295; US$295, Yanyan Knits
Premium Hong Kong-based knitwear label Yanyan Knits has garnered quite a cult following for its thoughtfully knitted twinsets and creative, eclectic designs that borrow from both modern aesthetics and traditional aspects of Chinese clothing. In fact, it’s gained so much popularity that it was even featured in Vogue back in 2019. One of our favourites from the brand is this cardigan and bell bottom set. The cardigan features pineapple closures, a nod to traditional Chinese garb, that offers a cute peek-a-boo effect in between the trimmings. This set is covered in an artwork that is inspired by the traditional “drawing of a hundred children”, and symbolises happiness, prosperity and peace. Layer the cardigan over a simple tank top and team it with the bell bottoms and a pair of pointed toe kitten heels.
Paloma Wool, the Barcelona-based label, has an unconventional ethos that sets it apart from other brands. For starters, the label does not define itself as a brand, but rather, an online platform that fosters human connections, and helps its community of fans delight in the process of getting dressed. It’s an experimental concept, yet Paloma Wool’s collections of high quality, unique designs speak for themselves. This fitted knit top and high-waisted pants rendered in an irregular pixel print demonstrates the brand’s cyber community-driven spirit and unique sensibilities in designing special pieces that feel individualistic. Style the top on top of a fitted cami top in a subtle colour and tuck them into these snug pants.
4Allude dropped-sleeve cashmere cardigan and straight-leg trousers, S$795; S$755, Matchesfashion
For those who prefer a more understated look with quiet appeal, this cashmere set from Allude would surely make the cut. Consisting of a muted beige cardigan crafted to a relaxed silhouette and accented by faux-horn buttons, and a pair of matching super-soft brushed cashmere straight-leg trousers that taper near the ankle for a sophisticated fit, this coordinated set strikes the perfect balance between luxe and loungewear.
Khaite’s line of soft-cup cashmere bralettes have become such an iconic symbol almost synonymous with the contemporary New York label itself, having been established as a hot favourite and sell-out style among fans since a photo of Katie Holmes wearing it went viral in 2019. Team this grey Eda bralette over a fitted sweater for a more conservative approach to styling, and finish the look with the brand’s The Joey Pant, a pair of lush cashmere high-waisted pants with fitted cuffed ankles.
Spun with recycled wool and cashmere yarns, this cardigan and pants set from sustainable brand Nanushka is designed to be comfortable and functional. The cardigan is designed with a pointed collar for a sharp and polished look, enhancing the relaxed silhouette with a sophisticated look. The trousers are fitted with drawstring ties at the waist and a chic wide-legged cut. Almost like pyjamas for the office, this set will become your favourite go-to for fuss-free styling.
A stylish number that’s easy on the pockets, this knitted set from Zara features a knitted V-line waistcoat in mustard brown and a matching pair of high-waisted palazzo trousers in a ribbed knit design. Designed with a loose and relaxed fit, this knitted set will keep you looking effortlessly chic. Team this set with a minimalist dainty gold chain necklace, and a pair of loafers for a fall-ready outfit.
Soft to the touch with a luxurious feel, this sweater and trousers set in a muted light blue shade falls in the category of athleisure-meets-workwear. Minimalist and simple, this set stands out with this flattering and complementary silhouette: a funnel-neckline sweater fitted with long, wide sleeves and a pair of drawstring trousers with wide-legs. Dress this up with a pair of strappy high heels and a sleek high ponytail.
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A modern number that works just as well as individual timeless staples when worn separately, this matching long-line cardigan and trousers set is a versatile addition to your closet. The cardigan comes with a detachable belt and is designed with clean lines and unfinished hems for a minimalist effect, while the trousers feature contemporary wide-legs and an elastic waistband with a drawstring for flexibility.
Joseph Beth ribbed-knit button-front top and knit flared-leg pants, US$355; US$435, Moda Operandi
Add a bold pop of colour into your look with this sienna orange ribbed knit co-ord set. Consisting of a button-up top with a collar and an elongated silhouette, and a pair of fitted pants that flare out at the knees. A vibrant and chic monochromatic look, this outfit adds a playful dimension to an ordinarily preppy outfit. Team this with neutral coloured accessories and chunky sole combat boots.